Quick Summary: The battery for your 2020 Ford Explorer key fob is a standard CR2032 coin cell. Replacing it is simple and quick, usually taking less than 5 minutes. This guide will show you exactly how to do it to get your key fob working again without needing a dealership visit.
Is your 2020 Ford Explorer key fob acting up? Maybe it’s not unlocking the doors like it used to, or perhaps the start button isn’t responding. It’s a common issue, and often the simplest solution is a dead battery in the key fob itself. Thinking about a car repair can feel daunting, but this particular fix is surprisingly easy. You don’t need to be a car expert or a tech whiz to handle it. In this article, Roy Walker will walk you through everything you need to know, step by step. We’ll cover which battery you need, the simple tools to get the job done, and how to replace it safely and quickly. Get ready to have your key fob working like new again in no time!
Understanding Your Key Fob Battery
Your 2020 Ford Explorer key fob is a small, clever device that lets you control your car without a physical key. It sends a wireless signal to your vehicle. Like any electronic gadget, it needs power to work, and that power comes from a small, round battery. Over time, this battery loses its charge, just like the battery in your phone or a portable charger might. When this happens, the signals get weaker or stop altogether, leading to those frustrating moments when your fob just won’t cooperate.
What Type of Battery is It?
For the 2020 Ford Explorer key fob, the battery is almost always a CR2032 3V lithium coin battery. This is a very common type of battery found in many small electronic devices, like car key fobs, medical devices, and some small toys. They’re called “coin cells” because they are small and flat, resembling a coin.
Why CR2032? These batteries are chosen because they are:
- Compact: They fit easily inside the small key fob.
- Long-lasting: They provide a good amount of power for their size.
- Reliable: They offer a consistent voltage, which is important for the fob’s electronics.
- Widely available: You can find them at almost any store that sells batteries.
Signs Your Key Fob Battery Needs Replacing
How do you know if it’s truly the battery that’s the problem? Here are some common signs:
- Reduced Range: You have to be much closer to your car for the remote to work.
- Slow Response: It takes longer than usual for the doors to unlock or lock.
- Intermittent Functionality: Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
- No Response at All: The fob seems completely dead, and nothing happens when you press the buttons.
- Dashboard Warning (Rarely): Some vehicles might show a specific warning light or message on the dashboard for a key fob battery, though this is less common for older or simpler key fobs.
If you’re experiencing these issues, don’t worry. Replacing the battery is usually the first and easiest fix.
What You Will Need
The great news is that you don’t need a lot of fancy tools to change your key fob battery. Most of what you need, you might already have around the house. This makes it a super convenient DIY job.
Essential Tools and Supplies
- New CR2032 Battery: Make sure it’s a fresh one. You can buy these at most drug stores, supermarkets, electronics stores, and online retailers.
- Small Flathead Screwdriver or a Plastic Pry Tool: This is for gently separating the two halves of the key fob. A very flat coin can sometimes work in a pinch, but a screwdriver or pry tool is better to avoid damage. If using a screwdriver, be careful not to scratch the plastic.
- A Soft Cloth or Paper Towel: To lay the key fob on while you work, protecting its surface from scratches.
- Optional: Tweezers: Some people find tweezers helpful for carefully lifting out the old battery and placing the new one.
Choosing the Right Battery
As mentioned, the CR2032 is the standard. Always double-check your vehicle’s owner’s manual if you’re unsure, but for a 2020 Ford Explorer, this is almost certainly it. When buying, you don’t need to go for the most expensive brand. Reputable brands like Duracell, Energizer, or even store brands will work perfectly well. Just ensure it’s a genuine CR2032. Buying a pack is often more economical if you have multiple key fobs or other devices that use them.
Safety First Tips
- Work in a well-lit area: You want to see what you’re doing clearly.
- Be gentle: Key fobs are made of plastic and can break if too much force is used.
- Don’t force it: If the fob isn’t opening easily, you’re probably missing a step or needing to apply pressure in a slightly different spot.
- Keep away from small children: Coin batteries are a choking hazard. Keep the batteries and the disassembled fob away from little hands.
- Handle batteries correctly: Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your bare fingers for too long, as oils from your skin can potentially affect its performance over time. Using tweezers or holding the edges is a good practice.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Battery
Changing the battery in your 2020 Ford Explorer key fob is straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have your key fob working perfectly again in no time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Find a clean, flat surface with good lighting. Lay down your soft cloth or paper towel. Place your key fob on the cloth. This will help prevent scratches and ensure you don’t lose any small parts.
Step 2: Locate the Seam or Notch
Examine your key fob. You’ll usually see a seam running all the way around where the two plastic halves meet. On many fobs, there’s also a small notch or slot, often near the top or side, specifically designed to help you pry it open. For the 2020 Ford Explorer fob, look for this seam and any designated prying points.
Step 3: Gently Pry Open the Fob
Take your small flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool. Insert the tip into the notch or along the seam. Gently twist or lever the tool. The goal is to create a small gap between the two halves. You might hear a small ‘snap’ as the clips holding it together release. Work your way around the seam if necessary, applying gentle pressure. Be patient; don’t force it. If it feels stuck, try a slightly different angle or a different part of the seam.
Once you have a small gap, you can often use your fingers or the pry tool to carefully separate the two halves completely. They should come apart without much resistance.
Step 4: Remove the Old Battery
Once the fob is open, you’ll see the small, round battery inside. It’s usually held in place by a small clip or by snugness within its compartment. If it’s not loose, use your screwdriver, pry tool, or tweezers to carefully lift the battery out. Note the orientation of the battery (which side is facing up) before you remove it. This is crucial for installing the new one correctly.
Step 5: Insert the New Battery
Take your new CR2032 battery. Based on how you noted the old one was oriented, place the new battery into the compartment. Usually, the positive side (often indicated by a ‘+’ symbol and a slightly larger, raised surface) should be facing upwards, towards the back of the fob’s buttons. Gently press the new battery into place. It should fit snugly. If you have tweezers, they can be useful for precise placement.
Step 6: Reassemble the Fob
Once the new battery is securely in place, take the two halves of the key fob and align them. Press them back together firmly. You should hear a series of small clicks as the clips re-engage and the fob snaps shut. Make sure there are no gaps around the seam and that the two halves are perfectly aligned.
Step 7: Test the Key Fob
Now for the moment of truth! Try using your key fob. Press the lock and unlock buttons. Test any other functions your fob has, like the panic button or trunk release. It should respond instantly and from a good distance away. If it works, congratulations! You’ve successfully replaced your key fob battery.
If it doesn’t work, don’t panic. Double-check that the battery is inserted correctly, that it’s the right type of battery, and that the fob is fully snapped shut. Sometimes, re-seating the battery can help.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with simple fixes, things can sometimes go a bit awry. Here are some common problems you might encounter and how to solve them.
Fob Still Not Working After Battery Replacement
If you’ve followed the steps and your fob is still unresponsive, consider these possibilities:
- Incorrect Battery Orientation: The most common mistake is putting the battery in backward. Check the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ sides and ensure it’s aligned as noted.
- Dead New Battery: While rare, it’s possible to get a faulty new battery. Try a different brand-new CR2032.
- Corrosion or Dirt: Look inside the fob for any signs of corrosion on the battery contacts or the circuit board. Clean gently with a bit of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab if you see any.
- Damaged Fob: The fob itself might have internal damage from being dropped or getting wet. In this case, you might need to replace the entire key fob.
- Car’s Receiver: In very rare cases, the issue might be with the car’s receiver system, not the fob. This would require a mechanic to diagnose.
Difficulty Opening the Fob
If you can’t get the fob to open, remember to:
- Locate the correct seam/notch. Not all fobs have obvious pry points.
- Use the right tool. A thin but sturdy flathead screwdriver or a dedicated plastic pry tool is best. Avoid using sharp objects that could break the plastic or cause injury.
- Apply gentle, steady pressure. Twisting motions often work better than straight prying.
- Check online for your specific model. A quick search for “2020 Ford Explorer key fob teardown” might show videos or diagrams of how your particular fob is constructed.
Buttons are Sticky or Don’t Feel Right
If the buttons feel stiff or unresponsive even after replacing the battery:
- Clean the contacts: The rubber button contacts and the corresponding points on the circuit board can get dirty. Gently clean them with a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Let it dry completely before reassembling.
- Check button placement: Ensure the small rubber button pad is correctly aligned.
Range is Still Poor
Even with a new battery, if the range is still short:
- Check the antenna wire (if applicable): Some fobs have a small antenna wire. Ensure it hasn’t broken or come loose.
- Interference: Strong radio signals or nearby electronic devices can sometimes interfere with the fob’s signal. Try using it in a different location.
- Internal Damage: As with complete unresponsiveness, poor range can sometimes indicate internal damage to the fob.
When to Seek Professional Help
While replacing your key fob battery is a do-it-yourself task, there are times when it’s best to consult a professional:
- If you’re uncomfortable: If you’re not confident in your ability to open the fob without breaking it, a dealership or a reputable automotive locksmith can do it for you.
- If the fob is damaged: If your key fob has been dropped, submerged in water, or appears physically broken, a battery replacement might not be enough. You may need a new fob.
- If troubleshooting fails: After trying all the DIY solutions, if the fob still doesn’t work, it’s time to seek expert advice.
- Lost or damaged fobs: If you’ve lost your only key fob or if it’s severely damaged, you’ll need to visit a dealership or a locksmith to get a new one programmed. This is a more complex and costly process than a simple battery change.
For programming new key fobs, the process typically involves specialized equipment and software that only authorized technicians have. This ensures the new fob is correctly synced with your vehicle’s security system.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional
Understanding the costs involved can help you decide whether to tackle this yourself. Here’s a quick look:
| Service | Typical Cost Range | Time Investment | Ease of Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Battery Replacement | $5 – $15 (for a pack of 2-4 CR2032 batteries) | 5-10 minutes | Very Easy (most car owners can do it) |
| Professional Battery Replacement (Dealership/Auto Shop) | $20 – $50 | 15-30 minutes | Requires an appointment, might need to wait |
| New Key Fob Programming (if needed) | $100 – $300+ (depending on vehicle and number of fobs) | 30 minutes – 1 hour | Dealership or specialized locksmith required |
As you can see, replacing the battery yourself is by far the most economical option. The cost savings are significant, and the process is simple enough that most people can do it successfully. Investing in a pack of batteries is a good idea, as you’ll likely find uses for them in other electronics around your home.
Battery Life Expectancy
How long should you expect a new key fob battery to last? Typically, a good quality CR2032 battery can power your key fob for anywhere from 2 to 5 years. This can vary quite a lot depending on several factors:
- Frequency of use: The more you use your key fob (locking/unlocking, remote start, etc.), the faster the battery will drain.
- Battery quality: Higher quality batteries tend to last longer.
- Temperature: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect battery performance and lifespan.
- Fob features: Fobs with more features, like proximity sensors or advanced security, might draw more power.
- Storage: If the buttons are accidentally pressed while the fob is in a pocket or bag, it can drain the battery prematurely.
When the battery