Everything You Need to Know About Honda Civic Key Fob Battery

Do you own or plan on buying a Honda Civic car? How much do you know about the Honda civic key fob and the battery condition? Have you found yourself stranded because of problems related to the Honda civic key fob battery?

There is so much to know about the Honda civic key systems and how they work. Understanding various things such as key fob battery life and replacement is crucial. Other things worth knowing about may include the types of batteries to use.

For this reason, it is important to fully understand as much as possible about the Honda Civic key fob system. In this article, you will find information about the key fob battery, common problems experienced, how to handle them, and the replacement process.

Table of Contents

Symptoms of Honda Civic key fob low battery

A key fob low battery on Honda Civic can be really frustrating, especially to unsuspecting car users who may not know. People who have never experienced this issue may panic and think it is an electronic problem. However, the following are some of the symptoms you will experience.

Weakening Signal Strength

This is the first and most common symptom of a low battery on your car key fob. The way to know this is by distance. In the past, you could lock your car from the house, but now you have to move to the driveway.

The weaker the fob battery becomes, the more the transmitter loses its range. As a result, there is a need to move near the car for the fob signal to reach. It will take some time before it dies completely; hence there’s time to replace.

Low Battery Warning Light

A low battery warning light is an easy sign to see. This is where the car system is able to identify the fob battery condition and relay the same to the dashboard display. For new Honda Civic models, a warning will appear on the dashboard.

It is crucial to note that this is not available for all Honda Civic models but just the new models. Check your car to know if it has this feature.

Over-clicking

Over-clicking happens when you find yourself clicking the buttons on your car key fob several times to make sure the doors are locked or unlocked. Normally, a single push on the button is enough to lock your doors. However, as the battery dies, the strength reduces, causing this effect even when near the door.

Inconsistent Performance

For people who do not understand enough about key fobs, they may not understand the cause of inconsistent performance. It comes from a low battery on the key fob. However, some people may not think so since it works well in some cases and fails in others.

If you are experiencing this problem, then there are high chances your car key fob battery is about to die.

What type of battery do I need for my Honda Civic key fob?

Honda Civic Key Fob Battery — *Types of batteries for different key fob models*

Once you have identified that the battery on your Honda civic key fob is dying, the next step is to replace it. However, the question is, what type of battery do you need to buy for your car key fob?

To make sure that you will choose the right battery for your Honda Civic key fob, you should check it before buying a new one.

By checking the battery, you are able to understand the type of battery. At the same time, you can also check your car manual to see the recommended batteries.

Remember, different types of key fobs and different models will use different types of keys. Major categories to know about include:

Honda Civic Smart Entry Key Remote Models 2014-present: It may contain either a CR2032 or CR2025 battery. In some cases, either type will work, but for best results, replace it with the same kind of battery that originally came with your key.

Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob Models 2007-2013: CR1616

Honda Civic Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob Models 2014-2020: CR1620

How to Replace a Honda Civic Key Fob Battery?

Knowing how to replace your Honda Civic Key Fob Battery is crucial as it will help you avoid exploitation by mechanics. It will also help you avoid getting stranded in case your car key fob battery dies completely.

Precautions to take when changing Honda Civic Key Fob Battery

When changing your Honda Civic key fob battery, you have to take some precautions to avoid damage. This will also prevent any other action that may alter the functioning of your remote key.

Make sure you do not scratch the battery on any side when using a screwdriver. This can ruin your battery and affect its performance.

Do not allow your screwdriver to touch another part of the remote control while touching the battery. This will create a flow of current that can lead to short-circuiting.
Ensure you always use the correct battery.

Honda Civic has had three different types of key fobs through its models. As a result, here, you will learn step by step how to change the battery.

Honda Civic smart key fob 2014-present

This is a step-by-step guide for all Honda Civic models from 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Start by pressing and sliding the button that releases the metal key to take the key out.
The next step is to pry the key fob and open it. You can do this using a sizable flathead screwdriver or your key.
By using your thumb, press down right over the battery to ensure the fob is held together to avoid the content, as well as external buttons, do not fall out.
Remove the dead battery. Note which side is negative and positive so as to replace them in the same manner. At the same time, ensure the new battery terminals are not touched. This is to avoid corrosion that may arise from the oil on your skin. It can shorten the battery’s life.
Now take the new battery and insert it where the old one was. The positive (+) and negative (-) marks inside the key fob should serve as a guide.
To reassemble the fob, align the two halves of the key fob, then gently apply pressure until they snap back together.
Finally, return your metal key to its original position.

2. Honda Civic Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob 2007-2013 (with a rounded bottom)

Place your car key fob on a flat surface.
Flip over the key fob, then locate a tiny screw on its surface.
Get a sizable screwdriver and use it to screw out.
Once the screw is removed, you can pop off the rear cover of the key and remove the actual remote control unit.
The next part is to separate the two halves of the remote unit. Do this by using your fingers when possible or a screwdriver with a small flathead that can fit.
Inside the rear cover, you will find the battery with the side facing you being “- “
Now remove the old battery. Use a screwdriver with a small flathead to gently pop it out.
The next step is to install a new battery. First, ensure the “+” faces down while the “-“ faces up. Do not scratch the battery at all.
Pick the two halves that form the remote control unit and align them well together. Then snap them together.
Finally, once you have the two halves together, use a screwdriver to return the screw and tighten it.

3. Honda Civic Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob 2014-2020 (with a rectangular bottom)

Start by placing the key on a flat surface
Flip the key fob over, then locate a tiny screw on the surface edge
Use a screwdriver to take out the screw
Once the screw is out, along the side edge, locate a gap, and use it to pop off the rear cover.
Make use of your fingers or flathead screwdriver to pry apart the two halves of the remote unit.
On the top half, embedded on the inner side of the cover, you will find the battery.
Grab a small flathead screwdriver and use it to pop out the battery for replacement.
When putting a new battery, make sure the “+” side is facing down and the “-“ side upwards without any markings.
If you put the top side first, it will be easier.
Then reassemble the fob by putting the two halves together and snapping them back together.
Go ahead and put back the small screw and use a screwdriver to tighten it. And you’re done.

Why is my Honda Civic key fob not working after battery replacement?

Finding yourself in a situation where your Honda civic key fob is not working after battery replacement is quite frustrating. However, there are some reasons that will make your car key fob not work after replacing the battery that you should know. Besides, you can also see more reasons here.

They include the following.

You may have shorted the circuit when taking out the old battery using a screwdriver. This can happen if not careful.
Wrong placement of the battery. When you install the battery with the terminals put incorrectly, the key fob will not work. Ensure the positive side and negative are placed as required.
Make sure you choose the right battery for your car key fob. If not, your car key fob will not work.
Faulty chip.
Key fob reset.

Many people may not know this, but the key fob can reset when replacing the battery. Do not panic when this happens. It will make your Honda civic key fob fail to recognize your car. The best thing to do is to program your car key fob again.

Steps to Follow to Program Honda Civic Remote Control Unit

So you need to reset your car. These are steps to help you program your Honda remotes.

Step 1: Start by getting all the car remotes you have. However, only one remote will be required for the programming, although all remotes will be programmed. The process will delete the previous programming on all remotes.

Step 2: Get into the vehicle and ensure all doors are closed but unlocked. This process must be carried out from inside the car.

Step 3: Start by turning the key into the ON position, which is just one click from the ignition start. The lights on your accessories will come on as well as the dash lighting up.

Step 4: Count 5 seconds after you have turned on your key to the ON position. Then press the LOCK button on the remote control for a second.

Step 5: Turn the key back to the OFF position.

Step 6: Repeat steps 4 & 5 for additional two times to have a total of 3 ON/OFF cycles. However, make sure that each step happens within 5 seconds intervals from the previous one.

Step 7: This noise indicates your Honda is now in Remote Programming Mode. Do not turn the key off. For the fourth time, turn the key to the ON position, and on the remote, press the “LOCK” button. You will hear a clunk of noise on your car locks. However, the door will not have locked. The noise is an indication that the car has entered Remote Programming Mode.

Step 8: If you want, you can still program multiple remotes. To do this, press the LOCK button on the rest of the remotes for 1 second. For a period of 5 seconds, the step will be complete just like the previous ones. However, note that the Remote Programming mode will be active for just 10 seconds. For Honda, only a maximum of 3 remotes can be programmed.

After each of the three remotes is programmed and memory has been restored, the locks will make a clunking noise that resembles the noise made when locking doors.

Step 9: For the final step, just turn your key back to the OFF position, then remove it from the car ignition. You may now test all the keys to make sure they are programmed.

Can I drive my car with my key fob battery dead?

Yes. You can drive your car even when your Honda civic key fob battery is dying or dead. When your key fob battery starts dying out, it does not affect your car’s performance.

However, this means that you must be able to access the car using your mechanical key, and you will be able to drive. Functionalities such as remote lock, unlock, remote opening of boots, and others related to the remote will not be possible.

Conclusion

For all Honda Civic owners, you need to understand step by step on how to handle key fob battery issues. The above-discussed steps are easy to follow and will enable you to save time and money. Make sure you follow the steps listed, and everything will be okay.

When it comes to taking care of your car key fob, the main trick is making sure you get quality batteries. As discussed above, there are batteries specific to specific models of cars. Replacing the battery early enough will ensure you do not suffer any delays.

For the programming part, it is also simple, and there is no need to spend money on a mechanic. You can also watch videos on handling fob keys for other models.

Honda Civic Key Fob Battery