Cost To Replace Key Fob Battery At Dealership [Must Read]

Key fob batteries are easily one of the most important features of today’s vehicles domestic security features and provision. 

Indeed, the fact that one can simply push the button and unlock and even start their vehicle is a large improvement in the overall driving experience.

But like all batteries, these have a shelf life and can also require replacement due to damage. 

This blog will provide you with information regarding key fob batteries including their life span, replacement method and what can be done when the key fob is not working.

Does AutoZone Replace Key Fob Batteries?

AutoZone is a good place to turn to when looking for a new key fob battery. They have almost all types of batteries that support various types of cars. 

If you go to an AutoZone store you will definitely be able to find the correct battery you are looking for regarding your car. This way there is no way for one to be stuck and delay their travel plans.

How Long Does a Key Fob Battery Last?

The battery of a key fob usually has a service life of three to four years. The lifespan may depend on the usage of the fob, the type of fob, and also weather conditions. 

To press any of the buttons on the key fob, a certain amount of electricity is needed from the battery. 

As time passes, constant usage of the fob might lead to the exhaustion of battery energy which demands it to be replaced

Can a Low Car Battery Affect the Key Fob?

Yes, to a certain extent, a low car battery can affect the performance of key fobs. 

In the absence of sufficient charge in the car’s battery, it might be impossible to operate the solenoids that engage or disengage the locking mechanism. 

To a certain extent, even if the key fob sends signals for locking and unlocking the doors, turning or unlocking the vehicles will remain impossible due to lack of power within the car. 

That is why it is important to make sure that both the fob and the car batteries are not dead.

Cost of Replacing a Key Fob Battery

It is not a pricey affair to change a key fob battery. If one decides to go to the dealer, then the amount usually is ten dollars or thereabouts. 

It is a service that is provided fairly fast in most cases taking less than a couple of minutes to do so. 

On the other hand, if a person has the time, he/she could go to an auto parts shop and get the required battery for about the same amount as the dealership would charge often less rather than more.

How to Reprogram Your Key Fob After Battery Replacement

Most individuals will need to reprogram their key fob after putting in a new battery, but it is not a lengthy task. 

This is how you do it:

1. First, take out the batteries of the key fob which contains the batteries and replace them.
2. Now, get into the car and start the ignition.
3. While standing at the back, press the lock button again on the remote key. If you hear a lock sound, it confirms that the programming was successfully performed. 
4. In the case of programming extra remote controls, switch off the ignition get out of the car, and test whether it responds or not.

If you enjoy doing things on your own, follow these four simple steps which can save you time and money.

Where to Find a New Key Fob Battery?

The key fob battery can be either of two sizes; a CR2025 or CR2032 and these two are small, round batteries. 

General convenience stores, hardware stores, and auto supply stores have lots of these batteries. 

What you should do is contact the owner’s manual of your car, or check the key fob itself, where the type of battery is clearly labeled, to better understand what battery your key fob uses.

Why Won’t My Key Fob Work After Changing the Battery?

So, if you have changed the battery of the key fob but still it is not functioning properly, then the causes may lie in a few factors. 

The battery may have been inserted wrong or the battery itself could be faulty which is rather the most common issue. 

A malfunction in the fob or any malfunction with the car’s receiver could be some other causes as well. All the components and connections should be checked along with proper battery status.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the management of your key fob battery is important for the proper functioning of your car key lock. 

Usually, the battery will last about three to four years and therefore, it makes sense to monitor the health of your key fob battery so that you may not face any regrettable incidences. 

Regardless if you replace the battery on your own or go to a dealership for help, knowing these factors will enable you to handle your key fob efficiently. 

Also, give some attention to your car’s battery since it might impact the key fob operation as well.

FAQs

How much does it cost to change a key fob battery?

The typical price of key fob battery replacement can go between 5 dollars to 20 dollars. The amount can be affected by the battery’s specification. 

Most people use key fob batteries which include CR2032 or CR2016 and they are very inexpensive. 

These batteries are stocked by many convenience shops, and electronics retailers or can be ordered online.

Possibly if you will let someone else replace the battery, the fees will go up. There are some auto dealers who are likely to provide this service for about 20 to 50 dollars.

Generally, there is no complicated process involved except for the installation, which allows individuals to avoid service fees. 

When replacing a battery, check the kind and the procedure first. This will save the unnecessary costs.

Can the dealership change my key fob battery?

Of course, the dealership can replace your fob battery. Usually, most of the dealers provide this kind of service among their available varieties. 

Usually, it does not take a lot of time. You can either drive in for a walk-in or call ahead of time to fix an appointment.

For all makes and models, the technicians have been trained in how to operate their key fobs. They will apply the right equipment to avoid causing accidents. 

If you are worried about how much it costs, ask about it before performing any action.

You can also often find dealerships that give battery replacements for free if you purchased your vehicle there. 

Always check your warranty or service plan In general, where professional assistance is desired, this is an option worth considering.

Do locksmiths change key fob batteries?

Of course yes locksmiths can replace the batteries for a key fob. They are an expert in all kinds of lock and key services even electronic keys. 

At times, people encounter a dead key fob and have no option but to get the assistance of a locksmith.

Locksmiths are even equipped and trained to open a key fob and not damage it in any way. 

Even if a fob has been replaced with a new battery and still doesn’t work, a locksmith can help in finding out the cause.

Some choose to replace the battery themselves however it is much more convenient to use a locksmith. They ensure the fob is functioning properly afterward. 

In the end, it is safe to say that going to a locksmith for a key fob battery is a very feasible option.

How much does a BMW key battery cost?

The price of a key battery for a BMW vehicle is between $5 to $15. However, this can now be expected as it also depends on the particular model and type of battery. 

What’s impressive is most of the BMW keys employ CR2032 lithium coin cell batteries. These can be purchased from car accessory shops, online stores, or through electronics outlets.

In most cases, the process is as simple as removing one battery and putting in another one. 

But, be careful- some BMW key fobs are difficult to open without using special tools or techniques. 

For those who don’t feel comfortable replacing batteries themselves, dealerships may charge for installation. 

In general, this is a cheap investment if you want to have your key fob working properly. Whenever possible, refer to your owner’s manual for battery specifications applicable to your vehicle.

What happens if you don’t replace the key fob battery?

Car key fob batteries have to be regularly changed otherwise the fob will eventually stop working. 

Worry not, the only negative here is you will not be able to remotely open the doors or start the engine. Even then, the fob battery has some charge. 

Some might add that the range decreases as the battery charge diminishes until it is completely gone. If that’s the case, you will need to use a physical kaw key. 

As a matter of fact, in some cars, it is required to have the fob on you to turn the ignition on. In this way, ignoring battery replacement may cause a lot of disruptions.

To avoid problems, it is advisable to replace the batteries in your phones and other electronics on time.