The smart entry key for my Honda CR-V really is smart. It automatically unlocks the door to my CR-V when I lift my hand near the door. There’s no actual key to start the motor – I press a button while my foot is on the brake pedal.
This type of key fob is common on popular 2015-2019 Honda models such as CR-V, Civic and Accord.
All this work is hard on the smart entry key’s battery, which only lasts for two or three years with regular use. When the battery in your Honda’s smart entry key starts to run low on juice, you’ll see a blinking battery light on your dash, near the odometer.
It’s not to be confused with the yellow alert light shaped like a battery that would indicate that your car battery has a problem. This is a smaller light that says “battery” and blinks.
When this happens, you have the option of taking your fob to a Honda dealer and paying to have them replace the battery, at a cost of probably $15 or $20, or more.
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Alternately, you can easily change the battery yourself in about five minutes.
You’ll need a coin and a thin piece of cloth, such as a cloth napkin, along with a 2032 size flat coin battery.
Turn over the key fob and find the release for the keychain.
Gently push this release button and pull on the key chain to remove it.
Next, wrap the coin in one layer of thin cloth, stick it behind the metal piece in the fob and gently turn clockwise until you hear a click, then turn it a bit the other way. You should be able to carefully pry apart the two halves of the fob now.
Carefully remove the battery and replace it with another 2032 size battery. This is the type of small, coin-sized battery you might find in your garage door opener remote control or other small RC device. They should cost roughly $5 or $6 for a pack of five.
Your fob should easily snap back together, then you can re-insert the keychain part, and you’re in business.
Go back to your vehicle and start up the engine. You should see that the little blinking battery light is no longer there.
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