What happens when your car remote battery dies

When your car remote stops working, the battery inside it has usually run out of power. The remote itself is fine — you just need to swap out the old battery for a new one. This takes about five minutes and costs between $3 and $15 for the battery itself.

Car remotes use small coin-cell batteries, most commonly CR2032, CR2025, or CR2016. The exact type depends on your car's make and model. You can find out which one you need by opening the remote or checking your owner's manual.

Replacing the battery yourself is straightforward and requires no special tools beyond what most people have at home. If you'd rather not do it, a dealership or locksmith can do it for you, though you'll pay more for the labor.

Key Takeaways

  • Most car remote batteries cost $3 to $15 and are standard coin-cell types you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket.
  • You can open most remotes by sliding a small flathead screwdriver or coin into the seam and gently prying the two halves apart.
  • Note which side of the battery faces up before you remove it, then insert the new battery the same way.
  • If the remote still doesn't work after you replace the battery, the problem may be a broken button or circuit board, not the battery.

Finding out which battery your remote needs

The easiest way is to open the remote and look at the battery itself. On the flat side, you'll see a code like CR2032 or CR2025. Write that down or take a photo with your phone.

If you don't want to open it yet, check your car's owner's manual — it usually lists the battery type in the section about the key fob or remote. You can also call your car's dealership with your vehicle identification number (VIN), and they'll tell you the exact battery type.

Once you know the type, you can buy the battery at a pharmacy, grocery store, hardware store, or online. Most places stock the common types. Avoid buying the cheapest option; mid-range batteries from brands like Energizer or Duracell tend to last longer than no-name versions.

Opening the remote and removing the old battery

Look for a seam running around the edge of your remote — this is where the two plastic halves meet. Slide a small flathead screwdriver, coin, or plastic pry tool into the seam and gently twist to separate the halves. Don't force it; if it's stuck, try a different spot along the seam.

Once the remote is open, you'll see the battery sitting in a small metal holder. Before you touch it, look at which side is facing up — the + or – symbol should be visible on one side. This matters because the battery only works one way.

Use your fingernail or the screwdriver to gently lift the battery out of its holder. If it's stuck, a tiny bit of leverage from the screwdriver will free it. Set the old battery aside.

Installing the new battery and closing the remote

Take your new battery and orient it the same way the old one was facing. If the + side was up before, the + side goes up now. Slide the new battery into the metal holder until it sits flat and snug.

Before you close the remote, press the buttons a few times to see if it works. You should see a light inside the remote when you press a button, or you can point it at your phone camera — the infrared light will show up as a bright flash on the camera screen.

If the remote works, carefully line up the two halves and press them together until they click. If it doesn't work, remove the battery and check that it's facing the right direction, then try again.

What to do if the remote still doesn't work

If you've replaced the battery and the remote still won't work, the problem is likely not the battery. The most common culprits are a worn-out button pad, a cracked circuit board, or corrosion inside the remote.

Check inside the remote for any visible damage, discoloration, or white powder (which is corrosion). If you see corrosion, you can try cleaning the metal contacts with a cotton swab and a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol, then letting it dry completely before reassembling.

If cleaning doesn't help, or if you see physical damage, the remote itself needs to be replaced. You can buy an aftermarket remote online for $15 to $50, or get one from your dealership for $50 to $200. Some aftermarket remotes require programming; others work right out of the box. Check the product description before you buy.

When to take the remote to a professional

If you're uncomfortable opening the remote, or if you've tried replacing the battery and it still doesn't work, a locksmith or dealership can handle it for you. A locksmith typically charges $15 to $50 to replace the battery and test the remote. A dealership usually charges $50 to $150 for the same work.

If your remote needs to be reprogrammed to your car, a dealership is usually your only option, though some locksmiths offer this service. Programming costs vary widely depending on your car's make and model, ranging from $50 to $200.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any CR2032 battery, or does it have to be a specific brand?

Any CR2032 will work in your remote as long as it's the right size. Brand doesn't matter for basic function, but name-brand batteries like Energizer and Duracell tend to last longer than generic ones. The difference is usually a few months of extra life.

How often do car remote batteries need to be replaced?

Most car remote batteries last two to four years, depending on how often you use the remote and the brand of battery. If you use your remote multiple times a day, you may need to replace it sooner. There's no set schedule — you replace it when it stops working.

What if I lose a screw or piece when I open the remote?

Most remotes don't have screws; they snap together at a seam. If yours does have a screw and you lose it, you can usually close the remote without it — the snap fit will hold it together. If the remote feels loose, a tiny dab of clear nail polish or super glue on the seam will keep it shut.

Is it bad to leave a dead battery in the remote?

A dead battery won't damage the remote, but it won't work either. Replace it as soon as you notice the remote isn't responding. The longer you wait, the more likely you'll be stuck without a working remote when you need it.

Can I recycle the old battery?

Yes. Most pharmacies, grocery stores, and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. Some accept them for free; others may charge a small fee. Never throw batteries in the trash — they contain materials that can harm the environment.