Open the key fob case to access the battery
Most Chrysler key fobs split into two halves along a seam that runs around the edge. Look for a small slot or notch on the side of the fob — this is where you insert a flathead screwdriver or coin to pry the case apart. Insert the tool gently into the slot and twist slightly; the case will pop open without much force. Do not force it or you risk cracking the plastic.
Once the case is open, you will see the battery sitting in a small metal holder. The battery is usually a coin-cell type, most commonly a CR2032, CR2025, or CR2016 — the exact model depends on your Chrysler model year. The battery has a flat side and a domed side; note which direction it faces before you remove it, because you will need to install the new one the same way.
Key Takeaways
- Chrysler key fobs open by inserting a flathead screwdriver into a slot on the edge and twisting gently to separate the two halves.
- The battery is usually a CR2032, CR2025, or CR2016 coin-cell type, and you can find the correct model printed on the old battery itself.
- Install the new battery with the same side facing up as the old one — the flat side or domed side matters for the fob to work.
- Replacement batteries cost between $3 and $8 at drugstores, supermarkets, and hardware stores, and the entire job takes less than five minutes.
Remove the old battery and note its orientation
Gently lift the old battery out of its metal holder. If it is stuck, use a plastic spoon or the edge of a plastic card to pry it up — metal tools can scratch the circuit board inside. Once the battery is out, look at the top of it. You will see either a flat surface or a raised dome. This orientation is critical: the new battery must go in the same way.
Before you throw the old battery away, check what type it is. The model number is printed on the top surface — you will see something like "CR2032" or "CR2025". This number tells you exactly which replacement to buy. If the printing is worn off, you can also measure the battery's diameter with a ruler; a CR2032 is about 20 millimeters across, a CR2025 is slightly thinner, and a CR2016 is noticeably smaller.
Buy the correct replacement battery
Take the old battery to a drugstore, supermarket, or hardware store and match it to a new one, or straightforward tell the staff the model number. Coin-cell batteries are stocked in the pharmacy section of most drugstores and in the electronics or household section of hardware stores. A single replacement battery costs between $3 and $8, depending on the brand and where you buy it.
You can also order batteries online, but if your fob is dead and you need it working today, a local store is faster. Buy one extra battery while you are there — key fob batteries typically last three to four years, and having a spare on hand means you will not be caught without a working fob again.
Install the new battery in the correct direction
Place the new battery into the metal holder with the same side facing up as the old battery was. If the old battery had its flat side up, the new one goes in flat side up. If it had the domed side up, the new one goes in domed side up. The battery should sit flat in the holder without wobbling. Do not force it — it should drop in easily.
Once the battery is seated, look at the circuit board to make sure nothing else has shifted inside the fob. The small metal contacts should still be clean and in place. If you see any debris or corrosion (a white or green crusty buildup), wipe it gently with a dry cloth or a cotton swab before closing the fob.
Close the case and test the fob
Align the two halves of the case so the seam lines up evenly all the way around. Press the halves together firmly until you hear or feel a click. The case should be snug with no gaps. If it does not close smoothly, open it again and check that the battery is seated properly and that nothing is blocking the edges.
Test the fob by pressing each button — lock, unlock, and panic if your model has one. You should see the red light on the fob blink when you press a button. If the light does not blink, open the case again and check that the battery is facing the correct direction. If it is and the fob still does not work, the circuit board may be damaged, and you will need a replacement fob from a Chrysler dealer.
What to do if the fob still does not work after replacing the battery
If the new battery is installed correctly and the fob still does not respond, the problem is usually inside the fob itself, not the battery. Water damage, a cracked circuit board, or worn-out button contacts can all prevent the fob from working even with a fresh battery. In this case, you will need to buy a replacement fob from a Chrysler dealer or a third-party automotive locksmith.
Before you buy a new fob, try one more thing: open the case again and look at the rubber button pad — the part with the four buttons. If the black conductive material on the underside of the buttons looks worn or faded, you can sometimes restore it by rubbing it gently with a pencil eraser. This restores the electrical contact and can bring a dead fob back to life. If that does not work, replacement is your only option.
Dispose of the old battery safely
Do not throw the old battery in the trash. Coin-cell batteries contain chemicals that can leak into soil and groundwater. Most drugstores and supermarkets have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or in the pharmacy section — drop the old battery there at no cost. Hardware stores and Best Buy also accept batteries for recycling.
If you cannot find a recycling bin nearby, call your local waste management office or search Earth911.com to find a recycling center that accepts batteries in your area. The process takes a few minutes and keeps the battery out of a landfill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any CR2032 battery, or does it have to be a specific brand?
Any CR2032 will work in a Chrysler key fob. Brand does not matter — Energizer, Duracell, and store brands all perform the same. The important thing is that the model number matches what was in your old fob. If you buy the wrong size by mistake, it will not fit in the holder.
What if I put the battery in backwards and now the fob does not work?
Open the fob and flip the battery over so the opposite side faces up. The fob should work when ready once the battery is in the correct direction. If it still does not work after you flip it, the battery may have been damaged by being installed backwards, or the fob itself may have a problem.
How long does a key fob battery last?
Most Chrysler key fob batteries last three to four years with normal use. If you use your fob frequently — pressing the buttons many times a day — the battery may wear out sooner. If you rarely use it, it may last longer. When the fob starts to feel sluggish or the light dims, it is time to replace the battery.
Do I need to reprogram my key 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. If it does not work, the problem is the battery direction or a damaged fob, not lost programming.
Where can I buy a replacement fob if mine is broken beyond repair?
A Chrysler dealership can sell you a new fob and program it to your vehicle, though this is usually the most expensive option. An automotive locksmith can often do the same job for less. You can also buy unprogrammed fobs online and have a locksmith or dealership program them for you, which is sometimes cheaper than buying a programmed fob directly.