You can replace a Chrysler key fob battery yourself in about five minutes with no tools except a coin
Most Chrysler key fobs use a coin-cell battery — usually a CR2032 or CR2025 — that you can swap out at home. The fob splits open along a seam, the old battery slides out, and a new one slides in. You do not need a dealer visit or special equipment. The whole job takes longer to find where you put the new battery than to do the work.
The exact steps depend slightly on which Chrysler model and fob generation you own, but the principle is the same across all of them. This guide covers the most common Chrysler fobs from the last 15 years. If your fob looks different — for instance, if it has a flip key or a button on the side — check the specific steps for your model year at the end of this article.
Key Takeaways
- Chrysler key fobs almost always use a CR2032 or CR2025 coin-cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket for two to five dollars.
- The fob opens by inserting a coin into the seam on the edge and twisting gently — you do not need a screwdriver or pry tool.
- Once open, the battery sits in a small metal holder and slides straight out; the new battery goes in the same way with the + side facing up.
- A working battery usually lasts three to four years in normal use, and the fob will show signs of weakening — slower response, shorter range — before it dies completely.
What battery your Chrysler key fob needs
The vast majority of Chrysler fobs from 2008 onward use either a CR2032 or CR2025 battery. Both are coin-shaped, about the size of a dime, and cost between two and five dollars at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer. You can also find them at dollar stores and gas stations, though the price is sometimes higher.
If you are not sure which one your fob uses, open it first and look at the battery itself — the number is printed on the top. You can also check your owner's manual or call your Chrysler dealer with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and they will tell you the part number. Once you know the number, buy two batteries instead of one; keeping a spare in your glove box means you will not be stranded if the new one fails unexpectedly.
How to open your Chrysler key fob
Look at the edge of your fob for a thin seam that runs around the perimeter. This is where the two halves of the plastic case meet. Insert a coin — a penny, dime, or quarter works equally well — into the seam at the point where it is widest or where you see a small notch. Twist the coin gently, as if you were opening a battery compartment on a toy or remote control. The fob will crack open slightly.
Once you see the crack, use your fingernail or the edge of the coin to pry the two halves apart. Do not force it; if it is not moving, you may be at the wrong spot on the seam. Work your way around the edge until you find the point that gives. The two halves will separate completely, and you will see the battery holder inside.
Some newer Chrysler fobs have a small slot or arrow marked on the case showing exactly where to insert the coin. If you see one, start there. If the fob still will not budge after gentle pressure, check whether your model has a different opening method — a few Chrysler fobs from the early 2010s have a small screw on the back instead of a seam.
Removing and replacing the battery
Once the fob is open, you will see a small metal holder or clip holding the battery in place. The battery sits flat in this holder with the + (positive) side facing up. Gently push the battery out of the holder from the side — it will slide out easily. Do not pry it or bend the holder; the battery is not stuck, just held lightly in place.
Take the new battery and check that the + side is facing up. Slide it into the holder the same way the old one came out. You should hear or feel a small click as it seats. Press down gently on the battery to make sure it is fully seated in the holder. If the fob is going to work, the battery must make full contact with both the holder and the metal contacts inside the case.
Before you close the fob, press the buttons a few times to test whether the battery is working. You may not hear anything, but if the fob has ever worked, you should feel a slight click or resistance when you press the buttons. If nothing happens, the battery may not be seated correctly — pop it out and try again, making sure the + side is up.
Closing the fob and testing it
Line up the two halves of the fob so the seams match. Press them together firmly until you hear a click or feel them snap into place. The fob should be solid and not have any gaps or loose edges. If it feels loose, pop it open again and check that the battery is seated correctly and that nothing is blocking the seam.
Once the fob is closed, test it by standing near your vehicle and pressing the lock and unlock buttons. You should see your lights flash or hear the locks engage. If the fob does not work, open it again and check the battery orientation — the + side must face up. If the battery is oriented correctly and the fob still does not work, the battery itself may be defective. Try a different new battery before assuming the fob is broken.
When to replace your key fob battery
A Chrysler key fob battery usually lasts three to four years under normal use. You will notice the battery is weakening before it dies completely: the fob will respond more slowly, you will have to stand closer to the vehicle for it to work, or you will have to press the buttons multiple times to get a response. These are all signs that the battery voltage is dropping and a replacement is coming soon.
If your fob stops working suddenly with no warning, the battery may have failed, but it is also possible the fob itself is damaged or the receiver in your vehicle is not working. Try replacing the battery first — it is the cheapest and easiest fix. If a new battery does not solve the problem, the issue is likely with the fob's internal circuit or your vehicle's receiver, and you will need a dealer to diagnose it.
Troubleshooting a fob that still does not work
If you have replaced the battery and the fob still does not respond, check these things in order. First, make sure the battery is oriented correctly — the + side must face up toward the buttons. Second, make sure the battery is fully seated in the holder and making contact with the metal clips. Third, try a different new battery; the one you bought may be defective or old stock.
If none of those work, the problem is likely inside the fob itself. The circuit board may be corroded, the button contacts may be worn, or the transmitter may have failed. At this point, you have two options: buy a replacement fob from a Chrysler dealer or a third-party supplier, or have a locksmith program a used fob to your vehicle. A new fob from a dealer costs between 150 and 300 dollars depending on the model; a used fob from a locksmith or online seller costs 30 to 80 dollars plus programming fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery size if I cannot find a CR2032?
No. A CR2025 is slightly thinner than a CR2032, and using the wrong size may cause the battery to sit loose in the holder or not make proper contact. Always use the exact battery size your fob requires. If you cannot find it locally, order it online — it will arrive in one or two days and costs less than two dollars.
How do I know if the battery is dead or if the fob is broken?
Replace the battery first. If a new battery does not work, the fob itself is likely broken. You can also test the fob by looking at it through a camera phone while pressing the buttons — if you see a faint red light, the transmitter is working and the issue is with your vehicle's receiver. If you see no light, the fob is broken.
What should I do with the old battery?
Most pharmacies and retailers that sell batteries will take old batteries for recycling at no cost. You can also check Earth911.com or call your local waste management office for a drop-off location near you. Do not throw batteries in the trash.
Will replacing the battery erase my fob's programming?
No. The battery powers the transmitter, not the memory. Replacing the battery will not erase any programming or settings. Your fob will work exactly as it did before once the new battery is installed.
Can I replace the battery in a flip key or a key with a built-in remote?
Yes, but the process is slightly different. Flip keys usually have a small screw on the back that you remove with a screwdriver, or a seam you open the same way as a standard fob. Built-in remotes are harder to open and may require a trip to a dealer or locksmith. If your key has a flip or built-in remote, search for your specific model year and body style online for step-by-step photos.