How to Change Acura Key Fob Battery

Key fobs have become an integral part of the modern driving experience, offering convenience at the push of a button. However, like all similar battery-operated devices, the key fob for your Acura will eventually run out of juice, necessitating a battery change.

Understanding the signs of a weak battery, knowing what type of battery you need, and learning how to change it can save you from unexpected access or starting issues with your vehicle.

Published: March 21, 2024.

First Signs of Weak Acura Key Fob Battery

Recognizing the early signs of a weakening key fob battery can help you avoid being caught off guard. Some of the most common signs include the following:

• Reduced Range: If you find that you have to be closer to your Acura than before to unlock the doors or start the engine, it's likely that the key fob battery is dying.
• Inconsistent Operation: When button presses result in irregular or no response from the vehicle, it's a clear sign the battery is on its last legs.
• Warning Light: Some Acura models will display a warning light on the dashboard indicating a low key fob battery.

Most Common Key Fob Batteries

The majority of Acura key fobs use a CR2032 or a CR2025 lithium coin battery.

These batteries are inexpensive and widely available at electronics, hardware stores, or online. Before purchasing a new battery, check your Acura's owner's manual or the current battery in the key fob to confirm the correct type.

How to Change Your Acura Key Fob Battery

Changing the battery in your Acura key fob is a straightforward process that you can do at home with minimal tools. Follow these steps:

• Gather Your Materials: You'll need a new CR2032 or CR2025 battery (depending on your model), a flathead screwdriver, and your key fob.
• Open the Key Fob: Insert the flathead screwdriver into the notch or slot on the side of the key fob. Gently twist the screwdriver to pry the key fob open. Some models might have a release button that you need to slide or press.
• Remove the Old Battery: Once open, locate the battery and gently pry it out. Be careful not to damage the electronic components inside the fob.
• Insert the New Battery: Place the new battery in the key fob, ensuring that the positive (+) side is facing the correct direction, which is usually upwards.
• Reassemble the Key Fob: Snap the two halves of the key fob back together. Make sure it snaps securely shut.

After changing the battery, test the key fob to ensure it's functioning correctly. If the key fob still doesn't work, double-check that the battery is inserted correctly and that the battery contacts are clean.

Additional Tips

• Handle Batteries Carefully: Avoid touching the new battery's surface with your fingers, as oils and dirt can affect performance.
• Recycle the Old Battery: Lithium batteries should be recycled properly. Check with your local waste management services for guidelines.
• CR2032 and CR2025 are the most common battery types for Acura key fobs, with CR2032 being the most prevalent in recent models. These are 3-volt coin cell batteries.
• When replacing the battery, ensure the new battery is inserted correctly, with the positive side facing the correct direction, as indicated in the key fob compartment.

Changing the battery in your Acura key fob is a quick and easy task that ensures you maintain uninterrupted access and functionality of your vehicle.

Do You Have To Reprogram the Acura Key Fob After Battery Replacement?

Replacing the battery in your Acura key fob is typically a straightforward process that does not require reprogramming.

The key fob's circuitry is designed to retain its programming even when the battery is removed or depleted. This means that after you replace the battery, the key fob should continue to operate and communicate with your vehicle as it did before, without the need for any additional steps to reprogram it.

However, there are a few scenarios where additional steps might be necessary:

• If the key fob does not work after battery replacement: Sometimes, even after you replace the battery, the key fob might not work immediately. In such cases, you may need to perform a simple re-synchronization procedure. This can involve pressing the lock or unlock button multiple times within a certain distance from the vehicle or following a specific sequence of button presses. The exact procedure can vary based on the model and year of your Acura, so refer to your owner's manual for detailed instructions.
• Extended battery removal: If the battery was out of the key fob for an extended period, there's a small chance that the key fob could lose its programming. Although this is rare, it's theoretically possible.
• Electrical or other issues: If there were pre-existing electrical issues with the key fob or the vehicle's receiver system, simply replacing the battery might not resolve the problem, and further diagnosis or professional assistance could be necessary.

In the vast majority of cases, you'll simply replace the battery and continue using your key fob as normal. If you encounter any issues after replacing the battery, consult your Acura dealer or a professional locksmith who specializes in automotive keys and fobs for further assistance.

Popular Acura Models and Their Key Fob Batteries

Acura, as a premium brand, offers a range of popular models that blend performance, luxury, and reliability. The key fobs for these vehicles typically require specific types of batteries, which are usually coin cell batteries. Below are some of the most popular Acura models and the batteries their key fobs generally use:

1. Acura TLX

• Model Years: Recent years (e.g., 2015 onwards)
• Key Fob Battery Type: CR2032

2. Acura RDX

• Model Years: Recent years (e.g., 2013 onwards)
• Key Fob Battery Type: CR2032

3. Acura MDX

• Model Years: Recent years (e.g., 2014 onwards)
• Key Fob Battery Type: CR2032

4. Acura ILX

• Model Years: Recent years (e.g., 2013 onwards)
• Key Fob Battery Type: CR2032

5. Acura RLX

• Model Years: Recent years (e.g., 2014 onwards)
• Key Fob Battery Type: CR2032

6. Acura TSX

• Model Years: Earlier years (e.g., 2004-2014)
• Key Fob Battery Type: Often CR2032 or CR2025, depending on the key fob design

7. Acura NSX

• Model Years: Both classic and current models (e.g., 1990-2005, 2016 onwards)
• Key Fob Battery Type: CR2032 for the newer models

Note: the exact battery type can vary based on the key fob design, even within the same model, depending on the year and trim level. It's always a good idea to open your key fob and check the existing battery type before purchasing a replacement.

If you're unsure, consult your Acura owner's manual or contact a dealership for guidance.

How to Start Acura With Dead Key Fob Battery?

Starting an Acura with a dead key fob battery might seem challenging, but the brand has incorporated a fail-safe method to ensure drivers aren't stranded. Here's how you can start your Acura even when the key fob battery has died:

Locate the Physical Key

First, you'll need to retrieve the physical key from inside the key fob. Most Acura key fobs have a release button or switch that allows you to slide out a physical key.

Use the Physical Key to Enter Your Vehicle

Once you have the physical key, use it to manually unlock your car's door. Modern Acuras, while relying heavily on keyless entry and ignition, still come with a physical keyhole on the driver’s door (though it may be concealed).

Starting the Engine

Once inside the vehicle, you can start the engine even with a dead key fob battery by following these steps:

• Push Button Start: If your Acura has a push-button start, you'll need to hold the key fob close to the start button. There's usually a specific area where you can hold the dead key fob to ensure the car detects it. This area can vary by model but is often either right on the start button itself or within close proximity to the steering column. The car's system is designed to recognize the key fob's proximity through a secondary RFID chip inside the fob, which doesn't require battery power.
• Models Without Push Button Start: For older models that may not have a push-button start but still use a key fob, inserting the key fob into a slot (if available) or using the backup start method recommended in the owner’s manual is necessary. However, most Acuras with key fobs have push-button starts.

After Starting Your Car

Once you’ve started your vehicle, it’s advisable to replace the key fob battery as soon as possible to restore its full functionality. This will ensure that you can use the keyless entry and start features without issue in the future.

Tip

Consult your Acura’s owner’s manual for model-specific instructions regarding starting the car with a dead key fob battery, as procedures can vary slightly between different models and years.