Nissan Key Battery: Choosing the Best One

S.D. Grady
Dec 15, 2020

Are you waiting for the door to your Nissan Altima to open and it never does? If you have to hit that unlock button a few times, it may be an indication that it is time to change out your Nissan key battery.

What is the best battery to put in my Nissan key fob?

Always check your owner’s manual or match the battery you are replacing. The most common batteries used in Nissan key fobs are the CR2032 and the CR2025. These lithium batteries are widely used in toys, fitness trackers, watches, and other small electronic devices.

Does it Matter if I Use a 2032 or 2025 Battery in My Nissan Key Fob?

The numbers on a coin-type battery indicate the battery’s size. The CR2032 and CR2025 are two of the most popular car remote batteries on the market and look nearly identical  The 20 stands for the 20-millimeter diameter of the battery.

Car Key Fob Batteries CR2032

The second half of the number, 32 or 25, indicates its thickness as in 3.2 or 2.5 millimeters. Both will fit into the circle provided for the battery inside the fob, but using the wrong one will prevent the fob from closing properly and could even cause damage.

How Much Does a Battery Cost for My Nissan Key Fob?

You can find a replacement battery for your Nissan Kicks or Maxima at almost any store or online for $2 to $5. If you go to your dealership, expect to pay up to $10 for the same battery and a fee to have them switch it out for you.

2020 Nissan Altima Key Fob On The Seat

Your Nissan Owner’s Manual does not specify a preferred manufacturer for this battery. Familiar name brands like Panasonic, Energizer, and Duracell tend to offer better performance, but even a generic brand will work. It is the size that matters.

How to Change the Battery in Your Nissan Key Fob in Two Minutes

Whether you are driving a Nissan Murano or a Nissan Altima, the intelligent key fob is the same. You only need a flathead screwdriver and changing the battery takes a minute or two.

  1. Remove the emergency key by pulling the small tab on the back of the fob to the side and pulling the key out of the bottom.
  2. Where the key came out there is a small slot on each side.
  3. Pry open the fob using the tip of your screwdriver.
  4. You may need to use the screwdriver to loosen the side of the fob to get it to release.
  5. Pop the battery out of the remote.
  6. Place the new battery into its spot with the positive/+ side face down.
  7. Snap the two halves of the fob back together. Press HARD to get it to click.
  8. Reinsert the emergency key.
  9. Test the remote.

If the remote still does not work, double-check that you have the correct battery and that its positive side is face down in the remote. Press the fob back together so that it snaps and seals any circuit.

My Nissan Rogue Key Fob Does not Have a Hidden Key. How Do I Change that Battery?

Some Nissan remotes for the Sentra, Rogue, and Nissan Versa do not have smart keyless entry. The process to change the battery is the same except that you place the screwdriver in the single slot at the top of the fob case and twist. Match the new battery type to the one you are removing to ensure proper function.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Tony B on December 21, 2022
Thanks for the info
Yes the Dealer wanted, $29 bucks to replace! NOT TODAY...thanks for the info and the video
avatar S.D. Grady
Sonya is a vastly experienced journalist who loves to share her passion for everything automotive. You can usually find her at the track covering NASCAR, taking a test drive, or drooling over the latest models at the local auto show.
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