You can replace an Infiniti key fob battery yourself in under five minutes
Most Infiniti key fobs use a coin-cell battery — typically a CR2032 or CR2025 — that you can swap out without tools or a trip to the dealer. The battery usually lasts three to four years depending on how often you use the fob. When the buttons stop responding or respond slowly, a dead battery is almost always the cause.
The process is straightforward: open the fob, remove the old battery, drop in a new one, and close it back up. You do not need to reprogram the fob afterward. A fresh battery costs between $3 and $8 at any pharmacy, grocery store, or hardware store.
Key Takeaways
- Infiniti key fobs typically use CR2032 or CR2025 coin-cell batteries that you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket for a few dollars.
- The fob opens by prying the two halves apart with a flat tool like a coin or screwdriver blade — no special equipment needed.
- The battery slides or pops out of 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 fob, test all the buttons to confirm the new battery works before you put the fob away.
What battery type your Infiniti key fob uses
Infiniti key fobs from the past 15 years almost always use a CR2032 battery, which is a 20-millimeter coin cell. Some older models or certain remote models may use a CR2025, which is slightly thinner. Both are sold in the same aisle at pharmacies, supermarkets, and dollar stores, usually near the hearing aid batteries or watch batteries.
If you are not sure which one your fob needs, open it and look at the battery itself — the type is printed on the metal surface. You can also check your owner's manual, though many Infiniti manuals do not specify the battery type. When in doubt, buy a CR2032; it is the most common and will fit in any Infiniti fob made in the last decade.
How to open the key fob
Look for a seam running around the edge of the fob where the two plastic halves meet. This seam is usually on the side or the back. Slide a flat object — a coin, a flathead screwdriver, or a butter knife — into the seam and gently twist or pry to separate the halves. You are not forcing it; a small amount of pressure is enough.
Some Infiniti fobs have a small slot or notch on one edge designed for this purpose. If you see one, start there. Once the halves begin to separate, you can usually pull them apart by hand. Be gentle so you do not crack the plastic or damage the internal contacts.
Removing and replacing the battery
Inside the fob you will see a small metal battery holder with the battery sitting in it. The positive side (marked with a + symbol) faces either up or down depending on your fob model. Before you remove the old battery, note which way it is oriented. This matters because the new battery must go in the same way.
The battery either slides out or pops out with gentle pressure from your fingernail or a plastic tool. Do not use a metal tool that could scratch the circuit board. Once the old battery is out, slide or place the new battery into the holder with the positive side facing the same direction as the old one did. Press gently until you hear or feel a small click, which means it is seated properly.
Closing the fob and testing it
Align the two halves of the fob so the seam lines up evenly all the way around. Press them together firmly until they snap into place. You should hear a small click or feel them lock. If they do not close flush, the battery may not be seated correctly — open it again and check that the battery is fully pressed into the holder.
Once the fob is closed, test each button: lock, unlock, panic, and trunk (if your model has one). All buttons should respond when ready. If a button does not work, open the fob again and make sure the battery is making good contact with the metal holder. If the battery is seated correctly and buttons still do not work, the fob may have a different problem, and you should take it to an Infiniti dealer.
Where to buy replacement batteries
CR2032 and CR2025 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them near the front counter or in the health and beauty section. Grocery stores carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Dollar stores, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy all sell them. You can also order them online from Amazon or other retailers, though buying locally means you can test the fob right away.
Prices are usually $3 to $8 for a single battery, though multipacks are cheaper per unit if you want spares. Name brands like Energizer and Duracell work well, but store-brand batteries perform just as well and cost less. Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers, as they may not hold a charge as long.
What to do if the fob still does not work after replacing the battery
If you installed a fresh battery correctly and the fob still does not respond, the problem is usually inside the fob itself — a broken button contact, a damaged circuit board, or corrosion on the metal contacts. Open the fob again and look at the metal battery holder and the circuit board. If you see green or white crusty buildup (corrosion), gently clean it with a dry cotton swab or a pencil eraser.
If the fob still does not work after cleaning, the internal electronics have likely failed. At that point, you have two options: buy a replacement fob from Infiniti (usually $150 to $300 depending on the model) or buy an aftermarket fob from a third-party seller (usually $30 to $80). Many aftermarket fobs work with Infiniti vehicles, though you may need to have a dealer or locksmith program it to your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a key fob battery last?
Most CR2032 batteries last three to four years in an Infiniti key fob, depending on how often you use it. Heavy users may need to replace the battery every two years. If you use the fob only occasionally, it may last five years or longer.
Can I use a different battery type if I cannot find a CR2032?
No. A CR2025 is slightly thinner and may not make proper contact in a fob designed for a CR2032. Using the wrong size can cause the fob to work intermittently or not at all. Stick with the battery type printed on the old battery or listed in your owner's manual.
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 fob, it should work when ready without any additional steps.
What if I drop the battery inside the fob and cannot find it?
Open the fob completely and look inside carefully. The battery is small but visible. Tilt the fob gently so the battery rolls to a corner where you can see and reach it. If it is stuck, use a plastic tool or the edge of a credit card to nudge it free. Avoid using metal tools that could damage the circuit board.
Is it safe to replace the battery myself, or should I go to a dealer?
It is completely safe to replace the battery yourself. The process takes less than five minutes and requires no special knowledge or tools. Dealers charge $50 to $100 for the same job, so doing it yourself saves money and time.