Changing a Nissan Altima key fob battery takes about two minutes using a flathead screwdriver and a CR2032 coin cell, and replacing the battery does not require any reprogramming or dealership visit.
What Battery Does a Nissan Altima Key Fob Use?
Most Nissan Altima Intelligent Keys from 2013 through 2024 use a CR2032 3V coin cell battery. Some models or specific feature packages may take a CR2025 instead — the correct type is printed on the internal circuit board or listed in the owner’s manual. The process is identical for both sizes, and the battery type is consistent across US-market Altimas.
A replacement CR2032 costs roughly $2–$5 at major retailers.
How to Open the Key Fob Without Breaking It
Before you pry anything apart, locate the small release switch on the back of the fob. Slide or press it to release the hidden mechanical key — this is the emergency blade that starts the car when the battery is completely dead. Pull it out and set it aside.
Insert a small flathead screwdriver into the notch along the side seam of the fob casing. Wrap the screwdriver tip in a clean cloth to avoid scratching the plastic, then twist gently to separate the two halves. Do not use excessive force — the seam splits cleanly with light pressure. Once it pops open, the two halves separate, exposing the battery compartment in the lower half.
Replacing the Battery: Orientation Matters
Use the screwdriver to gently wedge under the edge of the old coin cell and pop it out. Avoid touching the internal circuit board or the metal terminals inside the fob — oils from your fingers can reduce the new battery’s lifespan.
Place the new CR2032 into the holder with the positive (+) side facing down, toward the bottom of the lower case half. This is the most common mistake: installing the battery positive-side up prevents the fob from working. If the buttons do not respond after reassembly, this is the first thing to check.
When you’re ready to replace the battery, check out our roundup of tested Altima key fob batteries to find a reliable option that fits your specific model year.
Closing the Fob and Testing It
Snap the two halves of the casing back together — you should hear a firm click on both sides. Slide the mechanical key back into its slot until it locks in place. Press the lock and unlock buttons on the fob to verify the remote functions. If the car responds, you are done. No reprogramming is needed because changing the battery does not alter the fob’s programming or the vehicle’s security code.
If the battery was completely dead and the fob buttons still do not work after replacement, you can start the vehicle using the Nissan Intelligent Key backup method: insert the fob into the dedicated port (usually near the steering wheel or center console), then press the START/STOP button while tapping the brake pedal. On models without a port, press the fob directly against the START/STOP button while depressing the brake.
References & Sources
- Nissan USA. “How to Change Your Nissan Key Fob Battery.” Official step-by-step guidance and battery type confirmation for Intelligent Key fobs.
- Countryside Nissan. “How to Change a Nissan Key Fob Battery.” Independent dealership guide with visual tips for fob separation.
- Nissan of Olathe. “How to Change Nissan Car Key Fob Battery.” Service department write-up covering common mistakes and backup start method.
FAQs
Will changing the key fob battery reset my Altima’s programming?
No. Replacing the fob battery does not affect the remote’s pairing or the vehicle’s security code. The car remembers the fob’s radio ID regardless of power state, so no reprogramming or dealership visit is needed after a battery swap.
Can I use a CR2025 battery instead of a CR2032?
Yes, but only if the CR2025 fits securely in the holder and the fob case closes without gaps. A CR2025 is thinner than a CR2032 and has roughly half the capacity, so it will need replacement sooner. Check the original battery marking or the circuit board label to confirm the correct size.
What do I do if the key fob still doesn’t work after a new battery?
Confirm the battery is installed positive-side down. If orientation is correct but the fob is unresponsive, use the backup start method: insert the fob into the key port near the steering wheel or press it against the START/STOP button while depressing the brake pedal. This starts the car even with a non-functioning remote.