The battery in your 2020 Dodge Charger SXT key fob lasts roughly three to four years before it stops holding a charge

When your key fob stops working, the battery is usually the culprit. The 2020 Dodge Charger SXT uses a CR2032 coin cell battery, which you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or hardware store for a few dollars. Replacing it takes about two minutes and requires no tools beyond what you likely have at home.

The battery sits inside the fob's plastic case. You'll open the case, slide out the old battery, and slide in the new one — making sure the positive side faces up. After that, your key fob should work again. If it doesn't, the problem lies elsewhere, and you may need to visit a Dodge dealer or a locksmith.

Key Takeaways

  • Your 2020 Dodge Charger SXT key fob uses a CR2032 battery, sold at drugstores and supermarkets for under five dollars.
  • The fob case opens by sliding a small metal button or lever on the side, then gently prying the two halves apart.
  • The battery slides out and in; make sure the positive (+) side faces upward when you insert the new one.
  • If the fob still doesn't work after you replace the battery, the problem may be a broken circuit board or a dead remote receiver in your car.

Opening the key fob case

The 2020 Charger SXT key fob has a small metal slot or button on one edge. Look along the seam where the two plastic halves meet — you'll see a thin line running around the fob. On one side of that seam, there's a small metal lever or button you can push or slide.

Push or slide that lever gently. You don't need force. Once you've moved it, the two halves of the fob will separate slightly. Use your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle to gently pry the halves apart. Avoid using a metal screwdriver or knife, which can scratch the plastic or damage the circuit board inside.

Removing and replacing the CR2032 battery

Once the fob is open, you'll see the battery sitting in a small metal holder. It's a flat, round disc about the size of a dime. The battery slides out easily — you may need to lift one edge slightly to get it started, then slide it out of the holder.

When you insert the new CR2032 battery, the positive side (marked with a +) must face upward, toward the top of the fob. The negative side faces down, toward the circuit board. Slide it into the holder the same way the old one came out. You should hear or feel a small click as it seats.

Closing the fob and testing it

Once the new battery is in place, press the two halves of the fob back together. They should snap together with a small click. If they don't fit snugly, open it again and make sure the battery is fully seated in its holder — a battery that's not all the way in can prevent the fob from closing properly.

Test the fob by pressing the lock and unlock buttons while standing near your car. You should see the car's lights flash or hear it beep. If nothing happens, try pressing the buttons several more times — sometimes a new battery needs a moment to make full contact. If the fob still doesn't work after a minute or two, the problem is likely inside the fob or in your car's receiver, not the battery.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere. You'll find them at drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets, hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's, and online retailers. A single battery usually costs between two and five dollars. Some stores sell them in multipacks if you want to keep spares on hand.

When you buy one, double-check the package to confirm it says CR2032 — that's the exact size and type your 2020 Charger SXT needs. Other coin cell batteries look similar but won't work in your fob.

What to do if the new battery doesn't fix the problem

If you've replaced the battery and the fob still doesn't work, the issue is not the battery. The circuit board inside the fob may be damaged, or the receiver in your car may have stopped working. In either case, you'll need to contact a Dodge dealer or a professional locksmith who works on car keys.

A dealer can reprogram your existing fob or sell you a replacement. A locksmith can often do the same thing at a lower cost. Before you visit either one, try using your spare key fob if you have one — if the spare works, your car's receiver is fine and the problem is definitely inside the fob you just opened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery if I can't find a CR2032?

No. Other coin cell batteries like the CR2025 or CR2016 look similar but are thinner and won't work in your fob. Stick with CR2032. It's inexpensive and widely sold, so you should be able to find one within a few minutes of looking.

What if I put the battery in upside down?

The fob won't work, but you won't damage anything. straightforward open the fob again and flip the battery so the positive (+) side faces up. This is a common mistake and straightforward to fix.

How long does a new CR2032 battery last?

Most CR2032 batteries last three to four years in a key fob, depending on how often you use it. If you press the buttons dozens of times a day, the battery may wear out faster. If you use the fob only occasionally, it may last longer.

Should I replace both key fobs at the same time?

Only if both are failing. If you have a spare fob that still works, wait until it stops working before you replace its battery. There's no benefit to replacing a working battery early.