You can replace a Nissan Altima key fob battery yourself in about five minutes with a coin and a replacement battery
The battery inside your Nissan Altima key fob dies like any other battery—usually after three to four years of regular use. When your fob stops locking or unlocking the car from a distance, a dead battery is almost always the cause. You do not need to visit a dealer or a locksmith. The battery compartment is designed to open by hand, and the correct replacement battery costs between $3 and $8 at any pharmacy, grocery store, or hardware store.
This guide walks you through the exact steps to open your fob, identify which battery you need, and install the new one. The whole job takes longer to read about than to actually do.
Key Takeaways
- Nissan Altima key fobs use a CR2032 battery, which you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket for a few dollars.
- The battery compartment opens by sliding a coin into the slot on the back of the fob and twisting gently—no tools or special knowledge required.
- When you remove the old battery, note which side faces outward so you install the new one the same way.
- If your fob still does not work after replacing the battery, the problem is likely the fob itself rather than the battery, and you may need a replacement fob from a dealer.
What battery your Altima key fob uses
All Nissan Altima key fobs from 2007 onward use a CR2032 battery. This is a standard coin-cell battery about the size of a dime, and it is one of the most common batteries made. You will find CR2032 batteries in the battery aisle of any drugstore, supermarket, or big-box retailer. Some hardware stores and dollar stores also stock them.
The battery usually costs between $3 and $8 for a single unit, though you can often buy a pack of two or four for less per battery. Duracell, Energizer, and store brands all work equally well. Do not buy a knockoff or extremely cheap battery from an unknown seller—stick with a name brand or your retailer's house brand.
How to open the key fob battery compartment
Look at the back of your key fob. You will see a thin slot running horizontally across the back, usually near the bottom. This slot is where you insert a coin to open the battery compartment.
Take a coin—a penny, dime, or quarter all work—and slide it into the slot. Turn the coin gently, as if you were opening a jar lid. You do not need to force it. The back of the fob will separate slightly, and you can then pull the two halves apart by hand. Set the front half (the part with the buttons) aside on a clean surface.
Inside, you will see a small metal or plastic battery holder with the old CR2032 battery sitting in it. The battery is held in place by a small metal clip or spring, but it lifts out easily once you know where to look.
Removing the old battery and noting its orientation
Before you touch the old battery, look at which side is facing up. The CR2032 battery has a flat side and a slightly domed side. The domed side is the positive terminal, and the flat side is the negative terminal. Most Altima fobs have the domed side facing outward (toward you when you look at the open fob), but check yours to be sure.
Gently lift the edge of the battery and slide it out from under the metal clip. If it is stuck, wiggle it gently side to side rather than pulling straight up. Once the old battery is out, set it aside. You can throw it in the trash—CR2032 batteries are not considered hazardous waste in most places, though some recycling centers accept them if you prefer.
Installing the new battery
Take your new CR2032 battery and orient it the same way the old one was facing. If the domed side was facing outward in your fob, make sure the domed side of the new battery faces outward too. Slide the new battery under the metal clip, domed side first, until it sits flat in the battery holder.
The battery should sit snugly and not rattle. If it feels loose, lift it and reseat it—you may not have pushed it far enough under the clip. Once the battery is find, you are done with the hard part.
Closing the fob and testing it
Align the two halves of the fob so the seam runs straight. Press them together firmly until you hear or feel a small click. The fob should close flush with no gaps. If one side is higher than the other, open it again and make sure the battery is seated properly and the two halves are aligned.
Once the fob is closed, stand near your car and press the lock button. You should hear the car lock. Press the unlock button and listen for the unlock sound. If both buttons work, the battery replacement was successful. If the fob still does not work, the problem is likely a broken circuit board or button inside the fob itself, not the battery.
What to do if the new battery does not fix the problem
If you installed a fresh CR2032 battery and the fob still does not respond, the fob itself is probably damaged. Water damage, a cracked circuit board, or worn-out buttons can all prevent a fob from working even with a good battery.
You have two options: buy a replacement fob from a Nissan dealer, or buy an aftermarket fob online and have a dealer or locksmith program it to your car. Dealer fobs cost more but are may provide to work with your specific model year. Aftermarket fobs are cheaper but require programming, which usually costs $50 to $150 depending on your location and the shop.
Before you buy a replacement, make sure your spare key fob (if you have one) works. If the spare also does not work, the problem may be with your car's receiver rather than the fob, and you should have a dealer diagnose it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery instead of CR2032?
No. The CR2032 is the only battery that fits the Altima key fob compartment and provides the correct voltage. Using a different size or type of battery will not work and could damage the fob. Always use CR2032.
How long does a CR2032 battery last in a key fob?
Most CR2032 batteries last three to four years in a key fob, depending on how often you use it. Heavy users may need a replacement every two to three years. There is no way to predict exactly when yours will die, so replace it as soon as the fob stops responding.
What if I drop the battery or lose it while replacing it?
CR2032 batteries are small and straightforward to lose. If you drop yours, search the floor carefully before opening a new one. If you lose it, just buy another—they are inexpensive. Keep the fob over a table or towel while working to catch anything that falls.
Do I need to reprogram my key fob after changing the battery?
No. Changing the battery does not erase any programming. Your fob will work exactly as it did before, as long as the new battery is installed correctly and the fob itself is not damaged.
Is it safe to touch the battery with my bare hands?
Yes. CR2032 batteries are safe to handle with bare hands. You do not need gloves or special precautions. Just avoid getting the battery wet or exposing it to extreme heat.