You can replace a Chrysler key fob battery yourself in about five minutes with no tools

Most Chrysler key fobs use a coin-cell battery — typically a CR2032 or CR2025 — that you can swap out by hand. The fob splits open along a seam, the old battery slides out, and a new one slides in. You do not need a screwdriver, a special tool, or a trip to the dealer. The whole job takes longer to find where you left your fob than to change the battery.

The exact steps depend slightly on which Chrysler model and year you own, but the principle is the same across nearly all of them. This guide covers the most common design. If your fob looks different, the battery type and replacement method should still match what you find here.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrysler key fobs almost always use a CR2032 or CR2025 coin-cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or hardware store for two to five dollars.
  • The fob splits open along a visible seam — push or pry gently at the seam with your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle to separate the two halves.
  • The battery sits in a small metal holder and slides out sideways; note which side faces up before you remove it so you can install the new one the same way.
  • After you insert the new battery, press the fob halves back together until they click, then test the lock and unlock buttons to confirm it works.

Finding the seam and opening the fob

Look at the edge of your key fob. You will see a thin line running around the perimeter — that is the seam where the two plastic halves meet. On most Chrysler fobs, this seam runs horizontally across the middle, dividing the fob into a front and back half.

Place your fingernail or the edge of a plastic spoon handle into the seam and explore gentle, steady pressure. Do not pry hard or use a metal tool, which can crack the plastic or damage the circuit board inside. The fob should separate with light pressure. If it does not budge, try a different spot along the seam — sometimes one end is easier to open than the other.

Once you have a small gap, work your way around the seam to fully separate the two halves. Set one half aside on a clean surface so you do not lose any small parts.

Locating and removing the old battery

Inside the fob, you will see a small metal or plastic holder with a coin-shaped battery sitting in it. The battery is usually silver and about the size of a dime. This is your old battery — most likely a CR2032 or CR2025, though some older Chrysler models use a CR2016.

Before you remove it, note which side is facing up. The flat side with the + symbol should be facing either up or down — remember this orientation, because the new battery must go in the same way. If you install it backwards, the fob will not work.

Slide the battery out of its holder sideways. It should come free with light pressure from your finger. If it is stuck, try sliding it in the opposite direction or gently rocking it side to side as you pull.

Choosing and installing the replacement battery

Buy a new CR2032 or CR2025 battery. You can find these at any pharmacy, grocery store, big-box retailer, or hardware store. They cost between two and five dollars. If you are not sure which type your fob uses, bring the old battery with you to the store and match it, or check your vehicle's owner manual.

Remove the new battery from its packaging. Slide it into the holder in the same orientation as the old one — if the + side was facing up before, the + side should face up now. Push it in until it sits flush in the holder and does not move when you gently press on it.

Some fobs have a small plastic tab or spring that holds the battery in place. If you see one, make sure it is not pinched or bent. The battery should sit snugly but not require force to install.

Closing the fob and testing the buttons

Align the two halves of the fob so the seam lines up evenly all the way around. Press them together firmly until you hear or feel a click. The fob should be solid and not flex or rattle when you squeeze it gently.

Press the lock button. Your vehicle should lock. Press the unlock button. Your vehicle should unlock. If both buttons work, the battery is installed correctly and the job is done. If nothing happens, open the fob again and check that the battery is seated properly and facing the right direction.

What to do if the fob still does not work

If the buttons do not respond after you have installed a fresh battery and confirmed it is facing the right way, the problem is usually not the battery. The circuit board inside may be damaged, or the buttons themselves may be worn out.

Check that you bought the correct battery type for your fob. If you are unsure, take the fob to a Chrysler dealer or a locksmith and ask them to test it. They can confirm whether the battery is the issue or whether the fob needs repair or replacement.

In the meantime, you can still lock and unlock your vehicle using the key blade that is usually hidden inside the fob. Slide or press the blade out from the fob body and use it to unlock the driver's door manually.

How long a Chrysler key fob battery lasts

A CR2032 or CR2025 battery in a Chrysler key fob typically lasts three to four years, depending on how often you use the fob. If you press the buttons multiple times a day, the battery will drain faster. If you use the fob only occasionally, it may last longer.

You will notice the fob starting to fail before the battery is completely dead. The buttons may require harder presses, or the lock and unlock may work only from a shorter distance. When you see these signs, it is time to replace the battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery type if I cannot find a CR2032?

No. Use only the battery type specified for your fob — usually CR2032 or CR2025. Using the wrong type can damage the circuit board or cause the fob to malfunction. If you cannot find the right battery locally, order it online or ask a Chrysler dealer to supply one.

What if I lose the small parts inside the fob when I open it?

Most Chrysler key fobs have very few loose parts inside — usually just the battery and the circuit board. If you open it carefully and set the halves on a clean surface, you should not lose anything. If a small spring or clip falls out, take a photo of it before you close the fob, or bring the fob to a dealer to have it reassembled.

Do I need to reprogram the 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 reprogramming steps.

Is it safe to throw the old battery in the trash?

Coin-cell batteries can be recycled. Many retailers that sell batteries — including pharmacies and electronics stores — have battery recycling bins near the checkout. You can also check your local waste management website for a drop-off location. Throwing batteries in the trash is legal in most places, but recycling is better for the environment.