Gone are the days of fumbling for physical car keys. Today, thanks to key fobs, one can unlock their doors, start the engine, and open their trunk from a distance. These small devices have become essential for all new car owners.
Like any electric device, key fob batteries need replacing over time. Although the process may seem daunting for some, it is simpler than many people think. As a retailer, you should take advantage of the rising use of keyless cars to stock car key batteries to increase your sales and revenue.
In this article, we will examine key fobs and their batteries, how they operate, the signs a car key battery needs replacing, and the steps to replacing it. So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Market overview
Understanding key fobs and their batteries
Signs a key fob battery needs replacement
Causes of a key fob battery draining quickly
Key fob battery replacement guide
1. Locate the battery compartment
2. Remove the old battery
3. Insert the new battery
4. Close the compartment
5. Test the key fob
Summing up
Market overview
According to Towards Automotive, the automotive smart key market is expected to reach USD 20.34 billion in 2025 and USD 29.89 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.42% between 2025 and 2034.
This growth is associated with the increasing use of advanced technology in vehicles, which enhances security and convenience. Smart car keys are becoming more popular as they offer users various features like remote engine start and improved anti-theft measures. As more vehicle manufacturers integrate advanced technology into their vehicles, the demand for smart key fobs is increasing.
In addition, the increase in connected cars and advancements in wireless communication, which allow seamless communication between the car and the key, are propelling the key fob market’s growth.
Moreover, the expansion of the electric vehicle market is significantly boosting smart key demand, as the vehicles need sophisticated access systems to align with their technological standards.
Understanding key fobs and their batteries
Before we look at how to replace a key fob battery, you need to understand how it works so you can guide your customers accordingly.
Manufacturers are investing in developing innovative key fobs that enhance user experience while maintaining high-security levels. A key fob is a small, wireless device that acts as a remote control and communicates with the vehicle’s onboard computer system.
A typical key fob has buttons for unlocking, locking, and even starting the car remotely. Some have other features like panic alarms and trunk release.
A small coin-cell battery powers the key fob. The most common batteries in car keys are CR2032, CR2025, CR1616, CR2450, and CR2016. On average, key fob batteries last at least two to four years.
The most popular brands you can carry include Duracell, Energizer, and Panasonic. The price of the car key battery depends on the brand and the number of batteries you sell.
Signs a key fob battery needs replacement
To offer your customers the best advice, you need to understand the signs a key fob battery needs replacement. Some of the signs of a dead key fob battery include:
- Weak signal: If the car key struggles to unlock or lock the doors or one has to get close to the vehicle for it to work, the battery is running low and needs replacing.
- Unresponsive buttons: If the key fob buttons don’t work, the battery is low and needs replacing.
- Inconsistent functionality: When starting a push to start the car, the engine struggles if the car’s key battery is low.
- Dashboard warning lights: Some modern vehicles have systems that detect when the key fob battery is low and will give a warning light on the dashboard.
Causes of a key fob battery draining quickly
Sometimes, customers complain that their car key battery needs replacement after a short time. A healthy key fob battery should last two to four years with regular use.
If their batteries are draining fast, it is imperative to investigate the cause. Some causes for frequent key fob battery replacement include:
- Battery type: Advise your customers to use the correct battery type for their key fob. They can consult their vehicle’s user manual for the recommended battery type.
- Quality batteries: Advise them to use high-quality batteries from reputable brands to ensure durability.
- Battery contacts: Before replacing the battery, advise them to check the battery contacts in the key fob for corrosion and clean them if necessary.
- Battery replacement: They should also follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when replacing the battery to ensure longevity.
- Avoid continuous pressing: Customers should also avoid continuously pressing the buttons and holding them down for long to prevent the battery from draining faster.
Key fob battery replacement guide
Selling key fob batteries may not be enough to stay ahead of the competition. Be a resource for your customers by offering guidance on how to replace them. This is a simple step-by-step guide to help your customers replace their key fob batteries.
1. Locate the battery compartment
The first step in replacing the battery is locating the battery compartment. The location depends on the key fob model, but it’s typically in the back cover or on the key fob itself. Pry the cover open, ensuring you don’t damage the casing.
2. Remove the old battery
After accessing the battery compartment, remove the old battery and note its orientation for proper replacement. Then, correctly dispose of the old battery.
3. Insert the new battery
Insert the fresh battery in the compartment and ensure the polarity markings (+ and -)align. Press it down gently to secure it in place. Using excess force may damage the contacts.
4. Close the compartment
Close the battery compartment and ensure it clicks close to secure the battery. Check for any gaps or misalignments that could compromise battery safety.
5. Test the key fob
After replacing the battery, test the key fob’s functionality by standing at various distances to ensure the vehicle senses the commands and executes them accordingly and reliably. If the key fob isn’t working, double-check the battery insertion.
Summing up
A key fob is an essential device in today’s automobiles. As a small business and retailer of automotive parts and accessories, stocking key fob batteries will increase your customer base and be convenient for your customers.
Small businesses and retailers should offer various key fob batteries from different brands, models, and price ranges to attract customers from all walks of life and meet their needs and preferences.
You should position yourself as a resource by offering customers the necessary information about key fob battery replacement to help build trust and loyalty. This will keep you ahead of the competition, increase your revenue, and improve customer satisfaction.
