How to Replace Battery in Nissan Key Fob Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Identify Your Nissan Key Fob Type & Battery

Before you run to the store or click “buy,” you need to know exactly what powers your remote. Not all Nissans use the same battery, and guessing wrong means a wasted trip. At KeylessBest, we emphasize compatibility because precision matters when maintaining your vehicle’s access system.

Here is the general breakdown based on the shape of your device:

• The “Intelligent Key” (Oval/Almond Shape): Commonly found in the Nissan Altima, Rogue, en Sentra. These smart remotes typically require a CR2032 batterij.
• The “Flip Key” or Standard Remote: Often used for the Nissan Versa and older models. These usually rely on a CR2016 or occasionally a CR1620.

Pro Tip: To be 100% sure, look at the back of your current battery before purchasing a replacement. The specific number is stamped right on the metal face. If you are unsure, you can always cross-reference your vehicle’s FCC ID with our compatibility charts to ensure you get the right power source for your Nissan key fob battery replacement.

Step 2: Gather the Right Tools

Before we start prying open the casing, let’s make sure you have the correct equipment on hand. You don’t need expensive gear from a dealership to handle this; a few simple household items will do the trick. Having these ready ensures you can swap the power source quickly without damaging the internal circuit board or the plastic shell.

Essential Checklist:

• The Battery: You need a fresh 3V Lithium coin battery. Double-check your specific fob type, but for most Nissan remotes, this will be a CR2032 or CR2016.
• Precision Screwdriver: A small flathead screwdriver is crucial. You want one thin enough to fit into the seam of the fob but strong enough to gently pop the latch.
• Protective Cloth: I always recommend using a soft microfiber cloth. It gives you a better grip and prevents the screwdriver from scratching the exterior housing while you work.

Step 3: Removing the Mechanical Key (The Safety Step)

Before we attempt to access the internal battery, we must remove the physical emergency key hidden inside the remote. This is a critical step for almost every Nissan Intelligent Key, as the metal blade often acts as a locking mechanism that holds the two halves of the plastic casing together. If you try to pry the fob open without removing this first, you risk cracking the shell or damaging the locking tabs.

Here is the safe way to remove it:

• Locate the Release Tab: Flip your key fob over and look for a small ribbed slider or latch on the back.
• Slide and Pull: Slide the latch to the side with your thumb and simultaneously pull on the key ring loop.
• Extract the Blade: The metal emergency key should slide out smoothly.

This design is standard across many models, including the 2019-2020 Nissan Pathfinder and Titan keyless entry remotes. Once the key is removed, set it aside in a safe place; we will use the empty slot it left behind to help open the casing in the next step.

Step 4: Opening the Key Fob Housing

Now that the emergency key is safely removed, we need to separate the two halves of the plastic shell to access the battery. This is the step where many people get nervous about cracking the plastic, but if you use the right technique, it is actually quite simple. Learning how to open a Nissan key fob correctly ensures you don’t damage the locking tabs that keep the device dust-free.

Here is the safest method to open the casing without leaving scratch marks:

• Locate the Notches: Look closely at the top end of the fob where the mechanical key was seated. You will see two small slots or recessed notches on the left and right sides of the inner casing.
• The Twist Technique: Take your precision flathead screwdriver and insert the tip into one of these notches. Do not pry up like you are using a crowbar. Instead, gently twist the screwdriver just like you are turning a doorknob. You will hear a distinct “pop” as the internal clips release.
• Separation: Once the seam pops open, run your fingernail or a plastic pry tool along the edge to fully separate the two halves.

Be careful not to let the internal circuit board fall out onto a hard surface. If you find that your casing is already cracked or the buttons are worn down, simply changing the battery might not be enough. In that case, we recommend swapping the internal electronics into a fresh shell from our inventory to make the remote look and feel brand new again.

Step 5: Swapping the Battery

Once you have the shell separated, you have clear access to the internal components. This is the critical moment for your Nissan key fob battery replacement. Take your small flathead screwdriver and gently lift the old 3V Lithium coin battery out of its socket. Be careful not to use too much force, as you want to avoid bending the delicate metal contacts or scratching the circuit board.

Pay close attention to the orientation:

• Removal: Note how the old battery is sitting before you fully remove it.
• Polarity Check: For the majority of Nissan Intelligent Keys, de negative (-) side faces up toward you. The positive (+) side usually faces down against the chip.
• Installation: Slide the new battery (likely a CR2032) in at a slight angle to catch the edge of the metal rim, then press down until it sits completely flush.

If you are maintaining a standard Nissan Versa, Rogue, or Pathfinder remote, ensure the battery is tight against the contacts. A loose fit is the most common reason a fob fails to work immediately after a change.

Step 6: Reassembly and Testing Your Nissan Remote

Once the new Nissan key fob battery is seated correctly, putting everything back together is a breeze. I always remind customers to be gentle during this phase to ensure the plastic seal remains water-resistant and secure.

Follow this simple checklist to finish the job:

• Align the Shells: Line up the two halves of the casing perfectly. Make sure the internal circuit board hasn’t shifted.
• Snap It Shut: Squeeze the edges firmly. You should hear a distinct “snap” or “click” sound as the tabs lock into place. Work your way around the entire perimeter to ensure there are no gaps.
• Secure the Key: Slide the mechanical emergency key back into its slot until it latches securely.

The Final Test

Now comes the moment of truth. Walk out to your vehicle and press the lock and unlock buttons. If the doors respond immediately, you have successfully managed to replace battery components without a trip to the dealership. In most cases, simple battery swaps do not require Nissan key fob programming, so your remote should work instantly. If the remote is still unresponsive, don’t panic—we will look at troubleshooting next.

Troubleshooting: Nissan Key Fob Not Working After Battery Change

You followed the steps, but the remote is still dead. Before you head to the dealership, run through this quick diagnostic checklist. In our experience at KeylessBest, the issue is usually simple to fix without professional help.

• Check the Polarity: It is incredibly easy to accidentally install the 3V Lithium coin battery upside down. Open the case again and verify that the positive (+) and negative (-) sides match the markings inside the shell.
• Inspect the Contacts: Over time, the small metal prongs that touch the battery can get pushed down or become dirty. If they look flat, gently pry them up with your screwdriver to ensure a solid connection.
• Reprogramming Myths: Many drivers worry about Nissan key fob programming after a swap. Generally, a simple battery replacement does niet require reprogramming. Your car should remember the remote immediately.

The KeylessBest Solution

If the battery is fresh and the contacts are clean, but the remote still fails, the internal circuit board or the buttons themselves might be damaged. You don’t need to pay premium dealer prices to fix this. We stock high-quality KeylessBest Nissan replacement fobs and shells. If your electronics work but the buttons are worn, a simple shell swap is the most cost-effective repair. If the board is dead, we provide affordable replacements compatible with your specific FCC ID.

Bonus: How to Start Your Nissan with a Dead Key Fob

If you ignored the key battery low warning Nissan gave you earlier and now find yourself stranded in a parking lot, don’t panic. You can still start your vehicle even if the remote is completely dead. The Nissan Intelligent Key system includes a built-in failsafe designed specifically for this scenario, allowing the car to recognize the transponder chip inside the fob without any battery power.

Here is the dead Nissan key fob emergency start method for push-to-start models like the Altima, Rogue, and Sentra:

• Step 1: Press down on the brake pedal just as you normally would to start the engine.
• Step 2: Hold the key fob so that the back side (where the Nissan logo is located) is touching the Start/Stop knop on your dashboard.
• Step 3: While keeping the fob pressed against the button, push the ignition switch.

You might hear a chime indicating the key has been detected. This works because the vehicle sends a low-frequency signal that energizes the passive chip inside your remote, similar to how a building access card works. This trick will get you back on the road so you can head to the store for a fresh battery or order a backup from our inventory.