The battery in your Nissan Altima key fob lasts three to four years, then needs replacing with a CR2032 coin cell battery you can buy at any drugstore for two to five dollars

The job takes five minutes and requires no tools beyond a coin or flathead screwdriver. You do not need to visit a dealer or reprogram anything afterward — the fob will work the moment you close it back up. The hardest part is opening the case without scratching it.

Nissan Altima fobs from 2007 onward use the same battery type and opening method, though the exact case design varies slightly by year. The steps below work for all recent models.

Key Takeaways

  • A CR2032 battery costs two to five dollars at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer and lasts three to four years in normal use.
  • The fob case opens by sliding a small metal or plastic tab along the seam, not by prying — prying will crack the plastic.
  • The battery sits in a metal holder and slides out horizontally; note which side faces up before you remove it.
  • No reprogramming is needed after you install the new battery and close the case.

What you need before you start

Buy a CR2032 battery. This is a standard coin cell, 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. You will find them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Amazon, or any pharmacy. A single battery costs between two and five dollars; a pack of two or four costs less per unit if you have multiple fobs.

You also need a coin — a penny, dime, or quarter works — or a flathead screwdriver. The coin is easier on the plastic case. Have good light and a clean, flat surface so you do not lose the battery or small parts.

How to open the fob case

Look at the seam running around the edge of your fob. On most Altima fobs, you will see a small slot or notch on one side of that seam. This is where the case splits. Insert your coin or screwdriver into the slot and slide it gently along the seam — do not pry upward, which will crack the plastic. The two halves will separate after you slide the coin about an inch.

Once the slot opens, use your fingernail or the coin to pry the two halves apart gently. The battery holder and circuit board are usually glued to one half; the other half is empty. Set the empty half aside where you will not lose it.

Remove and replace the battery

The battery sits in a metal holder with two small tabs. The positive side (marked with a plus sign) faces up on most Altima fobs. Slide the battery out horizontally — it should move freely. If it does not, do not force it; check that you are sliding it in the right direction.

Take your new CR2032 battery and slide it into the holder with the positive side facing the same direction as the old one faced. The battery should sit flat and click slightly into place. If it falls out when you tilt the fob, the holder may be worn; this is rare, but if it happens, contact a Nissan dealer for a replacement fob.

Close the fob and test it

Press the two halves of the fob back together. They should snap together with a click. If they do not sit flush, open it again and check that the battery holder is not blocking the seam. Once the halves are together, press the lock and unlock buttons to test the fob. The doors should lock and unlock normally.

If the fob does not work, open it again and check that the battery is seated correctly and facing the right direction. If it still does not work after you reseat the battery, the circuit board may be damaged — this is uncommon, but if it happens, you will need a replacement fob from a Nissan dealer.

How long the battery lasts

A CR2032 battery in a Nissan Altima key fob typically lasts three to four years with normal use — pressing the buttons a few times a day. If you use the fob heavily or leave it in a hot car, the battery may drain faster. Some fobs show a warning by responding slowly or requiring multiple button presses before they work; others straightforward stop working without warning.

Keep a spare CR2032 on hand so you are not stranded if your fob dies unexpectedly. The battery is small enough to fit in a wallet or glove compartment.

What to do if the fob case is cracked or stuck

If the case is already cracked or the seam will not open, do not force it further. A cracked case can short the circuit board when you reassemble it. Contact a Nissan dealer for a replacement fob; they typically cost between 200 and 400 dollars, though some dealers offer refurbished fobs for less.

If the seam is stuck because the case was glued shut at the factory, try warming the fob gently with a hair dryer on low heat for a few seconds. This softens the adhesive slightly. Do not use high heat, which can damage the circuit board. If the case still will not open, a dealer is your safest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery size?

No. The CR2032 is the only battery that fits the Nissan Altima key fob case and works with the circuit board. Using a different size will not fit, and using a different chemistry (like an alkaline battery) will damage the fob. Stick with CR2032.

Do I need to reprogram the fob after changing the battery?

No. The fob does not need reprogramming. Once you close the case, it will work when ready. Reprogramming is only needed if you buy a new fob or if the fob loses its pairing with the car — a rare event that usually requires a dealer visit.

What if one button works but the other does not?

This usually means the battery is low but not completely dead. Replace it with a fresh CR2032. If you just replaced the battery and one button still does not work, the circuit board may be damaged. Contact a Nissan dealer for a replacement fob.

Can I buy a CR2032 battery at a Nissan dealer?

Yes, but it will cost more — usually eight to fifteen dollars — than buying one at a pharmacy or online. A pharmacy or grocery store is cheaper and faster if you need the battery today.

How do I know when the battery is dying?

The fob will respond slowly, require multiple button presses to work, or stop working entirely. Some cars also display a warning on the dashboard. If you notice any of these signs, replace the battery soon so you are not locked out of your car.