The battery in your Chevy key fob comes out from the side, takes a standard coin-cell battery, and takes about two minutes to swap
Most Chevy key fobs use a CR2032 or CR2025 battery, which you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or hardware store for two to five dollars. The fob itself does not need to be taken apart — you slide a small flat tool into a slot on the edge, twist gently, and the battery case pops open. Once the old battery is out, you drop in the new one with the positive side facing up, close the case, and you are done.
The exact steps depend slightly on which Chevy model and year you own, because Chevy has used two main fob designs over the past fifteen years. Both work the same way, but the slot location and how far you twist differ. This guide covers both types so you can identify yours and complete the job without guessing.
Key Takeaways
- Chevy key fobs use CR2032 or CR2025 batteries, which cost two to five dollars and are sold at any pharmacy or grocery store.
- You do not need tools beyond a flat object like a coin or small screwdriver to open the battery case on the side of the fob.
- The battery slides in with the positive side facing up, and the case snaps shut without any screws or adhesive.
- If the fob still does not work after a new battery, the problem is usually a worn button contact or water damage inside, not the battery itself.
Identify which Chevy fob design you have
Chevy key fobs fall into two main shapes. The older design, used roughly from 2005 to 2015, is a flat rectangle with rounded corners and a small slot on the right edge. The newer design, from 2015 onward, is slightly thicker and has the slot on the bottom edge near the key ring.
Look at the side and bottom edges of your fob. If you see a thin horizontal line that looks like it could be pried open, that is the battery case seam. Run your fingernail or a coin along that edge — you will feel a small notch or indent where the case is meant to separate. That is where you insert your tool.
Remove the old battery from an older-style Chevy fob
Hold the fob in your left hand with the buttons facing you. Locate the slot on the right edge — it runs vertically and is about half an inch long. Insert a coin (a dime or penny works) or a small flat-head screwdriver into the slot, positioning it so the edge of the tool sits in the notch.
Twist the coin or screwdriver gently clockwise — you are not forcing it, just explore steady pressure. After a quarter turn, you will feel the battery case separate slightly. Stop twisting and slide the case out of the fob body with your other hand. The case will slide out about a quarter inch and then stop; do not pull hard.
Once the case is out, you will see the old battery sitting inside. It is a small silver disc. Lift it out with your fingernail or the edge of your tool. If it is stuck, a tiny dab of water on the edge can help it slide out, but do not soak the fob.
Remove the old battery from a newer-style Chevy fob
Hold the fob with the buttons facing you and the key ring pointing down. The slot is on the bottom edge, near where the key ring attaches. Insert your coin or screwdriver into the slot and twist counterclockwise — the direction is opposite from the older style.
After a quarter turn, the battery case will separate. Slide it out gently. The battery inside sits in the same way as the older fobs — a small silver disc that lifts straight out.
Install the new battery and close the case
Before you insert the new battery, check which side is marked. CR2032 and CR2025 batteries have a flat positive side (marked with a + or a number) and a flat negative side. The positive side must face up when the battery sits in the case — that is, the side facing the buttons of the fob.
Drop the new battery into the case with the positive side up. It will sit flat in the bottom of the case. Slide the case back into the fob body — for older fobs, slide it in from the right edge; for newer fobs, slide it in from the bottom. You will feel it seat into place.
Once the case is seated, twist your coin or screwdriver back in the opposite direction to lock it. For older fobs, twist counterclockwise; for newer fobs, twist clockwise. You will hear or feel a small click when the case locks. The fob is now closed and ready to use.
Test the fob and troubleshoot if it still does not work
Press each button on the fob — lock, unlock, and panic if your fob has one — and listen for the click of the lock or watch your car respond. If the fob works when ready, the battery was the problem and you are done.
If the fob still does not respond, the battery may have been installed backwards (positive side down instead of up). Open the case again and check the battery orientation. If it was correct, the problem is usually not the battery but something else inside the fob: a worn button contact, corrosion on the circuit board, or water damage.
Water damage is common if the fob has been dropped in water or exposed to heavy rain. If you suspect water damage, open the case and look for white or green corrosion on the metal contacts inside. If you see it, the fob may need professional repair or replacement, because cleaning the circuit board yourself risks further damage.
Where to buy replacement batteries and what to expect
CR2032 and CR2025 batteries are sold everywhere: drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, grocery stores, hardware stores like Home Depot, and online retailers. A single battery costs between two and five dollars, though buying a pack of four or five is often cheaper per battery. Brand does not matter much — Energizer, Duracell, and store brands all work the same way in a key fob.
A new battery typically lasts three to four years in a key fob, depending on how often you use the fob. If you replace the battery and it dies again within a few months, the fob itself may have a problem — a stuck button that drains the battery, or a circuit board fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery size if I cannot find CR2032?
No. CR2032 and CR2025 are not interchangeable — they have different thicknesses and voltages. Using the wrong size can damage the fob or cause it to malfunction. If your store is out of CR2032, order it online or try another store rather than substituting.
What do I do with the old battery?
Coin-cell batteries contain small amounts of lithium and should not go in the trash. Most drugstores and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the checkout. Drop the old battery in one of those bins, or check Earth911.com to find a recycling location near you.
Why does my fob still not work after I put in a new battery?
The most common reason is the battery is installed backwards — positive side down instead of up. Open the case and check. If the battery is correct, the fob may have water damage, a stuck button, or a dead circuit board. These problems usually require professional repair or fob replacement.
How do I know if my Chevy fob uses CR2032 or CR2025?
The easiest way is to open the case and look at the old battery — the size is printed on it. If you have already thrown it away, check your owner's manual or call your Chevy dealer with your vehicle's year and model. Most Chevy fobs from 2010 onward use CR2032.
Can I reprogram my fob after changing the battery?
No. Changing the battery does not erase the fob's programming. It will work exactly as it did before, with no reprogramming needed. If the fob was already programmed to your car, it stays programmed after the battery swap.