Replacing Your Honda Key Fob Battery: What To Know
This is an auto parts replacement that anyone can do. If youre not sure what battery you need to get, you can go to the parts store or a dealership and ask a customer service rep or look in your owners manual. The battery for your key fob is most likely a small 3-volt battery with a serial number on the positive side.
- Take out the physical key
- On the side of the key fob, usually, where the physical key has come out of, there will be just a tiny slot, just big enough to fit a flathead screwdriver in or an instrument like that.
- Slip your instrument of choice into the slot and gently pry apart the key fob. As other areas free up, move your instrument closer to the closed area to ensure the key fob comes apart freely. The key fob will be made of plastic, so being gentle is the name of the game here.
- Once the key fob is open, you should see the shiny circle piece that is the battery. These usually pop out pretty easily just use the instrument that you used to separate the key fob with and pop out the battery.
- Once out, make sure that both batteries are the same, and then snap the new replacement in the same way the old one was secured in .
- The next easy step is to make sure it works.
Battery In The Key Fob Is Dead
Another probable cause of the error is depleting batteries on the key fob. Although dead battery on the key fob is far less likely to occur especially within 4-5 years after the purchase. Since the battery replacement is quite easy and inexpensive you can replace the key fob batteries if the issue is not resolved by replacing the switch.
Honda Key Fob Battery: What To Know
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Its hard to imagine that the little device you use to open up and start your vehicle with could cause you a lot of inconveniences, but its true. These little devices have batteries that go bad like any other battery. If you dont want to end up stranded somewhere, read this article on Honda key fob battery: what to know.
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How To Replace The Battery In A 2016 Honda Pilot Key Fob
If your auto remote key fob is no longer open doors properly, the battery likely must to be changed. In this article, we demonstrate how to disassembly Honda key fob and replace a discharged battery DIY. If you decide to do it at home near Pilot, use this guide, but don’t forget to check all you need.
Where To Get A New Honda Key Fob And How To Replace The Battery

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PLEASE BE AWARE that if you order a new replacement Key fob, it is likely you will need to take your vehicle to the local Honda dealer so they can program your vehicle to accept the new fobs unique code. The EMERGENCY Key blade that pulls out of the Smart key fob is sold separately.
Do you know where to get a new Honda key fob or how to change the battery in the old one? If not, you may face an unpleasant situation when your Honda doesn’t open or startespecially when these things tend to happen at the most inconvenient time.
In this article, you’ll learn how to go about a Honda key fob battery replacement and where to find a new fob.
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S To Replace A Honda Pilot Key Fob Battery
Here are the steps you can take to replace the battery of the honda pilot key fob:
- Identify the type of battery you need: Look on the back of your keyless entry remote for the battery type written on it. Dont worry if the battery type isnt legible. Once you unlock the fob, the battery model will also be inscribed on the current battery.
- Open the key fob.: To carefully open the case of your Honda key fob, locate the small notch and use your key, a screwdriver, or a paperclip to pry it out gently. It can be done by inserting your chosen tool into the slot or gently popping the case open from the notch.
- Remove the old battery: Note the positive and negative sides when you remove the battery from the remote. This will guarantee that your new battery is installed correctly. Also, make sure your fingertips dont contact the battery terminals. The skins oils can corrode the terminals, shortening the life of your remote control.
- Replace the Battery: The replacement battery should be installed in the same spot as the old one. Look inside your keyless entry fob for the positive and negative marks if youre unsure.
- Close the key fob: Align the two fob pieces and gently press them together until the remote snaps into place.
What To Do If Fob Replacement Doesn’t Help
If you’ve replaced the key fob but your Honda still doesn’t open or start then the problem is with the car, not the fob. In such a case, you would need to call roadside assistance and take the vehicle to the nearest Honda service center. If you must get into the car immediately, check for a hidden key inside the fob. Most vehicles with a keyless entry system or a Smart fob have a mechanical key inside the remote.
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Did Honda Address Keyless Start System Problem
With an increasing number of cases for failing keyless start systems, Honda has officially addressed the situation by releasing a service bulletin for the 2016-17 Honda Pilot keyless start-stop error as it is a consistent manufacturing fault appearing in most of the Honda Pilots.
American Honda has extended the warranty for the keyless start system on the vehicle to 09 years from the purchase date or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Read more: What does Emissions System Problem mean on a Honda Pilot?
S For Replacing A Honda Pilot Key Fob Battery
Once you have your replacement battery, all thats left to do is swap it out with the old one. The exact process for this will vary based on whether you have a Pilot with the smart key fob or a traditional key fob .
For a smart key fob battery replacement, begin by locating and sliding the button that releases the metal key inside the fob. Then, remove the metal key and insert it in the slot at the top of the fob.
From there, using a little leverage, you should be able to pry the key fob open and access the battery compartment. Remove the old battery and insert a new CR2032 battery in its place. Then, click the fob cover back in place.
For more details or to see the replacement of a Honda Pilot smart key fob battery in action, check out this helpful YouTube video.
If you have an earlier model Honda Pilot with a standard key fob, youll need a prevision screwdriver to access the CR1616 battery compartment.
You can view this YouTube tutorial for a step-by-step guide.
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Faulty Engine Start/stop Switch
ENGINE START/STOP Switch is the most probable cause of keyless start system failure in the Honda Pilot. Honda has itself diagnosed the issue to be a faulty switch for the premature switch error and also provides free-of-cost switch replacement as the corrective action for this particular issue on 2016-17 models.
Taking Precautions So You Dont Get Stranded
The best precautions to take care to make sure you notice when your key fob is acting up, which means its time to put the key fob battery on your list of things to do. The next thing you can always do is have one or more spare key fobs or key fob batteries in locations you often visit like home, work, family, trusted friends, etc.
Honda key fob battery: what to know: Dont be unprepared and dont ignore signs your key fob battery is dying!
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Signs Of A Bad Honda Key Fob Battery: What To Know
Signal strength is reduced: Your key fob should be able to lock and unlock the doors and even start your vehicle from at least 100 yards+. Whenever your original distance of how far away your vehicle can be activated by the key fob starts to get less and less, your battery is probably starting to go.
You need to click harder or more times than usual: However, many taps or pushes of the button you had to use to function the key fob correctly should stay the way. Once you find yourself clicking more than the recommended times, thats is a clear indication the battery is dying or something else with the key fob may be wrong.
The key fob doesnt work consistently: If your key fob wants to work some days and some days it doesnt, its more than likely your key fob battery is starting to run down.
FEEL SECURE IN THE CAR YOU CHOOSE
You dont want to buy a car – you want to get the best deal on the car youre looking for. The CoPilot app will notify you if theres a similar vehicle in your area at a better price, so youre always certain you got the best deal available.
Why Our Key Services

Your vehicle gets you reliably where you need to be, but without a working key fob, getting around is a lot more difficult. Some newer vehicles won’t even start without one. Whether youve misplaced your keys, you need a new key cut, your existing fob is damaged, or you just want a spare, have your key fob repaired, re-powered or replaced at Batteries Plus Bulbs.Our experts will help you with a simple battery replacement or give you a whole new keyless entry replacement if yours stops working. Contact us online or come visit a store near you for fast service even without an appointment.
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Where Can I Find A Key Fob Battery Replacement And How Much Will It Cost
Is your Honda Pilot due for a new key fob battery? There are a few telltale signs to watch out for. If the signal strength on your fob seems to have diminished or if you need to press the buttons several times before they work, new batteries may solve the problem.
In general, key fob batteries for cars last anywhere from three to four years with normal, daily use. However, this can vary slightly, especially if you have a vehicle with a remote start feature that you often use.
Fortunately, when it is time to replace the batteries in your Honda Pilots key fob, finding replacement batteries is quite simple. Most Pilot models, including the 2017 Pilot, use a single CR2032 lithium battery.
If you have a 2015 or earlier Honda Pilot, youll most likely need a CR1616 battery. These batteries are easy to find on or at most retail stores that sell batteries.
These are the same batteries youll find in many watches and other small electronics, so theyre pretty easy and inexpensive to come by. In fact, you can buy a four-pack on for about $5.
You should also be able to find these batteries at any auto supply store, home improvement store, and probably even your local grocery store for about the same price.
Problems With Your Key Fob That Might Not Be The Battery
There is a possibility that your key fob works fine, and you have some other vehicle issues. If youre not sure if this is what is going on, if you have a spare key fob, you could try to use it to see if that answers your problems. If not, check these possible issues for the problem Honda key fob battery: what to know.
Car battery: If you have access to your physical key located inside your key fob, you should have no problem entering your vehicle. Upon entry, your vehicle should make the usual noises it always makes , if it doesnt make any noise, you can check things like the dome light, door locks, etc. if all these work, then it is your key fob battery – if none of them work, then it is your vehicles battery.
Check key fob physical condition: Since we treat these devices like we treat our cell phones, they often times get tossed around and beat up pretty well, not to mention used on a daily basis. You can check the key fob for cracks, worn-out buttons, or other types of damage that might affect the way it functions. You might be able to make a temporary fix if you get the key fob to work, but the keyword here is temporary. You dont want to go too long with a halfway working key fob.
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Where To Get A New Honda Key Fob
If you replace the battery, but the remote doesn’t start working, it may mean one of these things:
- You need to try another battery
- You need to get a new Honda key fob
- The battery MAY have been installed upside down
Trying to repair the key fob could be dangerous and ineffective. Honda remotes are delicate and intricate. They can easily be damaged if not handled properly.
If you need to get a new key fob, it’s important to search for a genuine parts provider like Honda Parts Connection. While it may be tempting to buy a cheap aftermarket fob, a low-quality key fob may leave you waiting for assistance in front of a closed vehicle, or worse, wreak havoc with the car’s electronics. A used key fob may need reprogramming, which could cost you more than a new remote purchased from an official dealer.
Different Honda models require different key fob assemblies. The remote you need may depend on the age of your car as well. Consider opting for professional advice when replacing a key fob. Search for an authorized Honda key fob provider to make sure you are getting a high-quality remote. Before purchasing a new key fob, find out if it’s suitable for your Honda with the consideration of its model and build date.
Honda Parts Connection is an authorized Honda dealer. We provide Genuine Honda Parts online, including key fobs for all models. Our Honda professionals can help you select the right key fob assembly for your vehicle.
Do I Have To Reprogram My Fob After Battery Replacement
After you have realized your key fobs malfunctioning results from the dead/weak battery, you would need to buy a new replacement battery. The following steps would guide you on how you can easily reset your key fob, as the majority of the key fob does not function properly again when the battery has been replaced.
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How To Program A Honda Key Fob
After replacing the Honda key fob battery, youll need to understand how to program a Honda key to sync it with your vehicle. Heres how its done in a few easy steps:
- Enter the car and close the doors
- Switch the ignition to the on position, then press and hold the LOCK button for one second.
- Twist the key to the Off position after releasing the button. Then, repeat the process two more times.
- Press down the lock button on the key fob after turning the key to the On position. Allow the doors to lock and unlock automatically. Your car is now in remote programming mode after the locks have cycled.
- Hold the LOCK button for one second more. Once the locks cycle, the key fob has been successfully associated with your vehicle.
- Switch the ignition off to exit remote programming mode.
How Do You Choose A New Key Fob Battery
To avoid unpleasant situations, you should always have a spare key fob battery in your bag, glovebox, and at home.
To figure out which battery you need:
- Look at the back of the key fob. The battery specs may be written there.
- Open the key fob and look at the old battery
The majority of key fobs works with a flat round 3-volt battery. Depending on Honda’s year and model, the batteries you need may be different.
- Honda Pilot key fob battery replacement CR2032
- Honda Civic key fob battery replacement CR2032 or CR1620
- Honda CRV key fob battery replacement – CR2032 or CR1620 or CR1616
- Honda Accord key fob battery replacement – CR2032 or CR1620 or CR1616
If you aren’t sure which battery you need, check the manual.
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