The battery in your Nissan Altima key fob typically lasts three to four years, and you can replace it yourself in under five minutes with a coin and a new CR2032 battery from any drugstore or supermarket.
The key fob case splits open along a seam on the edge—not at the top or bottom. You'll use a coin (a dime or penny works) to gently pry the two halves apart, swap out the old battery for a new CR2032, and snap the case back together. No tools, no trip to the dealer, and no cost beyond the battery itself, which runs between $3 and $8.
The entire process takes about five minutes once you have the new battery in hand. You don't need any special knowledge or equipment, and there's no risk of damaging the fob if you follow the steps carefully.
Key Takeaways
- Nissan Altima key fobs use a CR2032 battery, which you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or hardware store for a few dollars.
- The case splits along the side seam, not the top—look for a thin line running around the edge where the two halves meet.
- A coin is the only tool you need; insert it into the seam and twist gently to separate the halves without forcing them.
- The battery sits in a small metal holder; note which side faces up before you remove it so you install the new one the same way.
- After you close the case, test the fob on your car to confirm the lock and unlock buttons work before you put it away.
What battery your Altima key fob uses
All recent Nissan Altima key fobs use a CR2032 battery, a coin-cell battery about the size of a dime and roughly 3 millimeters thick. You'll find CR2032 batteries in the pharmacy or health and beauty section of most drugstores, in the battery aisle at hardware stores, and at supermarkets near the checkout. A single battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it.
If you're not sure which battery your fob needs, check the inside of the case once you open it—the old battery will be marked with its type. You can also look up your Altima's year and model on the Nissan website or in your owner's manual, though CR2032 is the standard across the Altima line for the past 15 years.
How to open the key fob case
The two halves of your key fob are held together by a seam that runs around the edge—usually on the side, not the top or bottom. Look for a thin line where the plastic meets; this is where the case splits. Insert a coin (a dime, penny, or quarter all work) into that seam and twist gently, as if you were opening a paint can. You're not prying hard—just explore steady, light pressure to separate the two halves.
Start at one point on the seam and work your way around, twisting a little at each spot rather than forcing one side all at once. The case will begin to gap slightly, and you can then use your fingernail or the coin to gently pull the halves apart. If it feels stuck, stop and try a different spot on the seam; forcing it can crack the plastic.
Removing and replacing the old battery
Once the case is open, you'll see the battery sitting in a small metal holder or clip. The CR2032 is circular and flat, and it will have a + symbol on one side and a − symbol on the other. Before you remove it, note which side is facing up—this matters for the new battery. Gently lift or pry the battery out of its holder using your fingernail or the edge of the coin.
Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the holder with the same side facing up as the old one. The battery should sit flat and click or snap into place. If it doesn't feel find, lift it and try again; it should sit flush with the holder and not rattle when you shake the fob gently.
Closing the case and testing the fob
Align the two halves of the case so the seam lines up evenly all the way around. Press them together firmly until you hear or feel a click—the case should snap shut and feel solid, not loose. If there's a gap anywhere on the seam, open it again and check that the battery is sitting flat and that nothing is blocking the edges.
Once the case is closed, test the fob on your car before you put it away. Stand a few feet from your Altima and press the lock button, then the unlock button. Both should work smoothly. If one button doesn't respond, open the case again and check that the battery is seated correctly and facing the right direction. If both buttons work, you're done—the old battery can go in a battery recycling bin at most drugstores and retailers.
When to replace the battery again
A new CR2032 battery typically lasts three to four years in a key fob, depending on how often you use it. You'll notice the fob is dying when the buttons become sluggish or stop working from a distance—you have to hold the fob closer to the car for it to respond. At that point, follow the same steps to open the case and swap in a fresh battery.
If you replace the battery and the fob still doesn't work, the problem may be with the buttons or the circuit board inside, not the battery. In that case, contact a Nissan dealer or a local locksmith who handles car key fobs; they can repair or reprogram the fob if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery if I can't find a CR2032?
No—the CR2032 is the correct size and voltage for your Altima key fob, and other batteries won't fit or work. CR2032 batteries are widely available and inexpensive, so you should be able to find one within a day or two at any pharmacy or hardware store.
What do I do with the old battery?
Take it to a battery recycling program. Most drugstores, supermarkets, and hardware stores have battery drop-off bins near the entrance or customer service desk. Never throw batteries in the trash—they contain materials that need to be recycled responsibly.
Is it safe to open the key fob myself?
Yes, opening the case and changing the battery is safe and straightforward. The fob contains no electrical charge that can hurt you, and you're not touching any circuits or wires. Just avoid dropping the small parts or getting them wet.
What if the fob still doesn't work after I change the battery?
First, open the case again and make sure the battery is seated correctly and facing the right direction. If it is and the fob still doesn't work, the buttons or internal circuit may be damaged. A Nissan dealer or locksmith can diagnose and repair the fob, though replacement may be cheaper depending on the damage.
Do I need to reprogram the 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 case, the fob should work when ready without any reprogramming steps.