What Size Battery Does A Nissan Key Fob Take? [And How To Change It]

Nowadays, all new Nissan vehicles come with a remote keyless system. You don't need to physically use a key to start your engine or unlock your door with this system. Having a Smart Key as Nissan uses is nice, but what do you do if it runs out of battery power? With so many micro-battery sizes on the market, knowing which size to purchase for your Nissan intelligent key is challenging. Luckily, we've researched the batteries and replacement process to provide you with an answer here. 

All Nissan Smart Keys use the same battery size: CR2032 3-Volt. To change the battery in your key fob, follow these steps:

  1. Remove the valet key by pressing the small button on the back of the fob. 
  2. Using a screwdriver or card, gently pry open the fob until it clicks and is in two pieces. 
  3. Remove the battery and insert the new one. 
  4. Reassemble the key fob and replace the valet key. 

That's an overview of the battery size for Nissan Smart Keys and how to replace them. But, there is more that you need to know about this process. In the remainder of this post, we will discuss how to change the battery in more detail. Additionally, we'll discuss how long the batteries should last, programming the Nissan key fob, and whether or not they qualify for a warranty. 

Close-up of car key in front of coins stacked and calculator on wooden table, What Size Battery Does A Nissan Key Fob Take? [And How To Change It]

The battery on the Nissan Smart Key

For many years now, Nissan has been using Smart Keys instead of standard ignition keys for their vehicles. The Nissan Intelligent Key System allows drivers to lock and unlock the car doors at a distance, open the trunk, and start the car with the push of a button. 

As the automotive industry moves more and more towards technology like Smart Keys, there are always concerns that come along with the progress. For example, what are you supposed to do if the battery in the Nissan Smart Key dies? What kind of battery does the little key fob even take?

All modern Nissan cars, trucks, and vans use the same Smart Key fob and, therefore, the same battery. Inside each Nissan key fob, you will find a single CR2032 3-volt disc-shaped battery. You can find these batteries in most places where batteries are available for sale or in online marketplaces like Amazon. 

Click here to see the Duracell CR2032 at Amazon.

While this battery size is the type you'll find in most Nissan Smart Keys, there is a chance you could have a variation, especially if you are driving an older Nissan. So, always match the old battery you are removing from the key fob with the new one. 

Changing the Battery on the Nissan Smart Key

Close-up of male hand holding the car door/door for automotive/Car smart key

Changing the batteries on small electronic devices like watches or hearing aids is often tricky and frustrating. Luckily, Nissan makes changing the battery on their Smart Key fobs pretty simple. The only tricky part is getting the key fob to open without damaging it. With that said, we will now give a more detailed description of the battery-changing process. 

Step 1: Remove the Valet Key

Every Nissan Smart Key fob has a small standard (old-fashioned) key inside of it. This extra key is called a valet key and is used in a pinch if your key fob battery is dead. This is also the key that you can pull out of the fob and leave with the valet so you can hold onto your actual fob. 

To change the battery on your Nissan key fob, you'll need first to remove this valet key. You can remove the valet key by sliding the small button on the back of the fob and pulling the key out by the key ring. 

Step 2: Open the Key Fob

Next is the most challenging part - actually opening the key fob so that you can access the battery. Nissan Smart Key fobs are split around the perimeter so that they can open up almost like a clamshell.

The best way to go about separating the fob is to use a flat head screwdriver or a thicker card to pry it open a little at a time, starting in the top right corner where there's a small gap about the size of the head of your screwdriver. 

Work your way around the edge of the fob in between the two halves until you hear a click. That click will mean that you have successfully opened the fob. 

Step 3: Battery Replacement 

Finally, you will see the battery sitting facedown in its compartment on one side of the key fob. Using the screwdriver or card, gently pry the old battery out of its place. Next, please verify that you have the correct size of the new battery (CR2032) and place it face down in the battery compartment. 

Step 4. Resassemble the Fob

You have to put the fob back together for the last step, so it's in working order. After verifying that the new battery is securely in its place, the two halves of the key fob should snap back together as long as they are aligned. After that, replace the valet key in its slot. Now you're good to go. 

Because opening the hard plastic key fob is such a delicate process, it might be helpful to see a video of someone opening one. So, here is a quick YouTube video that explains how to change the battery in a Nissan Smart Key:

How Long do Key Fob Batteries Last?

Because key fob batteries are only used passively to rarely open locks or make connections with your vehicle, they last a very long time. Estimates for batteries like the CR2032 are usually greater than 20,000 hours of use. To put that into perspective, that's over two years of useful life. 

Some similar batteries by Panasonic even have a 10-year shelf life to give you some idea of their longevity. Of course, shelf life means that the batteries are not used during the period of measurement. 

Can you Start a Nissan with a Dead Key Fob?

Maybe you're stuck somewhere with a dead key fob and no way to get a replacement battery. If so, don't worry; you'll still be able to drive yourself home.

As mentioned in the instruction section on changing the battery in a Nissan key fob, the fob contains an extra physical key. You can pull this key out in a pinch and use it to unlock and start your Nissan. 

On certain Nissans, you might have to put the entire key fob into a slot called the Intelligent Key port. You can find this slot on the left side of the steering wheel, below the air vents. 

Are Nissan Key Fobs Covered Under Warranty?

According to the Nissan 2020 Warranty information booklet, Nissan Intelligent Keys are covered for 12 months with the warranty. Note that this only applies to new Nissan vehicles bought from certified dealers.

There is an additional Security+Plus key replacement plan that is like a supplemental warranty specifically for Nissan's Smart Keys. This plan offers coverage for Nissan's fobs as well as other incidentals like battery-related roadside assistance. 

Why is my Nissan Key Fob not Working after Battery Charge?

Close-up of car key in front of coins stacked and calculator on wooden table, What Size Battery Does A Nissan Key Fob Take? [And How To Change It]

If your Nissan Smart Key fob isn't working after you've successfully changed the battery, it may require reprogramming. Sometimes the Smart Key loses contact with the vehicle after it's been without a good battery. So, double-check that you put the right battery in the fob and if so, proceed with reprogramming. 

How do I Reprogram My Nissan Key Fob? 

If your Nissan Key fob needs reprogramming, you may see a "no key detected message" in your vehicle. In some Nissan models, touching the key fob to the push to start button will fix the issue. Other models do not have such an easy fix. 

If the touch method does not work, you'll have to see if your Nissan has an Intelligent Key port, which you will find to the left of the steering wheel. Place the entire key fob into this slot and try starting the car. Your Nissan should both start and reprogram the fob to recognize your vehicle. 

In Closing

Hopefully, this post has helped you unlock the methods to getting the most from your Nissan Smart Key fob. If your Smart Key fob battery dies, purchase a CR2032 battery and follow the instructions in this post to replace it. If you have a new Nissan, check with your dealership and see if your key problems are under warranty. You just might resolve your issues for free. 

If you found the information in this post helpful, please check out a few of our others:

Car Key Fob Not Working – What Could Be Wrong and How to Fix It

How To Start Honda Fit Without Smart Key

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