Key fob battery

Honda Accord Key Fob Battery — Type & 2-Minute Replacement

Honda's owner's manuals list a CR1616 for the 2003–2012 Accord remote. For 2013–2017, the plain remote takes a CR1620 and the smart entry remote (push-button start) takes a CR2032. From 2018 the remote takes a CR2032. To be sure, open the fob and read the number printed on the old cell. The swap takes about two minutes and does not require any reprogramming.

Opened generic car key fob with a coin-cell battery and small pry tool — Open the fob, match the printed coin-cell number, and reinstall the new cell in the same orientation.

Which battery does my Accord key fob take?

Honda prints the battery type in each year’s owner’s manual. We read the Accord manuals for 2003, 2005–2014 and 2016–2023; the 2004 and 2015 manuals weren’t available, so check those cells directly.

Model years	Remote (Honda’s name)	Coin cell
2003–2012	Remote transmitter	CR1616
2013–2017	Remote transmitter (cars without smart entry)	CR1620
2013–2017	Smart entry remote (push-button start; not on all models)	CR2032
2018–2023	Remote	CR2032

The printed code on the dead cell is the final word. CR2032 / CR1620 / CR1616 are all 3V lithium coin cells but different thicknesses — the last two digits are millimetres of height (2032 = 3.2 mm, 1620 = 2.0 mm, 1616 = 1.6 mm). Using the wrong thickness means a loose or crushed fit, so match the number exactly.

Replacing a remote transmitter (CR1616 / CR1620)

Find the seam or screw. Many flip keys have a small Phillips screw near the keyring loop; others just split along a seam.
Open the shell. Remove the screw (if present) and gently pry the halves apart at the seam.
Pop out the circuit module if needed to reach the cell, note the orientation, and swap in the matching cell: CR1616 for 2003–2012, CR1620 for 2013–2017.
Reassemble, replace the screw, and test.

Do I need to reprogram the fob after changing the battery?

No. The fob’s transponder ID is stored on its circuit board, not the battery — so swapping the coin cell doesn’t erase anything. Your remote keeps working immediately. (Reprogramming is only needed when you buy a brand-new fob or one is lost — that’s a different job.)

My fob still doesn’t work after a new battery — now what?

Re-seat the cell — the most common miss. Make sure it’s the correct side up and fully under the clip.
Check you used the right cell (and that the new one isn’t a dud from an old multipack).
Clean the contacts — a tiny bit of corrosion or a fingerprint’s oil can break contact; wipe with a dry cloth.
Try the buttons up close — if it works at 1 foot and not at 20, the fob may be failing, not the battery.
Use the mechanical key / push-to-start backup — a dead fob still starts the car: hold the fob against the start button (smart key) or use the hidden blade to unlock. If nothing works after a known-good battery, the fob itself or the car’s receiver may need a dealer/locksmith.

What to buy

You only need a 3V lithium coin cell in the right size — any major brand (Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, Sony/Murata) is fine. Multipacks are the best value since you’ll do this again (and other remotes around the house use the same cells).

CR2032 (2013–2017 smart entry remote, 2018–2023 remote): shop CR2032 on Amazon →
CR1620 (2013–2017 remote without smart entry): shop CR1620 on Amazon →
CR1616 (2003–2012 remote): shop CR1616 on Amazon →

If the problem turns out to be the car’s battery (engine won’t crank, not just the remote), see the main Honda Accord battery guide, the battery replacement guide, and the best battery picks.

Replace a smart key battery (CR2032) — 2-minute steps

For a CR2032 smart entry remote (2013–2017) or a 2018–2023 remote, here’s the swap, start to finish:

Opened key fob shell with coin-cell battery ready for replacement — The fob battery swap needs only a small pry tool and the matching coin cell.

Slide out the emergency key — press the small release latch on the back and pull the metal blade free.
Split the case: insert the metal blade (or a coin or plastic pry tool) into the seam where the blade came out and gently twist — don't pry sideways. The two halves pop apart.
Note which way the old cell sits before you lift it out — Honda's manual only says to fit the new one with the correct polarity, so copy what you saw.
Drop in the new CR2032 the same way (correct side up), pressing it under the retaining clip until it's flush.
Snap the case shut, reinsert the emergency blade, and test all the buttons from a few feet away.

Frequently asked questions

What battery does a Honda Accord key fob take?

It depends on the year. Honda's owner's manuals list a CR1616 for 2003–2012 remotes, a CR1620 for the 2013–2017 remote without smart entry, and a CR2032 for the 2013–2017 smart entry remote and for every 2018–2023 remote. Open the fob and read the number printed on the old battery to be certain before buying.

Do I need to reprogram my Honda fob after changing the battery?

No. The fob's code is stored on its circuit board, not the battery, so a battery swap doesn't erase it — the remote works right away. Reprogramming is only needed for a brand-new or replacement fob, not for a routine coin-cell change.

How do I open a Honda Accord key fob?

Slide out the metal emergency key, then insert the blade into the seam where it came from and gently twist to pop the two halves apart. Don't pry sideways. Swap the coin cell (correct side up), snap it shut, and reinsert the emergency key.

Why isn't my key fob working after I changed the battery?

Usually the cell is in the wrong way, not fully seated, the wrong size, or a dud. Re-seat it correct-side-up, confirm the size against the old one, and clean the contacts. If it still fails up close, the fob or the car's receiver — not the battery — may be the problem.

How much is a Honda Accord key fob battery?

Just a few dollars. A single CR2032 is about $1–$3, and a multipack of 4–6 is often the better value since you'll reuse them. You don't need a Honda-branded cell — any major-brand 3V lithium coin cell in the correct size works identically.