The 2013 Ford Fiesta key fob uses a CR2032 coin-cell battery that you can replace yourself in under two minutes
The key fob for a 2013 Ford Fiesta stops working when its battery dies, not when the fob itself fails. The battery is a CR2032, a standard coin-cell battery about the size of a dime, and you can buy one at any pharmacy, grocery store, or hardware store for between $3 and $8. You do not need to go to a Ford dealership or a locksmith — the replacement is a physical task, not a repair that requires special tools or programming.
The entire process takes longer to read about than to do. You will pry open the fob case with a coin or flathead screwdriver, lift out the old battery, drop in the new one with the positive side facing up, and snap the case closed. After that, test the buttons to confirm the fob works. If it does not, the battery may have been inserted upside down, or the fob itself may have a different problem.
Key Takeaways
- A CR2032 battery is the correct replacement for a 2013 Ford Fiesta key fob and costs $3 to $8 at most retailers.
- You can open the fob by inserting a coin or flathead screwdriver into the slot on the edge and twisting gently to separate the two halves.
- The positive side of the battery (marked with a +) must face upward when you insert it into the fob.
- If the fob still does not work after battery replacement, the problem may be a worn button contact or internal damage rather than the battery itself.
How to open the 2013 Ford Fiesta key fob
The fob has a small slot running around the edge where the two plastic halves meet. This slot is designed to accept a coin or the flat blade of a screwdriver. Insert a penny, dime, or flathead screwdriver into the slot and turn it gently — you are not forcing it, just explore steady rotational pressure. The two halves will separate after a quarter turn or less.
Once the case is open, you will see the circuit board and the battery sitting in a small metal holder. The battery is round and silver, about the size of a dime, and it sits flat in the holder. Do not pull on any wires or components; straightforward note which side of the battery is facing up so you can install the new one the same way.
Removing the old battery and installing the new one
Lift the old battery straight up and out of its holder. If it is stuck, use your fingernail or the edge of a coin to gently pry it up from the side. Once it is out, look at the holder and you will see a small + symbol stamped or printed on the metal. This marks which side should face up.
Take the new CR2032 battery and look at its two sides. One side is marked with a + and the other with a −. Place the battery into the holder with the + side facing up, matching the + symbol on the holder itself. Press down gently until you hear or feel a small click — the battery should sit flat and flush with the holder.
Closing the fob and testing it
Align the two halves of the fob so the edges match up evenly. Press them together firmly until they snap into place. You should hear a distinct click when the case closes completely. If the halves do not snap together easily, check that the battery is sitting flat and not sticking up above the holder.
Press each button on the fob — lock, unlock, trunk, and panic if your model has one — and listen for the car to respond. If the car locks and unlocks, the battery is installed correctly and the fob is working. If nothing happens, remove the fob case again and check that the battery is oriented with the + side up. A battery installed upside down will not power the fob.
Where to buy a CR2032 battery
CR2032 batteries are sold at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), grocery stores (most have a pharmacy section), hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe's), and online retailers. You can also find them at dollar stores, though the price and quality vary. Buy a name-brand battery such as Energizer, Duracell, or Panasonic rather than an off-brand if you want the longest lifespan — the difference in price is usually $1 to $2, and a quality battery will last longer before needing replacement again.
Some retailers sell CR2032 batteries in multipacks of two or four, which costs less per battery than buying a single one. If you have multiple key fobs or other devices that use CR2032 batteries, a multipack is a practical choice.
What to do if the fob still does not work after battery replacement
If you have installed a new CR2032 battery with the correct orientation and the fob still does not work, the problem is not the battery. The most common cause is worn button contacts — the rubber pads under the buttons wear down over time and stop making electrical contact with the circuit board. This is a wear-and-tear issue that cannot be fixed by replacing the battery.
A second possibility is water damage or corrosion inside the fob. If the fob has been dropped in water or exposed to moisture, the circuit board or battery contacts may be corroded. You can try removing the battery, letting the fob dry completely for 24 hours, and then reinstalling it, but corrosion usually requires professional repair or fob replacement.
If the fob is still under warranty or you prefer not to replace it yourself, a Ford dealership can order a replacement fob and program it to your car. A locksmith can also provide a replacement fob, often at a lower cost than the dealership. Before paying for a new fob, confirm that the car itself is responding to other key fobs or the spare fob if you have one — if no fob works, the problem may be the car's receiver module rather than the fob.
How often you will need to replace the battery
A CR2032 battery in a key fob typically lasts between three and four years under normal use. If you use the fob frequently — pressing the buttons multiple times per day — the battery may last closer to two years. If you use it rarely, it may last longer. The battery will gradually weaken before it stops working completely, so you may notice the fob working only at close range before it fails entirely.
Once you have replaced the battery once, you will know the process and can do it again quickly whenever needed. Keeping a spare CR2032 battery in your car or at home means you can restore a dead fob when ready rather than waiting for a store trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery size if I cannot find a CR2032?
No. The CR2032 is the correct and only size that fits the 2013 Ford Fiesta key fob. Other coin-cell batteries such as CR2025 or CR2016 are slightly thinner or thicker and will not work. Buy the CR2032 specifically — it is inexpensive and widely available.
What does the + and − on the battery mean?
The + is the positive terminal and the − is the negative terminal. The battery must be installed with the + side facing up so the electrical current flows correctly through the fob's circuit. Inserting it upside down will not damage the battery, but the fob will not work until you flip it over.
Is it safe to replace the battery myself?
Yes. A CR2032 battery is not dangerous to handle. It produces very low voltage and cannot shock you. The only precaution is to avoid dropping it or exposing it to extreme heat, and to keep it away from small children or pets who might swallow it.
Will replacing the battery erase my fob's programming?
No. The fob's programming is stored on the circuit board and is not affected by battery replacement. You do not need to reprogram the fob after installing a new battery — it will work when ready once the new battery is in place.
How do I know if the battery is dead or if the fob is broken?
Replace the battery first. If the fob works after battery replacement, the battery was the problem. If it still does not work, try the fob's buttons from very close to the car — sometimes a weak battery works at short range but not at distance. If it does not work at any range, the fob itself likely has a problem.