AutoZone will replace your key fob battery, but only if you buy the battery from them

AutoZone replaces key fob batteries at no labor charge when you purchase the battery in their store. You bring your key fob in, a staff member opens it, removes the old battery, and installs the new one — the whole process takes a few minutes. The cost is just the price of the battery itself, which typically runs between $4 and $10 depending on the battery type your fob needs.

The catch is that AutoZone will not install a battery you bring from somewhere else. If you buy the battery online or at another retailer, you will have to replace it yourself or pay a dealership or locksmith to do it. This policy keeps the service free but ties it to buying their inventory.

The battery type your fob needs depends on your vehicle's make and model. Common types include CR2032, CR2025, and CR2016 — the numbers refer to the battery's dimensions. AutoZone staff can usually identify which one you need by looking at your fob, or you can check your vehicle's owner manual.

Key Takeaways

  • AutoZone replaces key fob batteries for free when you buy the battery from their store, with no labor charge.
  • The battery itself costs between $4 and $10, depending on the type your fob requires.
  • AutoZone will not install batteries purchased elsewhere, so you must buy from them to use their replacement service.
  • The process takes only a few minutes and requires no appointment — you can walk in during business hours.
  • If AutoZone does not have your battery type in stock, you can order it online for in-store pickup or go to another retailer.

How to find out which battery your key fob needs

The easiest way is to open your key fob yourself and look at the battery that is currently inside. The battery will have a code printed on it — CR2032, CR2025, or CR2016 are the most common. Write down that code and bring it with you to AutoZone, or tell the staff member when you arrive.

If you do not want to open the fob yourself, check your vehicle's owner manual. The manual usually lists the battery type in the section about key fob maintenance or replacement. You can also call your vehicle's dealership with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and they will tell you the correct battery.

AutoZone staff can also identify the battery type by looking at your fob, though this is not always reliable if the fob is an older model or a third-party replacement. Bringing the code with you saves time.

What happens if AutoZone does not have your battery in stock

AutoZone stores do not always carry every battery type, especially less common ones. If the store does not have what you need, you have two options: order it online for pickup at that location, or go to another retailer.

Online ordering through AutoZone's website usually takes one to three business days for in-store pickup. You can also check their website before you go to see whether the battery is in stock at your nearest location. This saves a wasted trip.

If you need the battery replaced when ready and AutoZone does not have it, a locksmith or your vehicle's dealership can install it the same day, though they will charge a labor fee — typically $15 to $50 depending on the provider.

Other places that replace key fob batteries

Several retailers offer the same free replacement service when you buy the battery from them. Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all replace key fob batteries at no charge. Batteries Plus Bulbs also does this service. The process and pricing are similar to AutoZone — you buy the battery and they install it while you wait.

Your vehicle's dealership will replace the battery for a fee, usually $25 to $75 for labor plus the cost of the battery. Dealerships are useful if your fob is damaged or malfunctioning beyond just a dead battery, because they can diagnose the problem and order a replacement fob if needed.

Locksmiths can replace key fob batteries and will often do so on the same day. Their labor fees are typically $15 to $50, and they may charge extra if you call after hours. Some locksmiths will install batteries you bring yourself, which makes them an option if you want to buy the battery online.

How to replace a key fob battery yourself

Most key fobs can be opened with a flathead screwdriver or a coin. Look for a small slot or seam on the edge of the fob and gently pry it open. The battery will be sitting in a small compartment, usually held in place by a metal clip or spring.

Note which direction the battery is facing — the positive side (marked with a + symbol) should face up or toward the circuit board. Remove the old battery and slide the new one in the same way. Close the fob and test it by pressing the buttons.

If the fob does not work after you replace the battery, the battery may be installed upside down, or the fob may have a deeper problem. Try flipping the battery and testing again. If it still does not work, the circuit board may be damaged and the fob may need replacement.

When a key fob needs more than a battery

If you replace the battery and the fob still does not work, the problem is likely not the battery. Common issues include a damaged circuit board, worn buttons, or water damage inside the fob. These problems require fob replacement, not just a new battery.

A dealership can diagnose whether your fob is repairable or needs replacement. Replacement fobs typically cost $200 to $500 depending on your vehicle, though some dealerships offer refurbished fobs for less. Some vehicles allow you to program a replacement fob yourself using a sequence of button presses — your owner manual will say whether yours does.

If your fob is physically broken or water-damaged, replacing the battery will not fix it. A locksmith or dealership can tell you whether repair is worth the cost or whether replacement makes more sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own battery to AutoZone and have them install it?

No. AutoZone only installs batteries purchased from their store. If you bring a battery from another retailer, you will need to install it yourself or take the fob to a locksmith or dealership.

How long does it take AutoZone to replace a key fob battery?

The replacement takes about five minutes. You do not need an appointment — walk in during business hours and a staff member will do it while you wait.

What if my key fob is stuck closed and I cannot open it?

Take it to AutoZone, a locksmith, or your dealership. They have tools to open stuck fobs without damaging them. Do not force it open yourself, as you may crack the plastic or damage the circuit board inside.

Does AutoZone sell key fob batteries online?

Yes. You can order batteries through AutoZone's website and pick them up at a store, or have them shipped to your home. If you order for in-store pickup, you can have the battery installed there at no extra charge.

Is it cheaper to replace the battery myself or have AutoZone do it?

The cost is the same either way — you pay only for the battery. AutoZone charges no labor fee. If you are comfortable opening the fob, doing it yourself takes five minutes and costs nothing extra. If you prefer to have someone else do it, AutoZone's service is free.