The correct battery for your 2014 Dodge Durango key fob is a CR2032. This common coin cell battery is readily available at most stores and easy to replace yourself, ensuring you regain access to your vehicle’s features quickly.
It’s a frustrating moment: you reach for your 2014 Dodge Durango’s key fob, ready to unlock your doors or start the engine, and… nothing. That dead battery can really put a damper on your day. But don’t worry, this is a super common issue, and fixing it is much simpler than you might think. We’re going to walk through exactly what battery you need and how to swap it out yourself. No need to call a mechanic or spend a fortune at the dealership.
Understanding Your Key Fob Battery Needs
Your 2014 Dodge Durango key fob relies on a small, round battery to send signals to your car. Over time, these batteries lose their power, just like the batteries in your phone or in a portable power bank. When this happens, you might notice the range of your key fob decreases, or it might stop working altogether. The good news is, the battery you need is a very standard type that you can easily pick up at most grocery stores, electronics shops, or even drugstores.
The Specific Battery You Need: CR2032
For your 2014 Dodge Durango key fob, the precise battery you’ll need is the CR2032 lithium coin cell battery.
This particular battery is chosen for its:
- Reliable power output: It provides a steady stream of energy for your key fob.
- Long shelf life: These batteries don’t lose power quickly when stored.
- Compact size: It fits perfectly into the small confines of your key fob.
- Wide availability: You can find them almost anywhere that sells batteries.
You’ll often see these batteries used in other small electronic devices as well, like small remote controls, digital watches, and even some small computer components. This familiarity means they aren’t hard to find when you need one.
Why Does My Key Fob Battery Die?
Like any battery, the one in your key fob has a limited lifespan. Several factors can contribute to it draining faster than usual:
- Age: Batteries naturally degrade over time.
- Usage: Frequent use of the buttons can slightly shorten its life.
- Environmental factors: Extreme hot or cold temperatures can sometimes affect battery performance.
- Accidental button presses: If the fob is in a pocket or bag where buttons get pressed unintentionally, it can drain the battery.
The good news is that a CR2032 battery typically lasts between 2 to 4 years, depending on how often you use your key fob and the conditions it’s exposed to.
Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing Your Key Fob Battery
Replacing the battery in your 2014 Dodge Durango key fob is a straightforward DIY task. Here’s how to do it safely and effectively.
Tools You’ll Need:
- One new CR2032 lithium coin cell battery.
- A small, flat-head screwdriver or a plastic pry tool. (A credit card can also work in a pinch!)
- A soft cloth or paper towel.
The Process – Step-by-Step:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Find a clean, well-lit area to work in. Lay down a soft cloth or paper towel to protect your key fob and prevent tiny parts from rolling away.
- Identify the Seam: Look closely at your key fob. You’ll see a thin seam running around the edge where the two halves of the plastic casing meet. There might be a small notch or groove, often on the side or at the bottom, that’s designed for prying it open.
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Gently Pry Open the Fob:
- Insert the tip of your small flat-head screwdriver or plastic pry tool into the notch or seam.
- Carefully twist the screwdriver or gently lever the tool to separate the two halves of the fob. Work your way around the seam if needed.
- Important Safety Tip: Be gentle! You don’t want to force it and break the plastic clips that hold the fob together. If it feels stuck, try a different part of the seam.
- Locate the Old Battery: Once the fob is open, you will see the circuit board and the coin cell battery. The battery is usually held in place by a small metal clip or sits snugly in a compartment.
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Remove the Old Battery:
- Note the orientation of the old battery (which side is facing up and which is down). This is crucial for installing the new one correctly. Usually, the positive (+) side is facing up.
- Use the tip of your screwdriver or pry tool to gently lift the old battery out of its compartment. It might just pop out, or you might need to carefully lever it from under one edge.
Safety note: Avoid touching the circuit board with your bare fingers. Oils from your skin can sometimes interfere with electronic components.
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Insert the New Battery:
- Take your new CR2032 battery.
- Place it into the compartment with the correct orientation. For most 2014 Dodge Durango fobs, the positive (+) side of the battery should be facing upwards.
- Press down gently until it sits securely in place. You might hear a small click if there’s a clip holding it.
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Reassemble the Key Fob:
- Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing.
- Press them together firmly until they snap back into place. You should feel or hear the clips re-engaging.
- Ensure there are no gaps around the seam.
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Test Your Key Fob:
- Go to your 2014 Dodge Durango and try using the key fob to unlock or lock the doors.
- Try starting the car with the fob if your model has a push-button start.
If it works, congratulations! You’ve successfully replaced your key fob battery.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the right battery and steps, sometimes things don’t work perfectly the first time. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
- Fob still not working:
- Double-check that the new battery is indeed a CR2032.
- Ensure the battery is inserted with the correct polarity (+ side up).
- Make sure the battery is making good contact with the metal terminals inside the fob. Gently bend the terminals slightly if they look flat.
- Try reassembling the fob, ensuring all clips are engaged properly.
- Fob buttons feel mushy or stuck: This might indicate that the casing wasn’t reassembled correctly, or there’s a small piece of debris inside. Open it up again and check for obstructions.
- Car alarm goes off: This can sometimes happen if the battery was removed or replaced while the alarm was armed or if a door was opened. Simply disarm the alarm using the key in the driver’s door.
Battery Specifications and Comparison
The CR2032 is a standard choice, but let’s look at why it’s suitable and what other batteries are out there (though not for your Durango fob).
| Battery Type | Common Use | Voltage | Size (approx.) | Rechargeable? | Suitable for 2014 Dodge Durango Fob? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR2032 | Key Fobs, Watches, Small Remotes, Calculators | 3V | 20mm x 3.2mm | No | Yes |
| CR2025 | Some Key Fobs, Smaller Remotes, Key Chains | 3V | 20mm x 2.5mm | No | No (slightly thinner) |
| CR1632 | Fitness Trackers, Smaller Electronics | 3V | 16mm x 3.2mm | No | No (smaller diameter) |
| AA/AAA Alkaline | Remote controls, flashlights, toys | 1.5V | Various | No | No (wrong size and voltage) |
| Rechargeable Li-ion (e.g., 18650) | Flashlights, vape mods, power banks | 3.7V | Various (larger) | Yes | No (completely wrong size, voltage, and type) |
As you can see, the CR2032 is specifically designed for devices needing a compact, 3-volt power source. Using the wrong type of battery could result in your key fob not working, or in rare cases, damage to the electronics.
Where to Buy Your CR2032 Battery:
You can reliably find CR2032 batteries at:
- Major retail stores (Walmart, Target, etc.)
- Drug stores (CVS, Walgreens, etc.)
- Grocery stores
- Electronics stores (Best Buy)
- Online retailers (Amazon, eBay)
When purchasing, especially online, it’s a good idea to buy a multi-pack. They are inexpensive, and you’ll have spares for future replacements or for other devices.
Safety First: Handling Batteries
While changing a key fob battery is generally safe, it’s always wise to follow a few precautions:
- Keep away from children: Coin cell batteries, especially, can be a choking hazard and are dangerous if swallowed. Store spares securely out of reach.
- Proper disposal: Coin cell batteries contain small amounts of hazardous materials. Don’t throw them in with your regular trash. Many stores that sell batteries, as well as local recycling centers or hazardous waste facilities, offer battery recycling. For more information on battery disposal, you can often find resources from government environmental agencies, for instance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has guidance on battery recycling.
- Avoid short-circuiting: Don’t let the positive and negative terminals of the new battery touch each other or any metal objects before installation, as this can discharge the battery quickly.
- Handle with care: While not as critical as with larger high-power batteries (like car batteries), it’s good practice to avoid touching the battery terminals directly with bare fingers if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the exact battery type for a 2014 Dodge Durango key fob?
A: The specific battery you need is a CR2032 3-volt lithium coin cell battery.
Q2: How long does a key fob battery usually last?
A: A CR2032 battery typically lasts between 2 to 4 years, depending on usage and environmental factors.
Q3: Can I use a CR2025 battery instead of a CR2032?
A: It’s best not to. While both are 3V, the CR2025 is thinner (2.5mm vs 3.2mm). It might not make good contact, or the fob might not close properly. Always use the recommended CR2032.
Q4: My key fob still doesn’t work after replacing the battery. What should I do?
A: Double-check that the battery is inserted correctly (+ side up), that the battery is making good contact with the terminals, and that the fob is reassembled tightly. If it still fails, there might be an issue with the fob itself or your car’s receiver.
Q5: Where can I buy a CR2032 battery?
A: They are widely available at most grocery stores, drug stores, electronics retailers, and online.
Q6: Is it difficult to replace the key fob battery?
A: No, it’s a simple process that most people can do in under 5 minutes with basic tools like a small screwdriver. You can find detailed steps above.
Q7: Can I use a rechargeable battery in my key fob?
A: No, key fobs typically use non-rechargeable coin cell batteries like the CR2032. Rechargeable batteries have different voltage and charging requirements and will not work.
Maintaining Your Key Fob and Battery Life
While replacing the battery is a common maintenance task, you can also help prolong its life:
- Minimize accidental button presses: Try to avoid keeping your key fob in a pocket or bag where it could be squeezed, leading to unintentional activation of buttons.
- Keep it dry: Avoid exposing your key fob to excessive moisture or submerging it in water.
- Store properly in extreme temperatures: While a bit of heat or cold won’t instantly kill the battery, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can reduce its efficiency over time.
- Consider a spare fob: If you have a second key fob, rotating its use with your primary one can help distribute the wear and tear and prolong the life of each individual battery. Many vehicles today also use smart key systems that rely on batteries for seamless operation, so having a backup fob is always a good idea.
Conclusion
Dealing with a dead key fob battery for your 2014 Dodge Durango is a minor inconvenience that you can easily solve yourself. By understanding that the CR2032 battery is the key, and following the simple, step-by-step process for replacement, you can quickly restore full functionality to your remote. Remember to be gentle, ensure the correct battery orientation, and always prioritize safety when handling batteries. This small maintenance task will save you time and money, keeping you on the road with peace of mind. Happy motoring!
