How to Change Nissan Key Fob Battery
For Nissan car owners, the key fob is an essential part of the vehicle's convenience and security system. It allows for keyless entry, locking, unlocking, and even starting the car with the push of a button.
However, like all battery-operated devices, the key fob requires a battery change from time to time to ensure it functions correctly.
Published: February 21, 2024.
Understanding Your Nissan Key Fob Battery
Most Nissan key fobs use lithium coin batteries, which are flat, circular batteries that typically last for several years before needing replacement.
The most common types are CR2025 and CR2032, although some models may use other sizes. The battery type your key fob needs depends on the model of your Nissan and the year it was manufactured.
Signs Your Key Fob Battery Needs Replacement
- Decreased Range: If you have to get closer to your vehicle for the key fob to work, it might be time for a new battery.
- Inconsistent Performance: If the key fob sometimes works and sometimes doesn't, the battery could be dying.
- No Operation: If the key fob stops working entirely, the battery is likely dead.
How to Replace Your Nissan Key Fob Battery
- Identify the Correct Battery Type: Check your car's manual or the existing battery in your key fob to ensure you buy the correct replacement.
- Open the Key Fob: Carefully use a flathead screwdriver or a key fob opening tool to pry open the key fob case.
- Replace the Battery: Take out the old battery, noting its orientation, and replace it with the new one facing the same way.
- Close the Key Fob: Snap the two halves of the key fob back together and test its operation.
The Nissan key fob does not typically need to be reprogrammed after battery replacement.
When you replace the battery in your Nissan key fob, the key fob's internal memory retains the programming information.
This means that as long as the key fob was functioning correctly before the battery was replaced, it should continue to work with your vehicle without needing reprogramming.
However, if you experience issues with your key fob not working after replacing the battery, ensure that the new battery is properly installed (with the correct polarity) and that it is fully functional (sometimes, new batteries can be defective).
If the key fob still isn't working after checking these factors, there may be another issue at play, such as damage to the key fob itself or a problem with the vehicle's receiver.
In such cases, consulting with a Nissan dealership or a qualified locksmith who specializes in automotive keys may be necessary.
Most Popular Nissan Cars and Their Key Fob Batteries
Here's a list of several popular Nissan models, along with the years and the specific batteries their key fobs use:
- Nissan Altima: Years: 2005-2021, Key Fob Battery: CR2032
- Nissan Rogue: Years: 2008-2021, Key Fob Battery: CR2032
- Nissan Sentra: Years: 2007-2021, Key Fob Battery: CR2025 or CR2032, depending on the key fob version.
- Nissan Maxima: Years: 2009-2021, Key Fob Battery: CR2032
- Nissan Pathfinder: Years: 2013-2021, Key Fob Battery: CR2025 or CR2032, depending on the model year and fob design.
- Nissan Murano: Years: 2009-2021, Key Fob Battery: CR2032
- Nissan Leaf: Years: 2011-2021, Key Fob Battery: CR2025
This list is a general guide, and there may be variations within model years or specific trim levels. Always consult your owner's manual or inspect your current key fob battery to confirm the correct size and type before purchasing a replacement.
How to Start a Nissan Vehicle With Bad Key Fob Battery?
If you find yourself with a Nissan vehicle and a key fob that has a dead battery, you can still start your car by following these steps. The specific process can vary slightly depending on the model and year of your Nissan, but the general method remains consistent across most modern Nissan vehicles equipped with a push-button start system.
For Nissan Vehicles with a Key Fob Port:
- Locate the Key Fob Port: Some Nissan models have a dedicated port for the key fob. It is usually located in the dashboard, the center console, or near the steering column.
- Insert the Key Fob: Insert the key fob into the port with the buttons facing the correct direction as indicated by the port's shape.
- Press the Brake Pedal: With the key fob inserted, press the brake pedal to prepare the vehicle to start.
- Press the Start Button: While pressing the brake pedal, press the start button on the dashboard. The car should recognize the key fob even with a dead battery and allow you to start the engine.
For Nissan Vehicles without a Key Fob Port:
- Locate the Start Button: Find the start button usually located on the dashboard or near the steering wheel.
- Hold the Key Fob Close to the Start Button: Take the key fob and hold it directly against the start button. Nissan vehicles often have a backup system that can detect the key fob at very close range, even if the battery is dead.
- Press the Brake Pedal: While holding the key fob against the start button, press the brake pedal.
- Press the Start Button: With the key fob held against it and the brake pedal pressed, press the start button to start the vehicle.
Additional Tips:
If your Nissan key fob has a hidden physical key (usually released by a button or slide mechanism on the fob), you can use this key to unlock the doors manually if the key fob's battery is too weak to use the remote unlock feature.
After starting the car, consider replacing the key fob battery as soon as possible to ensure that all remote functions are operational and to avoid being stranded with a bad key fob battery.
Few Final Words
Maintaining your Nissan key fob by ensuring it has a functioning battery is crucial for enjoying the full convenience of your vehicle. By understanding the type of battery your key fob requires and knowing how to replace it, you can avoid any disruptions to your Nissan's keyless entry and ignition features.
Always keep a spare battery handy, and remember to dispose of the old batteries properly by recycling them or taking them to a disposal facility that accepts hazardous materials.
