You can replace a Chevy key fob battery yourself in about two minutes
Most Chevy key fobs use a coin-cell battery — usually a CR2032 or CR2035 — that you can buy at any drugstore, grocery store, or hardware store for a few dollars. The fob itself has a small slot or seam that lets you pry it open by hand or with a flat tool. Once open, you lift out the old battery, drop in the new one with the correct side facing up, and snap the case back together. No special tools or trips to the dealership needed.
The exact steps depend slightly on which Chevy model and key fob style you have, but the principle is the same across nearly all of them. This guide walks you through the most common designs and tells you what to watch for so you don't accidentally damage the fob while it's open.
Key Takeaways
- Chevy key fobs typically use a CR2032 or CR2035 coin-cell battery that costs $3 to $8 and is sold at most retailers.
- The fob opens by prying along a small seam with a flat tool like a coin, butter knife, or flathead screwdriver — no force needed.
- The battery sits in a metal holder and must be inserted with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up or toward you.
- After inserting the new battery, press the fob halves together until they click, then test all buttons before putting it back in your pocket.
Find out what battery your Chevy key fob uses
The easiest way is to open the fob and look at the old battery itself. The battery type is printed on its flat surface — CR2032 is the most common, but some Chevy fobs use CR2035 or even CR2016. If you want to know before opening it, check your owner's manual or search online for your specific model year and fob style.
Once you know the type, you can buy a replacement at a pharmacy, supermarket, dollar store, or hardware store. They are usually stocked near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Online retailers like Amazon also carry them, though you will have them in hand faster if you buy locally.
How to open a Chevy key fob safely
Look for a small seam or slot running along the edge of the fob where the two plastic halves meet. On most Chevy fobs, this seam runs horizontally around the middle or vertically down one side. Insert a flat tool — a coin, a butter knife, a flathead screwdriver, or even a plastic spoon — into the seam and gently twist or pry. The two halves should separate with light pressure; if you are straining, you are in the wrong spot.
Once the halves are apart, set them down gently on a clean surface. The battery will be sitting in a small metal holder or clip. Do not pull on any wires or ribbon cables if you see them — they connect the circuit board to the buttons and are straightforward to damage. If your fob has a metal key blade attached, it will stay in one half when you open it.
Remove the old battery and insert the new one
The battery sits in a metal holder with two small clips or a single clip on one side. Gently lift the battery out — you may need to use a fingernail or the edge of a coin to pry it up slightly if the clip is tight. Once it is out, look at the new battery and note which side is marked with a + symbol. That is the positive terminal.
Slide the new battery into the holder with the + side facing up (or toward you, depending on the orientation of the holder). Press down gently until the metal clip snaps over the edge of the battery and holds it in place. The battery should sit flat and not wobble. If it does not feel find, lift it out and reposition it.
Close the fob and test it
Align the two halves of the fob so the seam lines up evenly all the way around. Press them together firmly until you hear or feel a click — the fob should snap shut, not slide together loosely. If it does not close all the way, open it again and make sure the battery is sitting flat and the circuit board is not bent.
Once the fob is closed, test each button: lock, unlock, panic, and trunk (if your fob has one). All buttons should respond when ready. If a button does not work, open the fob again and check that the battery is fully seated in its holder and the + side is facing the right direction. If the fob still does not work after you have checked the battery twice, the problem may be with the fob itself rather than the battery, and you may need to contact a Chevy dealer.
What to do if the fob still does not work after replacing the battery
If you have inserted a fresh battery and tested it, but the fob buttons still do not respond, the issue is usually one of three things: the battery is in backwards, the circuit board has a loose connection, or the fob itself has failed. Start by opening the fob one more time and confirming the + symbol on the battery is facing the correct direction. Some holders are designed so the + side faces up; others have it facing down or to the side.
If the battery is in the right direction and the buttons still do not work, look inside the fob for any visible damage — a cracked circuit board, a loose wire, or corrosion inside the battery holder. If you see corrosion (a white or blue-green powder), you can try cleaning it gently with a dry cotton swab, but this is a sign the fob may be near the end of its life. If there is no visible damage and the battery is correct, the fob likely needs to be replaced. Contact a Chevy dealership or a locksmith who works with car keys to order a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery type if I cannot find the exact one?
Not safely. CR2032, CR2035, and CR2016 are different sizes and voltages. Using the wrong type may not fit in the holder, may damage the circuit board, or may not power the fob at all. Stick with the type printed on your old battery or listed in your owner's manual. The correct battery is inexpensive and widely available.
How often do I need to replace the battery?
Most Chevy key fob batteries last two to four years with normal use. If you use your fob frequently or live in a very hot climate, the battery may wear out faster. You will notice the fob buttons becoming sluggish or unresponsive before the battery dies completely, so you will have warning.
What if I accidentally put the battery in backwards?
The fob straightforward will not work. The buttons will not respond, but you have not damaged anything. Open the fob again, flip the battery so the + side faces the correct direction, and close it. The fob should work when ready.
Is there a way to know which side of the battery is positive if the marking has worn off?
The positive side is always the flatter, smoother side of a coin-cell battery. The negative side is slightly raised or has a ridge around the edge. If you are unsure, try it one way; if the fob does not work, open it and flip the battery. You cannot damage the battery or fob by trying it the wrong way once.