What You Need to Do

Replacing the battery in an Infiniti key fob takes about five minutes and costs between $5 and $15 for the battery itself. You do not need to visit a dealer — you can do this at home with a coin and a replacement battery that matches your fob model. Most Infiniti key fobs use a CR2032 or CR2025 battery, though some newer models use different sizes, so checking your current battery before you buy is the safest approach.

The process is straightforward: pry open the fob case with a coin, remove the old battery, note which side faces up, insert the new battery the same way, and snap the case closed. If your fob has multiple batteries or a different design, the steps change slightly, but the principle stays the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Infiniti key fobs hold a CR2032 or CR2025 battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or hardware store for under $15.
  • You need only a coin (a dime or penny works) to pry open the fob case; no special tools are required.
  • Pay attention to which side of the battery faces outward before you remove it, because the new battery must go in the same way.
  • If your fob still does not work after you replace the battery, the problem may be a worn contact or a damaged circuit board rather than the battery itself.

Finding the Right Battery Size for Your Infiniti Fob

The battery type depends on your Infiniti model year and fob design. Most Infiniti key fobs from the 2000s through 2020s use a CR2032 battery, which is the most common coin-cell battery sold in stores. Some older or newer models use a CR2025, which is slightly thinner but the same diameter. A few luxury models or remote start fobs may use a different size altogether.

The easiest way to know for certain is to open your current fob and look at the battery itself — the size is printed directly on it. If you cannot open it yet, you can also call your local Infiniti dealer with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and model year, and they will tell you the correct battery. Once you know the size, you can buy it at a pharmacy, grocery store, or online; CR2032 batteries are stocked almost everywhere.

Opening the Key Fob Case

Locate the seam that runs around the edge of your key fob. On most Infiniti fobs, this seam is visible as a thin line separating the two halves of the plastic case. Insert a coin — a dime or penny works best — into the seam at the point where it looks widest or where you see a small notch or indent.

Turn the coin gently to pry the two halves apart. Do not force it; if the fob resists, try a different spot along the seam. Once you feel it start to give, work your way around the edge, lifting slightly at each point until the case separates. Some fobs pop open suddenly; others come apart gradually. Set both halves on a clean surface so you do not lose the small spring or gasket that may fall out.

Removing and Replacing the Battery

Inside the fob, you will see the battery sitting in a small metal holder or slot. Before you touch it, note which side is facing up — the positive side (marked with a + symbol) or the negative side (marked with a − symbol). Take a photo with your phone if you are unsure, because inserting the battery backward will prevent the fob from working.

Gently pry the old battery out of its holder using the edge of a coin or your fingernail. Do not bend or scratch the metal contacts inside the fob. Once the old battery is out, insert the new battery with the same side facing up as the old one. Press it down until it sits flat in the holder and makes contact with the metal terminals on both sides.

Closing the Fob and Testing

Align the two halves of the fob case so the seams match up evenly. Press them together firmly until you hear or feel a click, which means the case has snapped shut. The fob should be watertight again once it is fully closed.

Test the fob by pressing each button — lock, unlock, and trunk or panic if your model has them — while standing near your vehicle. You should see the lights flash or hear the locks respond. If the fob still does not work, try removing the battery and reinserting it to make sure it is making good contact. If it still fails after that, the problem is likely inside the fob itself, such as a corroded contact or a damaged circuit board, rather than the battery.

When to Replace the Whole Fob Instead

If the fob is several years old, the battery contacts inside may be corroded or worn, which prevents a new battery from working. You can sometimes clean the contacts with a pencil eraser or a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab, but if that does not help, the fob itself has reached the end of its life.

A replacement key fob from Infiniti costs between $200 and $400 depending on the model, though aftermarket fobs are available for $50 to $150. Some people choose to repair the contacts or have a locksmith reprogram a used fob instead. If your vehicle is still under warranty, contact your dealer to see whether battery replacement or fob repair is covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Using the wrong battery size can damage the fob or prevent it from working at all. CR2032 and CR2025 look similar but have different thicknesses, and using the wrong one may prevent the case from closing properly or may not make good contact with the terminals. Stick with the size printed on your old battery.

What if the fob case will not open?

Try a different spot along the seam — some fobs have a specific weak point where they are designed to open. If you still cannot open it, a small flathead screwdriver may work better than a coin. Avoid using excessive force, as you can crack the plastic case. If you are stuck, a locksmith or your dealer can open it for you.

How long does a key fob battery usually last?

Most key fob batteries last between three and four years with normal use. If you use your fob frequently or live in a very hot climate, the battery may drain faster. If you rarely use the fob, it may last longer.

Do I need to reprogram my key fob after replacing the battery?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase the fob's programming. Once you insert the new battery and close the case, the fob should work when ready without any additional steps.