Open the key fob case to access the battery

Most Dodge key fobs split open along a seam on the edge, usually on the side where the buttons are. Look for a small slot or groove running along the perimeter—that is where the two halves separate. Insert a flat tool like a coin, butter knife, or flathead screwdriver into the slot and gently twist to pry the case apart. Do not force it; if it does not budge, you may be working on the wrong seam.

Once the case cracks open, you will see the battery sitting in a plastic holder. The battery is typically a coin-cell type, most commonly a CR2032 or CR2025, though some older Dodge models use a CR2016. The battery has a flat side and a domed side; note which way it faces before you remove it, because you will need to install the new one the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • Dodge key fobs usually open by prying along the edge seam with a flat tool, and the battery is a coin-cell type like CR2032 or CR2025.
  • Note the battery orientation—flat side or domed side facing up—before you remove it so you can install the new one correctly.
  • Coin-cell batteries cost between $3 and $8 at drugstores, supermarkets, and hardware stores, and you do not need to order them online.
  • After installing the new battery, press each button on the fob several times to confirm the key fob works before you close the case.
  • If the fob still does not work after a new battery, the problem is likely a worn button contact or internal damage, and you will need a replacement fob.

Remove the old battery and note its orientation

Gently lift the old battery out of its holder using your fingernail or a plastic tool. Avoid touching the flat side of the battery with your bare fingers if possible, because skin oils can reduce contact. Look at how the battery sits: is the flat side facing up or down? Is the domed side facing the button pad or the back of the case? Take a mental note or snap a quick photo on your phone.

If the battery holder has a small metal spring or clip, make sure it is still in place and not bent. A bent spring will prevent the new battery from making good contact, and your fob will not work even with a fresh battery.

Buy the correct replacement battery

Dodge key fobs use standard coin-cell batteries sold at any drugstore, supermarket, or hardware store. The most common type is CR2032, which works in most Dodge models from the 2000s onward. Some older Dodges use CR2025 or CR2016. If you are not sure which one your fob needs, check the battery holder inside the case—the correct type is usually printed on the plastic.

You can also look up your vehicle year and model online to confirm the battery type, or ask a store employee to check for you. Coin-cell batteries cost $3 to $8 depending on the brand and where you shop. Buy a fresh battery; old stock sitting on a shelf loses charge over time.

Install the new battery in the correct direction

Place the new battery into the holder with the same orientation as the old one. If the flat side was facing up, the flat side goes up. If the domed side was facing the button pad, the domed side goes toward the button pad. The battery should sit flat and snug in the holder; if it is loose or tilted, it will not make contact and the fob will not work.

Do not force the battery into the holder. If it does not fit smoothly, you may have the wrong battery type or the holder may be damaged. Remove it and try again, making sure the battery is centered in the plastic cradle.

Test the fob before closing the case

Before you snap the case shut, press each button on the fob—lock, unlock, panic, trunk, or whatever buttons your model has—and watch for the LED light on the fob to flash. The light should blink once or twice with each button press. If the light does not flash at all, the battery is not making contact. Remove the battery, check that the holder spring is not bent, and try again with the battery seated firmly.

If the light still does not flash after you have tried reinserting the battery, the problem is not the battery. The button contacts inside the fob may be worn, or the circuit board may be damaged. In that case, you will need a replacement fob rather than a new battery.

Close the case and test the fob on your vehicle

Once the LED flashes when you press the buttons, snap the case halves back together. Press firmly along the seam until you hear or feel a click, which means the case is fully seated. If the case does not snap shut cleanly, you may have the halves slightly misaligned; open it again and try once more.

Walk to your vehicle and test the fob from a few feet away. Press the lock button and listen for the doors to lock; press unlock and listen for them to unlock. If the fob works from your normal distance, the battery change is complete. If the fob only works when you are very close to the vehicle, or does not work at all, the problem may be a worn transmitter or receiver rather than the battery.

What to do if the fob still does not work

If you installed a fresh battery and the LED on the fob does not light up, the button contacts are likely worn or corroded. This is common in older fobs and cannot be fixed by changing the battery alone. You will need to order a replacement fob from a Dodge dealer or a third-party supplier, or have a locksmith program a used fob to your vehicle.

If the LED lights up but the vehicle does not respond, the problem is the receiver in your vehicle, not the fob. This is less common and usually requires a dealer visit. However, before you assume the receiver is broken, try the fob on another Dodge vehicle of the same generation if you can; if it works on the other vehicle, your vehicle's receiver needs service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery type if I cannot find the right one?

No. CR2032, CR2025, and CR2016 are different sizes and voltages. Using the wrong type may not fit the holder, or it may fit but not make proper contact. Always use the type printed on the battery holder inside your fob.

How long does a key fob battery last?

Most coin-cell batteries in key fobs last three to four years with normal use. If you use your fob frequently—several times per day—the battery may last only two years. If you use it rarely, it may last longer.

Is it safe to touch the battery with my bare hands?

Yes, coin-cell batteries are safe to handle with bare hands. Skin oils can slightly reduce contact quality, but it is not a serious problem. If you want to avoid it, use a plastic tool or your fingernail to insert the battery.

What if I lose a screw or spring when I open the fob?

Most Dodge key fobs do not have screws; they snap together. If your fob does have a screw and you lose it, a small stainless steel screw from a hardware store will work as a replacement. If you lose the battery holder spring, you will need to order a replacement fob case or holder.

Can I reprogram my key fob after changing the battery?

No. Changing the battery does not erase the programming. Your fob will work with your vehicle when ready after you install the new battery, as long as the battery makes good contact and the fob was working before the battery died.