Is Your Acura Key Fob Battery Low? How to Replace It Yourself

Hand holding a black Acura key fob in front of the Acura emblem

You press unlock and nothing happens. You press it again and the doors finally click. Or the fob only works once you're standing next to the car, or the dash shows a message about starting the car with the fob.

That usually points to the battery in the fob, and an Acura key fob battery replacement is a job you can do yourself with a flat tool and a new coin battery. If you'd rather have us do it, you can bring it in.

Acura key fobs use a coin battery that you can replace yourself. Many take a CR2032, including the Integra's, so check the number on your old battery first. Release the built-in key, pry the fob open with a flat tool, put the new battery in facing the same way, and press a button to see if the light comes on.

How Do I Know It's Time for an Acura Key Fob Battery Replacement?

Press a button on the fob and look at the light. If it doesn't come on, the battery is dead. If the fob works from a different distance than it used to, the battery is probably low.

Fobs and dash messages vary by model, so treat these as a starting point.

What you notice	What it can suggest	Best next step
The light on the fob doesn't come on when you press a button.	The battery is dead.	Use the built-in key to unlock the doors, then replace the battery.
The distance the fob works from varies, and you may have to stand closer than you used to.	The battery is probably low.	Replace the battery before it dies completely.
The dash shows a message about starting the car with the fob, and the start button flashes.	The battery is weak.	Follow the message to start the car, then replace the battery.
The fob acts up only when it's in a pocket with your phone or laptop, or when something metal is touching it.	Something is crowding or blocking the fob's signal.	Carry the fob away from your phone and anything metal, then test it again.

Could Something Besides the Battery Be Stopping My Acura Key Fob?

Yes. The car finds the fob by radio signal, and a few things can make that unreliable even with a good battery. Carrying the fob together with a phone, laptop or other wireless device can do the same, and so can a metal object touching or covering the fob. Try a different pocket or bag, away from your phone and anything metal.

The fob may also stop responding when it's too close to the door or the door glass, so step back and try again.

Heat and moisture can damage a fob. Keep it out of direct sunlight, away from liquids, dust and sand, and don't leave it somewhere hot or humid. If you drive to the beach in Naples, keep the fob out of a wet bag or a sandy pocket.

How Do I Start My Acura When the Key Fob Battery Is Dead?

Use the built-in key to unlock the doors, then touch the fob to the start button. The built-in key comes out of the fob, and it's there for the times the battery is too weak for the power locks to respond.

When the battery is weak, the dash shows a message and the start button flashes for about 30 seconds. Touch the emblem side of the fob to the center of the start button, with the fob's buttons facing you. Then press the brake pedal (the clutch on a manual) and press the start button within 10 seconds. If you skip the pedal, the car only goes into accessory mode.

If you don't see a message, or the car still won't start, call us.

Naples Acura Service Center can check your Acura key fob

If a fresh battery doesn't fix it, schedule service and we'll look at the fob and your Acura together.

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How Hard Is an Acura Key Fob Battery Replacement to Do Yourself?

You can do it at home with a flat-tip screwdriver or a coin, a soft cloth and a new battery. Buy the new one by the number printed on the old one.

Release the built-in key from the fob and set it aside.
Wrap the tip of the screwdriver or the coin in the cloth, then pry the cover open at the slot or edge. The cloth keeps the fob from getting scratched. On some models the buttons come out with the cover, so go slowly.
Note which way the old battery faces, then pry it out with the flat tip.
Put the new battery in facing the same way.
Snap the cover closed, put the built-in key back, and press a button to see if the light comes on.

Open the fob only as far as you need to reach the battery. Keep new and used batteries away from children, and get medical help right away if a child swallows one.

How Often Should I Replace My Acura Key Fob Battery?

About every two years, though it varies with how often you use the fob. Every time the fob and the car communicate, it uses battery, so the more you use it, the sooner it needs a new one. Replace it when the distance the fob works from starts to vary, before the light goes out.

What Happens If I Bring My Acura Key Fob to Naples Acura?

We check the fob with your Acura. If the battery is the problem, we replace it and confirm the fob works with your car.

If a fresh battery doesn't fix it, the fob itself may be damaged. Damaged circuits can keep the engine from starting and stop the keyless entry from working, and a fob that isn't working properly needs to be inspected by a dealer. We'll tell you what that involves.

We're across from Naples Municipal Airport, and you can schedule service at Naples Acura when you're ready.

Acura Key Fob Battery Questions from Naples Drivers

Do I need to reprogram my Acura key fob after changing the battery?

The battery swap doesn't include a programming step. Put in the new battery, close the fob, and test it. If the fob still doesn't work with your Acura after that, bring it to Naples Acura Service Center and we'll check it.

Does my Acura key fob have a second battery inside?

On the Integra's two-way remote, yes. It has a rechargeable battery built in alongside the CR2032 you replace. The built-in one can't be replaced, and changing the CR2032 every three to four years protects it from permanent damage. Other models can differ, and we can tell you what yours has.

Where can I buy the right battery for my Acura key fob?

Replacement batteries are sold at most stores that carry coin batteries, and you can get one from a dealer too. If you'd like to pick one up from us, contact our parts department.

Why is my Acura key fob battery dying faster than I expected?

The fob's battery is used up whenever it picks up strong radio waves, and electrical appliances such as TVs and computers give them off. Keep the fob away from them at home.

Questions about your Acura key fob? Ask Naples Acura Service Center

Schedule service and let us know what your fob has been doing.