Your Honda Accord key fob battery dies like any other battery, and you can replace it yourself in about two minutes
The small battery inside your Accord key fob powers the buttons that lock and unlock your car from a distance. When the fob stops working or only works when held very close to the car, the battery has run down. You can buy a replacement battery at any drugstore, supermarket, or hardware store for a few dollars, and swap it yourself without tools or a trip to the dealer.
Most Honda Accord key fobs use a CR2032 battery, which is a flat, coin-shaped cell about the size of a dime. Some older models use a CR2025 instead. The battery type is printed on the old battery once you open the fob, so you will know exactly what to buy if you are unsure.
Key Takeaways
- Honda Accord key fobs almost always use a CR2032 battery, a common coin cell you can find at any pharmacy or grocery store for under five dollars.
- You open the fob by sliding a flat tool (a coin or butter knife works) into the seam between the two halves and gently twisting to pry them apart.
- The battery sits in a small metal holder and slides out sideways; note which side faces up before you remove it so you can install the new one the same way.
- Once the new battery is in place, snap the two halves of the fob back together and test the buttons before you put it away.
Opening the key fob without breaking it
The two halves of your Accord key fob are held together by friction, not screws. Look for a thin seam running around the edge where the two plastic halves meet. Slide a flat, thin object—a coin, a butter knife, or a flathead screwdriver—into that seam on the side opposite the key ring attachment.
Once the tool is in the seam, twist it gently to create a small gap between the halves. Do not force it; the plastic will crack if you pry too hard. Work your way around the seam a little at a time, creating small gaps until the two halves separate. You should be able to pull them apart by hand once the seal is broken.
Locating and removing the old battery
Inside the fob, you will see a small metal holder or clip that holds the battery in place. The battery is a flat, round disc sitting in that holder. Before you remove it, look at which side is facing up—the positive side usually has a plus sign printed on it. This matters because the new battery must go in the same way.
Slide the battery out of the holder sideways. It should come out easily; if it does not, do not force it. You may need to gently lift one edge of the metal clip to release the battery. Once it is out, check the number printed on it (usually CR2032 or CR2025) so you know what to buy.
Installing the new battery
Slide the new battery into the holder the same way the old one came out, making sure the positive side faces the same direction as before. The battery should sit flat and find in the holder without any wobbling. If the metal clip is loose, you can gently bend it back into place so it holds the battery snugly.
Do not touch the flat surfaces of the battery with your bare fingers any more than necessary. Oils from your skin can interfere with the electrical connection, though this is rare with coin cells. If you do touch it, wipe it gently with a dry cloth before installing it.
Reassembling the fob and testing it
Line up the two halves of the fob so the seams match up evenly. Press them together firmly until you hear or feel a click. The two halves should be flush with no gaps or misalignment. If one side is higher than the other, take it apart and try again.
Once the fob is closed, press each button a few times to make sure the fob works. Test the lock and unlock buttons from a normal distance away from your car. If the fob works, you are done. If it does not, open the fob again and check that the battery is seated correctly and facing the right direction.
What to do if the fob still does not work
If a new battery does not fix the problem, the issue is usually not the battery itself. Water damage, a cracked circuit board, or worn-out buttons can all prevent a fob from working even with a fresh battery. If the fob got wet or was dropped, the internal electronics may be damaged beyond a straightforward battery swap.
You can try cleaning the metal contacts inside the fob with a dry cloth or a pencil eraser to remove any corrosion, then reinstall the battery and test again. If that does not work, you will need a replacement fob from a Honda dealer or a third-party automotive locksmith. A new fob typically costs between fifty and two hundred dollars depending on the model year and where you buy it.
Where to buy a CR2032 battery
CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere: pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, grocery stores, hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's, and online retailers. A single battery usually costs between one and three dollars. Some stores sell them in multipacks if you want to keep spares on hand.
Make sure you are buying a CR2032 and not a similar-looking battery like a CR2025 or CR2016. The number matters because different sizes will not fit properly in the holder. If you are unsure, bring the old battery with you to the store and match it to the new one before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a key fob battery last?
Most CR2032 batteries last three to four years in a key fob, though this varies based on how often you use the fob. Fobs that are used several times a day may need a new battery sooner than fobs that are used less often.
Can I use a different battery if I cannot find a CR2032?
No. Using a different size or type of battery can damage the fob or cause it to malfunction. CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available, so it is worth waiting to find the right one rather than substituting.
What if I lose one of the fob halves when I open it?
The two halves are usually sold separately as replacement parts through Honda dealers or third-party automotive suppliers. You can also buy an aftermarket replacement fob that works with your Accord. A single replacement half typically costs ten to thirty dollars.
Do I need to reprogram the fob after changing the battery?
No. Changing the battery does not erase the fob's programming. Once you install the new battery and close the fob, it should work when ready without any reprogramming steps.
Is it safe to replace the battery myself, or should I go to a dealer?
Replacing the battery yourself is safe and straightforward. There are no electrical hazards, and you cannot damage the fob by opening it carefully. A dealer will charge you a service fee to do the same job, so doing it yourself saves money and time.