Bfgslkman

Latest video now released - there really is no excuse to pay the dealer to do this job!

JTK44

I bought from Costco 10 CR2032 batteries for $9.99.

In the owner's manual there are the same instructions for changing the battery.

The G Man

My dealer replace the key fob battery for free.

JTK44

Some do some don't: My dealer does not charge for replacing: however they do charge $12 for the battery!

DFWdude

Yesterday, I visited Batteries+Bulbs and bought a two-pack of Duracell 3V Lithium button cell batteries, for $8.00. I did this because I called in advance and the counter person told me they just received a shipment the day before... This means nice, fresh, full voltage batteries, enough for both key fobs.

I've bought the bulk packs before, but half of them were useless, as sitting in the drawer, their shelf life was gone by the time I got around to using most of them.

I feel little sympathy for anyone who 1) burns premium gas to visit the dealership for an overpriced battery, and 2) agrees to pay the dealership for labor in replacing it. Virtually every car now sold in America (from cheapest to most expensive, all makes and models) uses remote door lock/unlock key fobs that need batteries replaced eventually.

IMO, learning this (beyond simple) task oneself is about the same as learning how to operate a gas cap.

Bfgslkman

I agree with you, but there are plenty of people out there for whom such a "simple" task is considered too complex or who are happy to have €20/£20/$20 added to their service bill.

DFWdude

Yup, and I suspect many of these are the same people who drive with their faces buried in their cellphone screens. Some just can't be bothered to do anything... (safely or not).

I just hope they don't have a flat tire on their quick "hit-n-run" to Starbucks. Heaven help if they leave that cellphone behind. Never mind, can't take the time to enter AAA emergency roadside service in the phone anyway.

My wife can change a flat tire, so she knows how to change a fob battery.

cetialpha5

I think there are many dealers that replace them for free and don't even tell you. Last time I had mine in for service it was automatically replaced and wasn't even mentioned in the bill. Only reason I knew was that the battery was different, I normally use Energizer for replacements and it was another brand. I think I tried that other brand but I got the highest voltages with Energizers so I've been sticking with Energizer.