You can replace a Chrysler key fob battery yourself in under five minutes
Most Chrysler key fobs use a coin-cell battery — typically a CR2032 or CR2025 — that you can swap out without tools or a trip to the dealer. The fob splits open along a seam, the old battery slides out, and a new one slides in. The whole job takes longer to find the right battery than to do the work.
The exact battery type depends on your fob model and year. Check your owner's manual or the back of the fob itself — many have the battery size printed there. If not, a quick search for your specific Chrysler model and year will tell you which battery fits.
Key Takeaways
- Chrysler key fobs almost always use CR2032 or CR2025 coin-cell batteries, which cost between $3 and $8 at any drugstore or supermarket.
- The fob opens by prying gently along the seam with a flat object like a coin or plastic spoon — no screwdriver needed.
- Once open, the battery sits in a small metal holder and lifts straight out; the new battery goes in the same way, with the positive side facing up.
- After you close the fob, test all buttons to confirm the battery is seated correctly before you put the fob away.
What battery your Chrysler key fob needs
The most common battery in Chrysler fobs is the CR2032, a 3-volt coin cell about the size of a dime. Some older or smaller fobs use a CR2025, which is slightly thinner but the same diameter. Both are standard batteries sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers.
Check the back of your fob — many have the battery type stamped or printed there. If yours does not, look up your specific Chrysler model year online or check your owner's manual. Buying the wrong size wastes money and leaves you with a non-working fob, so confirm before you buy.
Expect to pay $3 to $8 for a single battery, depending on the brand and where you shop. Name brands like Duracell and Energizer cost more than store brands, but all coin-cell batteries of the same type perform the same way.
How to open the key fob
Look for a seam running around the edge of your fob — usually horizontal, sometimes vertical. This is where the two plastic halves meet. Slide a flat object like a coin, butter knife, or plastic spoon into the seam and twist gently to pry the halves apart. Do not force it; if you meet strong resistance, you may be prying in the wrong spot.
Once you find the right seam and explore steady pressure, the fob will pop open. You may see a small metal clip or spring inside — this is normal and stays in place. The battery sits in a shallow metal holder, usually in the center of one half.
If your fob has a metal key blade attached, it will still be connected to one half after the fob opens. This does not get in the way of the battery swap.
Removing the old battery and installing the new one
The battery sits in a metal holder with two small tabs or a clip. Gently lift the battery straight up and out — it should come free with light pressure. If it does not budge, check that you are not pushing down instead of lifting.
Before you install the new battery, look at the holder. You will see a positive side (marked with a + symbol) and a negative side. The positive side of the battery — the flat side with the + printed on it — must face up toward you. Slide the new battery into the holder with the positive side up, and it will click or snap into place.
Do not force the battery in. If it does not seat smoothly, flip it over — you may have had it upside down. Once it is in, the holder should hold it snugly without you having to press hard.
Closing the fob and testing it
Line up the two halves of the fob so the seam is even all the way around. Press them together firmly until you hear or feel a click. The fob should be solid with no gaps or loose edges.
Test every button on the fob — lock, unlock, panic, trunk, or whatever buttons yours has. Point it at your car from a few feet away and press each one. You should see your car respond (lights flash, doors lock, etc.). If nothing happens, open the fob again and check that the battery is seated correctly with the positive side up.
If the fob still does not work after you reseat the battery, the battery may be defective or the fob may have a deeper problem. Try a different new battery from a different package or brand. If that does not work, the fob itself may need replacement.
When to replace the battery again
A fresh coin-cell battery in a key fob typically lasts three to four years, depending on how often you use the fob. If you use your fob multiple times a day, the battery may wear out sooner. If you use it rarely, it may last longer.
The first sign of a dying battery is that the fob only works from very close to the car, or only works if you press the button hard. When you notice this, the battery is nearing the end. Replace it before it dies completely and leaves you unable to unlock your car remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a rechargeable battery in my Chrysler key fob?
Rechargeable coin-cell batteries exist, but they are not recommended for key fobs. They have a lower voltage than standard batteries and may not work reliably. Stick with a standard CR2032 or CR2025 — they are cheap and last years between replacements.
What if I lose the battery holder when I open the fob?
The metal holder is glued or clipped inside the fob and should not come loose when you open it. If it does fall out, you can glue it back with a small amount of super glue or contact cement. Let it dry completely before you install the battery.
Do I need to reprogram my fob after changing the battery?
No. Changing the battery does not erase the fob's programming. Once you install the new battery and close the fob, it should work when ready without any additional steps.
What if the fob still does not work after I put in a new battery?
First, open the fob again and make sure the battery is seated correctly with the positive side facing up. If it is, try a different new battery — the first one may have been defective. If a second battery does not work, the fob itself may be damaged and need replacement from a Chrysler dealer.