How Do You Change The Battery In An Acura Key Fob?

When your Acura key fob battery loses power, it can be scary. However, there's nothing to worry about. You can likely still enter and start your vehicle, and changing the battery is not all that difficult. The Phil Smith Acura team is here to help to make this situation less of a headache. We've made this Acura key fob battery change guide for your reference; we've also listed the ways to start an Acura vehicle with a dead key fob battery, so read on, and if you need any further help, contact our service center to get answers.

How to Start Your Vehicle With a Dead Acura Key Fob Battery

As your Acura key fob battery loses power, your car's computer will likely know and warn you (depending on the model) that a battery change is needed. You can avoid a dead battery by changing it as soon as possible. However, life can get in the way, and a dead battery in your Acura key fob can sneak up on you.

A dead Acura key fob battery does not mean you won't be able to start the car, but first, you'll need to get inside.

Many Acura cars include a key fob with an integrated emergency metal-blade key. If so, the key fob will have a blank button below the panic button and a metal "swoosh" design on the bottom. Press that blank button and pull on the metal section, and the analog metal-blade key should come out.

This is also the first step in changing your Acura MDX key fob battery. But first, use the key to manually unlock the doors and physically press the back of the key fob (where the Acura logo is located) to the start/stop button until the illuminated ring in the button turns white, and press the brake pedal and start/stop button like you normally would; this should start your vehicle.

If this does not work, contact our Acura service center or your local dealership for assistance.

How to Change Your Acura Key Fob Battery

In new Acura vehicles, removing the metal-blade key like mentioned above is the first step to change the battery in an Acura key fob. The next steps are as follows:

• On the black-plastic area on the bottom section of the key fob (previously covered by the metal-blade key), take note of the two slots.
• Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the slot closest to the side of the key fob that does not have buttons.
• Gently pry the slot until the cover comes off.¹ You will then see the battery.
• Take note of your Acura key fob battery's position and type.
• Use your screwdriver to remove your Acura RDX key fob battery from its hole.¹
• Place a new battery with the correct side facing up.
• Reinstall the cover back onto the key fob.
• Slide the metal-blade key back into place.

This process will be similar for older Acura key fobs with the flip-out metal-blade key design. Press the button that deploys the metal-blade key, place a flat-head screwdriver into the slot where the metal-blade key came out of, and pry until the section with buttons comes off.¹ Then, remove the cover from the buttons, insert the screwdriver into the slot below the buttons, and pry it open; change this Acura key fob battery in the same way as mentioned in the list of steps above.¹

You're now done with the Acura key fob battery replacement, but the key fob may not be recognized by your vehicle.

If this is the case, don't worry; you do not need a complete Acura key fob replacement from our Acura parts center, but programming the key to the vehicle will be necessary. It requires special tools and training to perform in modern Acura vehicles. Contact the service center at Phil Smith Acura to schedule a full Acura key fob battery change and programming service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you change the battery in an Acura key fob?

The Acura key fob battery change method will vary depending on the fob's design. With recent-year key fobs at this time, remove the metal-blade key via the lowest button on the front of the fob, and then insert a flat-head screwdriver into the top-side notch on the bottom of the fob to pry open the key fob casing.¹ From there, you can access the battery.

What battery does an Acura key fob use?

The Acura key fob battery type will vary depending on the model that the key was made for. As an example, a 2024 Acura MDX key fob will use a CR2032 button cell battery. While these batteries are common to find at convenience stores, choosing a quality battery brand is important for longevity and mitigating battery-leak risks. Additionally, the key may need to be programmed after the battery change.

Can you start an Acura vehicle with a dead key fob?

To start your car with a dead Acura key fob battery, you can likely hold the back of the key fob on the start/stop button for a few seconds and then press the button to start the vehicle like you normally would. If this method does not work, and your key does not have a hidden emergency metal-blade key, you will need an Acura key fob battery replacement.

¹This web page is not intended to replace this service that is to be performed at an official dealership. It is your sole responsibility for any injuries and damages incurred as a result of performing such actions contained in this webpage. Contact our dealership for complete details.