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 flat tool to pry the case open. A flathead screwdriver, a coin, or even a butter knife works. Insert the tool gently into the slot and twist slightly; the case will separate without much force.

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 or CR2025 — the number tells you the size and voltage. Write down the number printed on the battery before you remove it, so you buy the exact replacement.

If your fob does not have a visible seam, check the back cover. Some Chrysler fobs have a small screw holding the back panel on. Use a screwdriver that fits the screw head snugly — a screwdriver that is too large or too small will strip the screw and make it impossible to remove.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrysler key fobs typically open by prying along the seam with a flathead screwdriver or coin, or by removing a single screw on the back.
  • The battery is usually a CR2032 or CR2025 coin cell; check the number on the old battery before you buy a replacement.
  • Note which direction the battery sits (usually the positive side faces up) before you remove it, so you install the new one the same way.
  • Battery replacement takes less than five minutes and costs between two and five dollars at any drugstore, supermarket, or hardware store.

Remove the old battery and note its position

Gently lift the old battery out of its holder. Before you throw it away, look at which side was facing up — the positive (+) side or the negative (−) side. Most Chrysler fobs have the positive side facing up, but checking prevents a dead fob after you install the new one.

If the battery is stuck, do not force it. A tiny bit of corrosion or debris can make it tight. Gently rock it side to side, or use a plastic spoon or credit card edge to nudge it free. Metal tools can scratch the contacts inside the fob.

Install the new battery in the same direction

Unwrap your new battery and hold it so the positive side faces the same direction as the old one did. Slide it into the holder and press down gently until it clicks or sits flush. You should hear or feel a small click when it seats properly.

Do not force the battery down. If it does not sit flush with light pressure, check that you are inserting it in the right direction. A battery installed backward will not power the fob, but it will not damage anything — you straightforward remove it and flip it over.

Close the case and test the fob

Press the two halves of the case back together until they snap. You should hear a click or feel them lock into place. If your fob had a screw, replace it now and tighten it snugly — not so hard that you strip the plastic, but hard enough that the back does not rattle.

Stand near your car and press a button on the fob — usually the lock or unlock button. The car should respond within a few seconds. If nothing happens, open the fob again and check that the battery is seated properly and facing the right direction. If the fob still does not work after you reseat the battery, the fob itself may have failed, and you will need a replacement from a Chrysler dealer or a locksmith.

Where to buy a replacement battery

CR2032 and CR2025 batteries are sold at nearly every drugstore, supermarket, and hardware store. You will find them in the electronics or watch section, sometimes near the checkout counter. They cost between two and five dollars per battery, and most stores sell them in packs of one, two, or four.

Online retailers like Amazon also stock these batteries, but shipping takes several days. If your fob battery is dead and you need your car today, a local store is faster. If you buy a pack of extras, store them in a cool, dry place — coin-cell batteries last for years before they are used.

When to call a professional instead

If the fob case will not open without breaking, or if the battery holder is corroded or damaged, a locksmith or Chrysler dealer can open it for you. This usually costs between fifteen and thirty dollars, plus the battery itself.

If you replace the battery and the fob still does not work, the problem is likely inside the fob — a broken button, a damaged circuit board, or corrosion on the contacts. At that point, a replacement fob is usually cheaper than repair. Chrysler dealers sell new fobs, and locksmiths can program aftermarket fobs to your car. Expect to pay between one hundred and three hundred dollars for a new fob, depending on your model year and whether it has a physical key blade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery size if I cannot find the exact one?

No. A CR2032 and a CR2025 look similar but have different thicknesses, and using the wrong size can prevent the case from closing or cause the battery to lose contact. Always use the exact battery number printed on the old one. If your store does not have it, order online or try another store.

How long does a key fob battery last?

Most coin-cell batteries in key fobs last three to four years with normal use. If you use the fob heavily — pressing buttons many times per day — the battery may last only two years. There is no way to predict exactly when it will die, so replace it as soon as the fob stops responding.

What if the fob worked before I opened it, but does not work after I close it?

The battery is probably not seated properly or is facing the wrong direction. Open the fob again and check that the positive side is facing up (or whichever direction the old battery faced). Press the battery down firmly to make sure it is fully seated in the holder.

Is it safe to touch the battery with my bare hands?

Yes. Coin-cell batteries are safe to handle with bare hands. Wash your hands afterward if you prefer, but there is no risk of shock or chemical burn from touching a CR2032 or CR2025 battery.

Can I recycle the old battery?

Yes. Most drugstores and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the entrance or customer service desk. Some hardware stores also accept batteries. Do not throw batteries in the trash — they contain materials that should be recovered.