The battery in your Chrysler key fob dies like any other battery, and you can replace it yourself without tools or a trip to the dealer
Most Chrysler key fobs use a coin-cell battery — usually a CR2032 or CR2025 — that you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or hardware store for two to five dollars. The fob itself opens by hand or with a flathead screwdriver, and the whole job takes about five minutes. You do not need to reprogram the fob after changing the battery; it will work the moment you close it back up.
The steps are the same whether you own a Jeep, Dodge, or Ram, since Chrysler owns all three brands and uses the same fob design across them. If your fob has two buttons, three buttons, or a trunk release, the battery compartment is in the same place.
Key Takeaways
- Chrysler key fobs use CR2032 or CR2025 coin-cell batteries that cost two to five dollars and are sold at any drugstore or supermarket.
- You can open the fob by hand or with a flathead screwdriver — no special tools are needed.
- The battery compartment is usually on the back or side of the fob, marked with a small slot or seam.
- After you replace the battery and close the fob, it will work when ready without reprogramming.
- If the fob still does not work after a new battery, the problem is likely a worn button contact or a dead circuit board, not the battery itself.
What battery your Chrysler key fob uses
Chrysler key fobs almost always use a CR2032 battery, which is a flat, round, silver coin-cell about the size of a dime. Some older Chrysler models use a CR2025, which is slightly thinner but the same diameter. Both are sold in the same aisle at drugstores, supermarkets, and hardware stores, usually near the watch batteries or electronics section.
If you are not sure which one your fob needs, open it and look at the battery itself — the number is printed on the metal side. You can also call your Chrysler dealer with your vehicle's year and model, and they will tell you which battery to buy. Buying both a CR2032 and a CR2025 for five or six dollars total is also a reasonable option if you want to be certain.
How to open your key fob
Most Chrysler fobs open by hand. Look for a small seam or slot on the edge of the fob, usually on the back or side. Push your fingernail or the edge of a coin into the slot and twist gently — the fob will split into two plastic halves. If you cannot find a seam or your fingernail is not strong enough, use a flathead screwdriver instead of a coin; the screwdriver gives you more leverage and is less likely to slip.
Do not force it. If the fob does not budge after gentle pressure, you may be pushing in the wrong spot. Look again for the seam — it is usually a thin line that runs around the edge of the fob, not across the middle. Once you find it, the fob will open easily.
Removing and replacing the battery
Once the fob is open, you will see the battery sitting in a small metal or plastic holder. The battery is usually held in place by a spring or a small lip. Gently pry the battery out with your fingernail or the edge of a flathead screwdriver — it will pop out easily. Do not force it or you may damage the holder.
Before you put the new battery in, look at which side was facing up on the old battery. The positive side (marked with a +) should face up. Slide the new battery into the holder with the positive side up, and it will click or snap into place. If it does not stay, the spring or lip may be bent — gently straighten it with your fingernail or screwdriver and try again.
Closing the fob and testing it
Line up the two halves of the fob so the seam is even on all sides, then press them together firmly until you hear or feel a click. The fob is now closed. Press one of the buttons — your car should lock or unlock, or the trunk should open, depending on which button you pressed. If it works, you are done.
If the fob does not work after you close it, open it again and check that the battery is sitting flat in the holder with the positive side up. If it is, close the fob and wait a few seconds before testing again — sometimes the circuit board needs a moment to recognize the new battery. If it still does not work after a second try, the problem is likely not the battery.
What to do if the fob still does not work
If a new battery does not fix the problem, the issue is usually a worn button contact or a dead circuit board inside the fob. Button contacts wear out over time and can be cleaned, but it requires opening the fob again and rubbing the metal contacts with a pencil eraser or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. If that does not work, the circuit board itself may be damaged, and the fob will need to be replaced.
Before you buy a new fob, test the old one one more time with the new battery to make sure you installed it correctly. If you are certain the battery is in the right way and the fob still does not work, a replacement fob from a Chrysler dealer or an aftermarket seller will cost between thirty and one hundred dollars depending on the model year and features.
Where to buy a replacement battery
CR2032 and CR2025 batteries are sold almost everywhere: drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets like Walmart and Target, hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's, and online at Amazon. A single battery usually costs two to five dollars; a pack of two or four costs slightly less per battery. You do not need a special brand — any CR2032 or CR2025 will work in your Chrysler fob.
If you buy online, make sure the listing says CR2032 or CR2025 and shows the flat, round coin-cell shape. Some listings for "key fob batteries" are for different types of batteries that will not fit your Chrysler fob. When in doubt, buy from a drugstore or supermarket where you can see the battery in person and return it if it is the wrong size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reprogram my key fob after changing the battery?
No. Chrysler key fobs do not need to be reprogrammed after a battery change. The fob will work the moment you close it back up. If it does not work, the problem is not the battery or programming — it is a worn button contact or a dead circuit board.
What if I put the battery in backwards?
If you put the battery in with the negative side up instead of the positive side, the fob will not work. Open the fob again, flip the battery so the positive side (marked with a +) faces up, and close it. It will work when ready after that.
Can I use a different type of battery instead of a CR2032?
No. Your Chrysler fob is designed for a CR2032 or CR2025, and other battery types will not fit or will not work. Using the wrong battery can also damage the fob. Stick with the battery type that came in your fob originally.
How often do I need to replace the battery?
A CR2032 battery in a key fob usually lasts three to four years, depending on how often you use the fob. If you use it several times a day, the battery may last only two years. You will know it is time to replace it when the fob stops working or the buttons become slow to respond.
What if my Chrysler key fob has a different design than the ones I see online?
Chrysler has made many different fob designs over the years, but they all open the same way — by finding the seam and twisting gently. If your fob looks different, search for your specific vehicle year and model plus "key fob battery replacement" to find photos of your exact fob. The steps will be the same even if the shape is different.