How to Change the Battery in Your Keyless Remote

Keyless operating systems are very convenient - until they're not. Since you use your car to get where you need to go, you're faced with a conundrum when your keyless remote stops working. The culprit is most likely a dead battery in your key fob.

While you may need to call roadside assistance, chances are you can solve the problem yourself. Below are the important steps to take to

change the battery in your key fob.

How to Operate a Car When the Battery Dies in the Keyless Remote

First, you need to get inside your car. One option is to hold the dead remote up to the driver's door handle and pull it. You may have just enough life left in the battery to open the door in such a close proximity.

Conversely, many key fobs have a small mechanical key hidden inside. You'll have to examine how the sleeve releases the key. Typically, the fob will feature a button release that you have to press. Your driver's door should feature a manual lock.

A similar mechanism may be in place for actually starting the car. Look around your steering column. You may find a key slot. Look for any panels that you may have to push or pop open - manufacturers sometimes hide the slot behind such a panel. Otherwise, push the start button with your key fob - the manufacturer may have built in a backup system.

How to Identify the Right Replacement Battery

Naturally, you like the convenience of your keyless entry and ignition system. So, the above steps are just a fix to get you to the store. You'll want to change out the battery in your remote. Most stores that sell a range of batteries will sell those appropriate for a key fob.

Different batteries work for different remotes. Look on the fob for embossing that features number-letter series that will be the battery

size. If you don't find such embossing, you'll have to open up the remote and use the current battery for identification.

How to Open the Keyless Remote

Again, manufacturers design their fobs to open in different ways. In some cases, all you have to do is open a battery cover, often with a coin or small screwdriver. If you don't see a battery cover, look for your fob's system of opening. If your remote features a sliding key, look for a small button on top that you have to press down. If your key springs out, look for a spring button anywhere on the fob.

Your remote may also feature a small screw holding it in place. Even if it features one of the above methods of opening, you may still need to unscrew the screw. Such screws typically require using a Philips head screwdriver.

Next, look on the side of your remote. If it features a slot, you can use a coin to pry the two sides apart. If you don't see a slot, you can lightly wedge a flathead screwdriver into the seam and gently pry it open. Never force the case open, or you may end up having to replace it.

How to Replace the Battery

Once you have the fob open, changing the battery is a relatively easy matter. You simply have to pop the old battery out and put the new one in. Be sure you observe how the original battery was nestled inside its slot. For instance, is the writing on the battery facing up or down?

Remote batteries are usually round and flat like a coin. To remove the old battery, try first to slide it out. If that doesn't work, look for clips holding it in place. If so, gently push them aside and slide the battery out. When it's out, use your observation of the original battery's placement to slide the new one in. And then, simply reverse the steps you took to open the fob to close it again.

A dead keyless remote isn't a tragedy - change out the battery to get your ride running smoothly again. If you do need assistance, call Letcher Bros. Auto Repair.