You can change your Chevrolet key fob battery yourself in about two minutes
Most Chevrolet key fobs use a coin-cell battery—usually a CR2032 or CR2025—that you can swap out without tools or a trip to the dealer. The battery typically lasts three to four years depending on how often you use the fob. When the buttons start to feel sluggish or stop working altogether, a dead battery is almost always the culprit.
The process is straightforward: you pry open the fob case, note which side of the battery faces up, remove the old one, and drop in a new one. You do not need to reprogram anything. The whole job takes longer to find the battery at a store than to install it.
Key Takeaways
- Chevrolet key fobs use CR2032 or CR2025 coin-cell batteries that cost $3 to $8 and are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and hardware stores.
- You open the fob by inserting a flat tool—a coin, flathead screwdriver, or plastic pry tool—into the slot on the side and twisting gently until the case separates.
- The battery must go back in with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up, or the fob will not work.
- No reprogramming is needed after you install a new battery; the fob will work when ready.
What battery your Chevrolet key fob needs
The vast majority of Chevrolet key fobs use a CR2032 battery, a flat coin-shaped cell about the size of a dime. Some older or specialty fobs may use a CR2025, which is slightly thinner but the same diameter. You can check which one your fob needs by looking at the battery compartment after you open it, or by checking your owner's manual.
CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere: drugstores, supermarkets, dollar stores, hardware stores, and online retailers. A single battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it. You do not need a special automotive battery; a standard coin-cell battery from any retailer works fine.
How to open your key fob safely
Look at the edge of your key fob for a small slot or seam running along one side. This is where the two halves of the case meet. Insert a flat tool—a coin, a flathead screwdriver, a plastic pry tool, or even a butter knife—into that slot.
Twist the tool gently, as if you were opening a paint can. Do not force it. The case will separate into two halves after a few gentle twists. If you meet resistance, try a different spot along the seam or use a thinner tool. Once the case opens, set one half aside carefully; the battery sits in a small metal holder in the other half.
Some Chevrolet fobs have a small screw instead of a seam. If yours does, use a Phillips or flathead screwdriver (depending on the screw type) to remove it, then gently pry the case apart.
Removing and replacing the battery
Look at the battery holder inside the fob. The battery sits flat in a circular metal cup, usually held in place by a small metal clip or spring. Note which side is facing up—you will see a + symbol on the positive side and a − symbol on the negative side. This matters: the battery must go back in the same way.
If there is a metal clip holding the battery down, gently lift it away from the battery. If there is a spring, you may not need to move anything. Slide the old battery out of the holder and set it aside.
Take your new CR2032 or CR2025 battery and slide it into the holder with the positive side (+) facing up—the same direction the old one was facing. If your fob has a clip, press it back down over the battery. The battery should sit flat and snug in the holder.
Closing the fob and testing it
Align the two halves of the case so the seam lines up evenly. Press them together firmly until you hear or feel a click. If your fob has a screw, insert it back in and tighten it with your screwdriver—snug but not over-tight.
Test the fob when ready by pressing each button while standing near your car. You should see the lights flash and hear the locks respond. If nothing happens, open the fob again and check that the battery is sitting flat in the holder with the positive side up. A battery installed backwards is the most common reason a fob does not work after a battery change.
What to do if the fob still does not work
If you installed a new battery correctly and the fob still does not respond, the problem is likely not the battery. The circuit board inside may be damaged, or the buttons may be worn out. This is not something you can fix at home.
Contact a Chevrolet dealer or a local automotive locksmith. They can test the fob's circuit board and either repair it or provide you with a replacement fob. Replacement fobs typically cost $150 to $300 depending on your vehicle model and year, though some dealers offer refurbished fobs for less. A locksmith may charge less than the dealer but may not have every model in stock.
Storing old batteries safely
Do not throw a used coin-cell battery in the trash. Even though it is small, it contains chemicals that can harm the environment. Most pharmacies and grocery stores have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk. You can also search for a local recycling center at Earth911.com or call your city's waste management office.
If you have several old batteries, store them in a cool, dry place away from metal objects until you can recycle them. Do not store them in a hot car or near a heat source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery size if I cannot find a CR2032?
No. A CR2025 will work if your fob specifically uses one, but using the wrong size can damage the circuit board or cause the fob to malfunction. Check your owner's manual or the battery holder itself to see which size you need. CR2032 batteries are common enough that you should be able to find one within a few minutes of searching.
Do I need to reprogram my key fob after changing the battery?
No. Changing the battery does not erase any programming. Your fob will work when ready once you install the new battery and close the case. Reprogramming is only necessary if you lose your fob or buy a new one.
What if I drop the battery or lose it inside the fob?
If you drop it, pick it up and wipe it clean with a dry cloth before installing it. If it falls inside the fob case and you cannot reach it, gently shake the fob or use tweezers to retrieve it. Do not force anything into the fob—you could damage the circuit board. If you lose the battery entirely, you will need to buy a new one before the fob will work again.
How long does a new battery last in a Chevrolet key fob?
Most CR2032 batteries last three to four years in a key fob, though heavy use can shorten that to two years. If you use your fob multiple times a day, you may need to replace it sooner than someone who uses it once or twice daily.
Can I buy a bulk pack of batteries and store them for later?
Yes. Coin-cell batteries have a shelf life of several years if stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture. Keep them in their original packaging or in a sealed container. Do not store them loose in a drawer where they could touch metal objects.