Most car remotes use a coin-cell battery you can swap in five minutes without tools
A dead car remote battery is one of the easiest home fixes you can do yourself. The battery is almost always a coin-cell type—a flat, round battery about the size of a dime—and you can buy a replacement for $3 to $8 at any pharmacy, grocery store, or hardware store. You do not need a screwdriver or any special knowledge. The whole job takes less time than it takes to find your keys.
The only real variable is how the remote case opens. Some remotes have a small slot you pry with your fingernail. Others have a screw you remove with a coin. A few have a button you press to eject the battery tray. Once you know which type you have, the rest is straightforward.
Key Takeaways
- Most car remotes use a CR2032, CR2025, or CR2016 coin-cell battery that costs $3 to $8 and is sold at pharmacies and grocery stores.
- The remote case opens by prying with a fingernail, turning a coin in a slot, or pressing a release button—check your remote to see which.
- Note which side of the battery faces outward before you remove it, because the new battery must go in the same way.
- If the remote still does not work after you replace the battery, the problem is likely a worn contact or a broken circuit board, not the battery itself.
Identify your remote's battery type before you buy a replacement
Car remotes use one of three coin-cell batteries: CR2032, CR2025, or CR2016. The number tells you the size and thickness. You can find out which one you need in three ways: look inside the remote after you open it, check your car's owner manual, or call your car dealership with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and they will tell you the part number.
If you open the remote and the battery is still there, the number is stamped on the battery itself. Write it down and buy the exact same type. If you buy the wrong size, it will not fit or will not make proper contact. Coin-cell batteries are cheap enough that it is worth getting the right one rather than guessing.
Open the remote case using the method your remote uses
There are three common ways a car remote case opens. Look at your remote and find which one applies.
Pry-open remotes: These have a small slot or seam running around the edge. Insert your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle into the slot and gently pry the case apart. Work your way around the edge a little at a time rather than forcing one spot, or you may crack the plastic. The case will separate into two halves.
Coin-slot remotes: These have a small slot on the side or back, usually marked with a minus sign or an arrow. Insert a coin—a penny or dime works—and turn it counterclockwise. The slot is designed to let you open it without tools. Turn slowly and stop if you feel resistance; you are not trying to force it.
Button-release remotes: Some remotes have a small button on the back or side. Press and hold it, and a battery tray or the back cover will slide out or pop free. This is the easiest type to open.
Remove the old battery and note its orientation
Once the case is open, you will see the battery sitting in a small metal tray or holder. Before you touch it, look at which side is facing up. Coin-cell batteries have a flat positive side (marked with a plus sign or a flat surface) and a domed negative side. The orientation matters—if you put the new battery in backward, the remote will not work.
Gently pry the old battery out with your fingernail or the edge of a coin. It should come free easily. If it is stuck, do not force it; a little gentle rocking usually frees it. Once it is out, set it aside. Do not throw it away yet—you may need to check the number on it if you are not sure what type to buy.
Insert the new battery with the same orientation as the old one
Take your new battery and place it in the tray with the same side facing up as the old battery was. The positive side (the flat one) should face the same direction. Press it gently into place. You should hear or feel a small click as it seats in the holder. Do not force it; if it does not sit flat, you may have the orientation backward.
Once the battery is in, close the remote case. If it pries open, press the two halves together until they snap. If it has a coin slot, insert the coin and turn clockwise until it is snug—do not over-tighten. If it has a button release, slide the tray back in or press the cover closed until it clicks.
Test the remote and troubleshoot if it still does not work
Point the remote at your car and press a button. You should see the lights flash or hear the locks click. If it works, you are done. If it does not, try these steps before you assume something else is broken.
First, open the remote again and check that the battery is oriented correctly—positive side up, the same way the old one was. Second, look at the metal contacts inside the remote where the battery sits. If they are dark, corroded, or bent, gently clean them with a dry cloth or a pencil eraser. Corrosion on the contacts is a common reason a new battery does not work. Third, press the battery down firmly to make sure it is making full contact with both the top and bottom contacts.
If the remote still does not work after you have checked the battery orientation, cleaned the contacts, and made sure the battery is seated properly, the problem is likely inside the remote—a broken circuit board or a worn button contact. At that point, a new battery will not fix it, and you will need to replace the remote itself or have it repaired by a dealership.
Where to buy replacement batteries and what to expect to pay
Coin-cell batteries are sold at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), grocery stores, hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe's), and online retailers. A single battery costs $3 to $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it. Some stores sell them in multipacks for $5 to $12, which is useful if you have multiple remotes or want spares on hand.
The most common brands are Energizer, Duracell, and Panasonic, and they all work equally well in car remotes. Store brands are usually cheaper and perform the same way. Buy from wherever is most convenient—the battery itself is the same product no matter where you get it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my remote battery is dead or if something else is broken?
A dead battery is the most common reason a remote stops working. If the remote has never been dropped or exposed to water, and the buttons still click when you press them, the battery is the likely culprit. If the remote was dropped or got wet, or if the buttons feel mushy or do not click, the problem is probably inside the remote, not the battery.
Can I use a different battery type if I cannot find the exact one?
No. CR2032, CR2025, and CR2016 are different sizes and thicknesses. Using the wrong type may not fit, may not make contact, or may damage the remote. Spend the extra minute to find the right battery type—it is worth it.
What should I do with the old battery?
Coin-cell batteries can be recycled. Many pharmacies and electronics stores have battery recycling bins near the checkout. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you. Do not throw batteries in the trash.
Why does my remote work sometimes but not always after I replace the battery?
Intermittent operation usually means the battery is not making full contact with the metal contacts inside the remote. Open the remote, remove the battery, and clean both the battery and the metal contacts with a dry cloth or pencil eraser. Reinsert the battery firmly and make sure it sits flat in the tray.
Can I replace the battery in a smart key or push-button remote the same way?
Most smart keys and push-button remotes use the same coin-cell batteries and open the same way. However, some newer models have sealed cases or use proprietary batteries. If you cannot find a seam or slot to open it, check your car's owner manual or contact the dealership. Forcing a sealed remote open can damage it.