How to change the battery in a nissan key fob

How to change the battery in a nissan key fob

Changing a Dead Battery in a Nissan Key Fob

You press the unlock button on your key fob. Nothing happens. You get a bit closer to your vehicle and try again. Still nothing. It has a dead battery. What a pain! No worries. It’s a simple fix that only takes a minute or two.

Here’s how to change a dead battery on your Nissan key fob. Keep reading for our step-by-step guide.



Changing Nissan Key Fob Battery

How to change the battery in a nissan key fob

While changing out your Nissan model’s key fob battery is a straightforward process, it does involve touching sensitive and fragile electronics. To avoid damage to the key fob, make sure to wear a pair of gloves (latex or non-latex substitute). The Nissan key fob uses a CR2032 3V battery. You can usually get a multipack of these for under $5 USD. You’ll also need a small flathead screwdriver.

  • Flip Nissan key fob to back side
  • Move small slider to unlock emergency key
  • Remove emergency key
  • On the top of the key fob, locate open notch between front and back halves of fob
  • Insert flathead screwdriver into notch
  • Turn screwdriver until front and back fob halves separate
  • In the back fob half, locate the dead CR2032 3V battery
  • With the flathead screwdriver, pop out dead battery
  • Insert new CR2032 3V battery + side down
  • Click new battery into place
  • Line up front and back fob halves
  • Squeeze them back together until everything clicks into place
  • Replace emergency key into its slot
  • Move slider back into place to secure emergency key


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Want It Done Professionally?

Not really comfortable with doing this yourself? That’s totally fine! Our Service team at Palm Springs Nissan will be glad to help. Simply schedule an appointment and we’ll get you in as soon as possible. And don’t forget to check our service specials beforehand to make sure you’re getting the lowest price possible.

For several years now, Nissan drivers have used a very similar 4- or 5-button key fob called the Intelligent Key. There have been some subtle changes up to 2021, but the unit remains largely the same. Obviously, the key fob is very important to the everyday operation of the car. Without a working key fob, you might have trouble opening up or starting your car. You won’t be able to lock it remotely, either.

In other words, it’s always a good idea to keep your key fob supplied with power. The good news on modern Nissan key fob battery units is that there is a flashing light on the casing. When the light stops flashing, it indicates that the battery needs changing. It’s designed to act as a warning: if there isn’t enough power to keep the light blinking, then there isn’t enough power to communicate with your Nissan.

In today’s blog, we’re looking at Nissan key fob battery replacement, how it’s done and how often you might have to do it. We’ll also include some additional tips about your key fob.

Process overview:

- Step 1: Release the mechanical key

- Step 2: Pry open the fob into two parts

- Step 3: Remove the old battery

- Step 4: Install the new battery


How to change the battery in a nissan key fob


- Step 5: Replace key fob housing

- Step 6: Replace the mechanical key

Background: What Functions Are On a Nissan Key Fob?

First let’s be clear on the key fobs themselves. Broadly speaking, there are two versions that are still commonly in use in 2021. There is a simpler, 4-button key fob that simply locks and unlocks the car, as well as opens the trunk and includes a panic alarm, too. The newer generation added a remote start button, bringing the total to 5 buttons. They also introduced a blinking light (see above) that indicates the battery is working and power is flowing in the key fob.

The 5-button key fob also helps the Nissan owner manage certain security functions on their vehicle. It’s primarily designed to be a fob that just sits in your pocket or purse and allows you to open and lock the doors keylessly, as well as start the car.

The effective range of these keyless features is about 2.5 feet. A button on the door handle can lock and unlock the car when the fob is close, and the car’s push-button start will activate only when the key fob is close, too.

A family running a Nissan vehicle together can register up to 4 keys on each car. The key fobs are saved as profiles in the Nissan infotainment system and can be used to allow drivers to create and save their own personal settings which are then activated when the key fob opening and starting the car is identified.

How to Change Battery in Nissan Key Fob

It’s all very advanced and technical , but like just about any other gadget out there, it has a limited battery lifespan. It’s important then to know how to change the Nissan key fob battery. The first time you do it, it might feel a little tricky, but it’s actually much easier than it seems and you’ll undoubtedly get pretty deft at it over time.

Below are the main steps for Nissan key fob battery replacement:


How to change the battery in a nissan key fob


Step 1: Release the mechanical key.

Turn the Nissan key fob over in your hand and look for the little release catch on the back. Pull that down and it will release the stored mechanical key from its position in the fob. You don’t need this key as part of the battery replacement process, but it does need to be out of the way.

Step 2: Pry open the fob into two parts.

The top end of the key fob you’ll see two small slits. These are ideal to slot a small flat-head screwdriver into before turning it clockwise to safely and evenly open the casing. You should be able to then pull the fob into two halves.

Step 3: Remove the old battery.

The battery is a round Panasonic 3-volt CR 2032 battery. You will see its metal disc sitting in one half of the key fob. Use a small flat-head screwdriver to pop the battery out safely. There should be a small gap under the battery perfect for such a move.

Step 4: Install the new battery.

Take your new CR 2032 battery and place it with the writing on the battery facing downward. Slide it in from the side towards the spring that you can see in the casing. Push the battery toward the spring and ensure that it clicks properly into place.


How to change the battery in a nissan key fob


Step 5: Replace key fob housing.

Next, you need to put the two pieces of the key fob casing back together. Line up the two halves and then simply click them back into place. It should make quite a loud or at least noticeable click, so ensure all parts are evenly connected.

Step 6: Replace the mechanical key.

Finally, all you have to do is put the spare mechanical key back in its slot and your Nissan key fob battery should be working fine.

Nissan Key Fob Battery Replacement: What to Watch Out For

Though the procedure is relatively simple. You should be careful of a few things when doing a Nissan key fob battery replacement:

  • When opening the casing into two parts, don’t use the grooves on the side of the casing as a point to lever your screwdriver. Older keys have these side grooves, but ignore those and focus on the slits at the top.
  • When prying open the casing from the top, don’t apply too much force in case you cause any damage to the casing edge or any parts of its innards.
  • Don’t put your key fob near anything magnetic while you’re changing the battery. Magnets can cause damage to the internal workings of your Nissan key fob.
  • When replacing the battery, ensure that you put the side with the writing on it “Panasonic CR 2032…” face down into the battery casing. If you put it in the wrong way, it won’t work.

How Frequently Should You Change Battery in Nissan Key Fob?

The rather good news is that your Nissan key fob battery should last for between three and four years before needing a change. If you are using the fob and its remote functions a lot, then the battery may go down faster overall, but it should still reach the lower estimate of the three to four years, saving some disaster.

You can take the fob to a dealer and have them do a Nissan key fob battery replacement, but this service typically costs money and isn’t necessary. Replacing it yourself is relatively easy and the batteries are as cheap as $5 for a pack of 4.

Conclusion: Look After the Nissan Key Fob Battery and It’ll Look After You

Just so long as you keep the Nissan key fob battery healthy, the fob will continue to do its job. Besides battery care, however, you should also ensure that your fob doesn’t get wet, or come into contact with magnets, both of which can damage the internal components. It also is vulnerable to physical impacts, so try to avoid dropping it or exerting too much pressure on its exterior.


How to change the battery in a nissan key fob


If you think it’s just a cheap bit of plastic, you’re wrong. If you were to go back to the dealership to get a replacement key fob when one is broken it could cost you up to $400. You might find an alternative locksmith on the outside to help you get a better deal, but for the dealership-dealt 100-percent real McCoy, it will cost you. That being said, look after your key fob and all will be well.


0 Comments

What kind of battery does a Nissan key fob take?

The Nissan key fob uses a CR2032 3V battery. You can usually get a multipack of these for under $5 USD. You'll also need a small flathead screwdriver.

How do you open the back of a Nissan key fob?

All you need to do in order to access the interior of your Nissan is: Flip the key fob over and push the small release latch on the back. Remove the hidden emergency key. Use the key to unlock the driver's side door.

Do I need to reprogram key fob after changing battery?

If replacing the batteries has reset this connection, or if it was somehow interrupted, you'll have to reprogram the fob so that it once again recognizes your car.