How to Change Infiniti Key Fob Battery

As your Infiniti car blends luxury with performance, its key fob is a crucial piece that offers convenience and security. However, over time, the battery in your key fob will deplete, leading to decreased functionality.

Understanding the signs of a weakening battery, knowing the type of battery you need, and learning how to change it can save you from inconvenience and keep your Infiniti's features fully accessible.

Published: April 2, 2024.

First Signs of Weak Infiniti Key Fob Battery

A weak battery in your Infiniti key fob can manifest through several indicators:

• Decreased Range: If you find yourself having to press the key fob multiple times or get closer to your vehicle than usual to unlock the doors or start the engine, it's likely that the battery is running low.
• Inconsistent Operation: Should the key fob intermittently fail to unlock the doors, trunk, or start the car's ignition, this inconsistency can signal a battery needing replacement.
• Warning Messages: Some Infiniti models are equipped with a dashboard indicator that alerts you when your key fob battery is low.

Recognizing these signs early can prevent situations where your key fob stops working entirely.

Most Common Key Fob Batteries

Infiniti key fobs typically require a CR2025 or CR2032 3-volt lithium battery. These batteries are flat, round, and coin-like in appearance. The specific battery type for your key fob can be found in your Infiniti's owner's manual or by opening the key fob to examine the existing battery.

These batteries are readily available at electronics stores, online, or at automotive retailers.

How to Change Your Infiniti Key Fob Battery

Changing the battery in your Infiniti key fob is a simple process that requires minimal tools. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth replacement:

• Gather Necessary Items: You'll need the new battery and a small flat-head screwdriver or a key fob opening tool.
• Open the Key Fob: Locate the small notch or slot on the side of the key fob. Gently insert the screwdriver and twist to pry the key fob apart. Some models may have a release button or a screw that needs to be removed.
• Identify the Battery: Once open, locate the battery. Note how it's placed (which side is facing up).
• Remove the Old Battery: Use the screwdriver to carefully lift the battery out. Avoid touching the new battery's surface too much, as oils from your skin can affect its lifespan and conductivity.
• Insert the New Battery: Place the new battery in the key fob, ensuring it's facing the correct direction as the one you removed. Press down to secure it in place.
• Close the Key Fob: Align the two halves of the key fob and press them together until you hear a snap, indicating it's properly sealed.

Popular Infiniti Models and Their Key Fob Batteries

Below is a compilation of popular Infiniti models over the years, along with the type of battery typically required for their key fobs.

It’s important to note that while this list provides a general guide, always refer to your vehicle’s owner's manual or consult with a professional to ensure compatibility.

Sedans:

• Infiniti Q50: The Q50, known for its blend of performance and luxury, generally uses a CR2025 battery in its key fob.
• Infiniti Q70: For the Q70, another flagship sedan offering comfort and advanced features, the key fob usually requires a CR2032 battery.

Coupes:

• Infiniti Q60: This sporty coupe, celebrated for its stylish design and powerful engine, typically has a key fob that operates with a CR2032 battery.

SUVs:

• Infiniti QX50: The QX50, a compact luxury SUV with an emphasis on technology and versatility, often uses a CR2025 battery in its key fob.
• Infiniti QX60: This mid-size luxury SUV, perfect for families seeking sophistication and space, usually requires a CR2032 battery for its key fob.
• Infiniti QX80: The QX80, known for its large size, luxurious interior, and towing capability, typically uses a CR2025 or CR2032 battery, depending on the key fob version.

Earlier Models:

• Infiniti G35/G37: These earlier models, revered for their balance of luxury and sportiness, generally require a CR2025 battery for their key fobs.
• Infiniti FX35/FX45: The FX series, which combines the performance of a sports car with the functionality of an SUV, typically uses a CR2032 battery in its key fob.

When replacing your Infiniti key fob battery, it's essential to handle the key fob carefully to avoid damaging its internal components. Also, remember that using a high-quality battery can ensure longer life and reliable performance.

If you're unsure about the battery replacement process or the type of battery your key fob requires, consulting with an authorized Infiniti service center or a professional locksmith can provide you with the assistance you need.

Testing and Troubleshooting

After replacing the battery, test the key fob to ensure it's functioning correctly by locking and unlocking your vehicle. If the key fob still isn't working, open it back up to check the battery's orientation and ensure it's securely in place.

Sometimes, a reset might be necessary according to your model's specific procedure, typically found in the owner's manual.

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

In most cases, you do not have to reprogram your Infiniti key fob after replacing the battery.

The key fob's programming should remain intact through the battery change, as the device is designed to retain its settings even when power is temporarily disconnected.

Once you replace the battery, the key fob should work as it did before, assuming the new battery is properly installed and functioning.

However, if you find that your key fob is not working after you've changed the battery, there might be a few reasons for this:

• The battery may not be installed correctly. Double-check that the battery is seated properly and facing the right direction.
• The new battery could be dead or defective. Try using another new battery to see if that resolves the issue.
• In rare cases, if the key fob still does not work after replacing the battery, it may require reprogramming. This is uncommon and typically only occurs if the key fob was damaged or if there was an underlying issue with the vehicle's electronic system.

If reprogramming is necessary, it's advisable to refer to your owner's manual for instructions or contact an authorized Infiniti dealership or a professional automotive locksmith for assistance.

They can provide the required reprogramming service and ensure that your key fob communicates properly with your vehicle.

How to Start Infiniti With Dead Key Fob Battery?

Starting an Infiniti with a dead key fob battery can be a concerning scenario, especially if you're not familiar with the process.

However, Infiniti vehicles are equipped with a backup system to ensure you can still start your car even if the key fob's battery is completely depleted.

For Infiniti Models With a Start/Stop Button

• Remove the Key Fob's Emergency Key: First, find the release latch on the key fob. Most Infiniti key fobs have a small release catch that allows you to slide out an emergency physical key.
• Unlock Your Car Manually: Use the emergency key to manually unlock the doors of your vehicle. This key won't start the car but will allow you to access the interior if the fob's battery is dead.
• Hold the Key Fob Close to the Start/Stop Button: Once inside, take the key fob and press it against the Start/Stop button. Most Infiniti vehicles have a backup NFC (Near Field Communication) system that can detect the key fob even if the battery is dead. By pressing the key fob against the button, you're allowing the car to recognize the key fob through this backup system.
• Press the Brake and Push the Start/Stop Button: While holding the key fob against the Start/Stop button, press the brake pedal as you would normally do when starting the car. The vehicle should recognize the key fob's proximity and allow you to start the engine.

For Infiniti Models Without a Start/Stop Button

If your Infiniti model is older and does not have a push-to-start button, the process may vary slightly, and starting the car with a dead key fob might not be as straightforward. In such models, it's crucial to refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions.

Generally, these vehicles rely on the physical key for all functions, including starting the vehicle.

Tips

• Prevention: To avoid being caught off guard by a dead key fob battery, it's wise to replace the battery periodically before it completely dies.
• Carry Spare Batteries: Keeping a spare key fob battery in your glove box or wallet can save you in a pinch.
• Infiniti Assistance: If you're unable to start your car due to a dead key fob battery, consider contacting Infiniti's roadside assistance for help.

Knowing how to start your Infiniti with a dead key fob battery can alleviate stress and inconvenience.

However, to minimize the chances of finding yourself in such a situation, regular maintenance of your key fob, including timely battery replacement, is recommended.