For your 2019 Honda CRV key fob, the most common and correct battery size is the CR2032. This coin-shaped lithium battery is readily available, reliable, and specifically designed to power your key fob for extended periods. Replacing it is a simple DIY task that will get your remote functions working again in minutes.
Is your 2019 Honda CRV key fob suddenly unresponsive? Does it struggle to unlock doors or start your car? It’s a common issue that can leave you feeling stuck, especially when you’re in a hurry. Many drivers delay dealing with this because they worry about complicated fixes or expensive replacements. The good news is that for a 2019 Honda CRV, the problem is usually as simple as a drained key fob battery. This guide will walk you through exactly what you need to know, making the fix straightforward and stress-free. We’ll cover the right battery size, how to find it, and even show you how to swap it out yourself in a few easy steps. Get ready to get your key fob working like new again!
Find the Right Battery: What Size Battery for 2019 Honda CRV Key Fob?
When it comes to powering your 2019 Honda CRV’s key fob, there’s one battery that stands out as the go-to choice: the CR2032. This is a very common, coin-shaped lithium battery. You’ll find it used in all sorts of small electronic devices, from key fobs to small remote controls and even some digital scales.
Why is the CR2032 the standard for your CRV key fob? It offers a great balance of:
- Voltage: It provides the consistent 3-volt power your key fob needs to send signals to your car.
- Size: Its slim, coin-like shape fits perfectly into the compact design of most key fobs without adding bulk.
- Longevity: CR2032 batteries are known for lasting a significant amount of time, often several years, under normal usage.
- Availability: Because it’s so common, you can find CR2032 batteries almost anywhere you buy batteries – from grocery stores and drugstores to electronics shops and online retailers.
While the CR2032 is the standard, it’s always a good idea to double-check. Sometimes, manufacturers might use slightly different models or even a different battery size. The best way to be absolutely sure is to open your key fob and check the battery currently inside. The battery size or model number is usually printed directly on its surface.
Identifying Your Key Fob and Its Battery Needs
Honda has used a few variations of key fobs over the years, but for the 2019 Honda CRV, the CR2032 is almost universally the correct battery. Your key fob likely has two main buttons (lock and unlock) or three (lock, unlock, and trunk release). Some might even have a panic button.
Before you buy a new battery, take a moment to look at your key fob. You might be able to see a small seam where the two halves of the fob connect. This is where you’ll eventually pry it open to access the battery. If you’re unsure, consult your Honda CRV owner’s manual. It typically has detailed information on key fob maintenance, including the correct battery type.
Common Key Fob Battery Sizes to Be Aware Of
While the CR2032 is dominant for your 2019 CRV, knowing other common coin cell battery sizes can be helpful for other devices or if you encounter an unusual situation. Here are a few you might see:
| Battery Size | Typical Use Cases | Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| CR2032 | Key fobs (Honda CRV 2019), computer motherboards, small remotes, fitness trackers | 3V |
| CR2025 | Key fobs, calculators, medical devices, small remote controls | 3V |
| CR2016 | Key fobs (less common), coin holders, small electronic devices, button lights | 3V |
| CR1632 | Key fobs (some car models), fitness trackers, medical devices | 3V |
| A23 | Garage door openers, car remotes (older models), wireless doorbells | 12V (This is a cylindrical battery, not a coin cell) |
As you can see, all the coin cell batteries (CR series) typically operate at 3 volts, which is ideal for low-power electronics like key fobs. The numbers in the model name indicate the battery’s size. For example, CR2032 means it’s a 20mm diameter battery that is 3.2mm thick (though often referred to as 3mm thick).
Where to Buy a CR2032 Battery for Your 2019 Honda CRV
Finding a replacement CR2032 battery is usually quite easy. Here are the most common places:
- Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Most large grocery stores have a battery section, often near the checkout aisles or in the small electronics department.
- Drugstores: Pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, or local equivalents almost always carry a selection of common batteries.
- Big Box Retailers: Stores like Walmart, Target, or Best Buy will have extensive battery selections in their electronics or household goods sections.
- Hardware Stores: Home improvement stores sometimes carry basic batteries, though their selection might be smaller.
- Online Retailers: Amazon, eBay, and other online marketplaces are excellent sources. You can often buy them in multi-packs, which is cost-effective if you have other devices that use them. Buying in bulk can also ensure you always have a spare on hand.
When purchasing, you have options regarding brands and quality. While most major brands (like Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, Maxell) offer reliable CR2032 batteries, some generic brands might be cheaper. For critical functions like your car key fob, it’s often worth spending a little extra for a reputable brand to ensure longevity and reliability. Look for batteries with a good expiry date, as batteries do lose charge over time even when unused.
Tips for Buying Batteries Online
If you’re buying online, pay attention to:
- Quantity: Are you buying a single battery or a pack?
- Seller Reputation: Check reviews for the seller to ensure they offer genuine products.
- Shipping Time: If you need it quickly, factor in delivery times.
- Price per Battery: Compare prices to get the best value, especially for multi-packs.
For those interested in the technical specifications and reliability of lithium coin cells, the Energizer lithium coin batteries page provides a good overview of their features and typical applications.
Step-by-Step: How to Replace the Battery in Your 2019 Honda CRV Key Fob
Replacing the battery in your 2019 Honda CRV key fob is a straightforward process that requires only a few basic tools. You don’t need to be a mechanic or a tech wizard! Follow these simple steps to get your key fob working again.
What You’ll Need:
- A new CR2032 battery
- A small flathead screwdriver or a plastic prying tool (a guitar pick can work too!)
- Your 2019 Honda CRV key fob
The Replacement Process:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Find a clean, well-lit area. Lay down a soft cloth or towel to prevent scratching your key fob.
- Locate the Seam: Examine your key fob. You’ll see a line where the front and back plastic casings meet. On many Honda CRVs, there’s a small notch or indentation near the key ring loop. This is the best place to start prying.
- Gently Pry Open the Fob: Insert the tip of your small flathead screwdriver or prying tool into the notch. Twist gently to create a small gap. Work your way around the seam, applying gentle pressure. The plastic clips holding the fob together will start to release. Be patient and avoid forcing it, as you don’t want to break the plastic. The key fob should split into two halves.
- Identify and Remove the Old Battery: Once the fob is open, you’ll see the circular battery nestled in one of the halves. It’s usually held in place by a small metal clip or by the plastic housing itself. If it’s held by a clip, you might need to gently move the clip aside with your screwdriver. If not, carefully use the edge of your screwdriver or a fingernail to lift the battery out from the side it’s seated in. Note the orientation of the battery (which side is facing up – usually the positive ‘+’ side).
- Insert the New CR2032 Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery. Make sure the positive (+) side is facing the correct direction as indicated by markings inside the fob or the orientation of the old battery. Place the new battery into the battery compartment. It should sit snugly. If there was a retaining clip, ensure it’s secured over the battery.
- Snap the Fob Back Together: Align the two halves of the key fob. Gently press them together around the edges. You should hear and feel a series of clicks as the plastic clips re-engage. Ensure the seam is closed all the way around.
- Test Your Key Fob: Take your reassembled key fob and test its functions. Try locking and unlocking your car doors. If you have a panic button, test that too. The buttons should now respond immediately and reliably.
That’s it! You’ve successfully replaced your key fob battery. This simple procedure can save you a trip to the dealership and a few dollars in the process.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Fob still not working: Ensure the new battery is inserted correctly with the positive (+) side up. Also, try testing the new battery in another device if possible, or try a different new battery if you have one. The connection points inside the fob might be dirty; gently clean them with a pencil eraser.
- Difficulty opening the fob: Apply heat gently with a hairdryer for a few seconds to slightly soften the plastic. Be careful not to overheat it. Use a plastic prying tool if possible to minimize the risk of scratching.
- Buttons feel loose: Make sure the two halves of the fob are fully snapped together. Sometimes a loose connection can prevent the button from making contact with the battery or the circuit board.
Ensuring Longevity: Tips for Maintaining Your Key Fob Battery
Your key fob battery, usually a CR2032 for your 2019 Honda CRV, is designed to last for several years. However, a few habits can help extend its life even further:
- Avoid Unnecessary Button Presses: Every time you press a button, the fob uses a small amount of power. While it’s designed for this, constantly pressing buttons out of habit (e.g., locking and unlocking multiple times, pressing panic just to see if it works) will drain the battery faster.
- Keep it Safe and Dry: Extreme temperatures and moisture can affect battery performance and longevity. Avoid leaving your key fob in direct sunlight in a hot car or exposed to rain or excessive humidity.
- Secure It When Not in Use: Sometimes key fobs can get accidentally activated inside bags or pockets if a button is jammed against another object.
- Replace Both Fobs at the Same Time (Optional but Recommended): If your car came with two key fobs, consider replacing the batteries in both around the same time. If one is dying, the other is likely getting near the end of its life too. This prevents the frustration of one fob failing shortly after you replace the other.
- Use Reputable Battery Brands: As mentioned, sticking to well-known battery manufacturers can often lead to more consistent performance and longer lifespan compared to very cheap, unbranded options.
When to Consider Charging or Battery Replacement for Other Devices
While your 2019 Honda CRV key fob uses a replaceable battery, many other devices rely on different power solutions. Understanding these can save you confusion and ensure your electronics stay powered.
Phone Batteries (Rechargeable)
Your smartphone uses a rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery. These don’t have a “size” in the way a replaceable battery does; instead, they are custom-fitted to the phone model. Instead of replacing them, you recharge them.
- Charging: Use the charger that came with your phone or a certified compatible charger. Avoid cheap, unbranded chargers, as they can damage your phone or battery over time.
- Battery Health: Over time, rechargeable batteries degrade. You might notice your phone doesn’t hold a charge as long as it used to. Modern smartphones often have a “Battery Health” feature in their settings that can tell you the current capacity of your battery relative to when it was new.
- Replacement: When battery health significantly declines, you can have the battery replaced by the manufacturer or a reputable repair shop. This is a more involved process than changing a key fob battery.
For more on smartphone battery care, resources like Batteries Plus Bulbs offer tips for extending smartphone battery life that are helpful for everyday users.
Power Banks (Portable Chargers)
Power banks are essentially large rechargeable batteries you can carry with you to charge your phone or other devices on the go. They also use lithium-ion technology.
- Capacity: Measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). A higher mAh means it can charge your devices more times.
- Charging: You charge the power bank itself using a USB cable and wall adapter.
- Lifespan: Like phone batteries, power bank batteries degrade over time and with use.
Car Batteries (Lead-Acid)
The main car battery in your 2019 Honda CRV is a completely different beast. It’s a lead-acid battery, much larger and heavier than a key fob battery, and it’s designed to provide a large burst of power to start your engine and run your car’s electrical systems when the engine is off.
- Sizes and Types: Car batteries come in various sizes (Group sizes) and types (e.g., flooded, AGM). Your 2019 Honda CRV will require a specific group size and type, usually found in your owner’s manual or by looking at your current battery.
- Lifespan: Typically last 3-5 years, depending on climate, driving habits, and maintenance.
- Maintenance: Some older batteries require checking and topping up with distilled water, but most modern car batteries are “maintenance-free” and sealed.
- Replacement: Car batteries are usually replaced when they fail or show signs of weakening (slow cranking, dim lights). This can be a DIY job, but it involves safety precautions like wearing gloves and eye protection, and disconnecting the old battery correctly.
The AAA car battery guide offers comprehensive information on car battery maintenance, testing, and replacement.
Adapters and Chargers
These devices convert power from one source (like a wall outlet or your car’s 12V socket) to a form usable by your electronics (usually via USB). They don’t store power themselves but facilitate the transfer and conversion of it. Using the correct adapter and charger ensures efficient and safe charging for your devices.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2019 Honda CRV Key Fob Batteries
Q1: How often do I need to replace the battery in my 2019 Honda CRV key fob?
Typically, a CR2032 battery in a 2019 Honda CRV key fob can last anywhere from 3 to 5 years, or even longer depending on usage and battery quality. You’ll usually notice it starting to fail when the range of the fob decreases, or it requires multiple presses to work.
Q2: Can I use a CR2025 battery instead of a CR2032 in my 2019 Honda CRV key fob?
While both are 3V, a CR2025 battery is slightly thinner (2.5mm) than a CR2032 (3.2mm). This difference in thickness means it might not make proper contact or might rattle around loosely, leading to intermittent performance or failure. It’s best to stick with the specified CR2032 for reliable operation.
