Are Car Key Batteries All the Same?
3 Answers
Car key batteries are generally different. Here is some relevant information: 1. Car key batteries are not universal; they usually have model numbers printed on them. Common battery models include 2032, 2025, 2016, 1632, 1620, and 1616. 2. You can replace the battery at any place that offers battery replacement services. Most car key batteries are button cells, which typically have a long lifespan. 3. Normally, the battery can last for more than three years. If you include the spare key, most car owners may not even use up the battery before changing their cars.
Last time I helped a friend replace their car key battery, I realized it's not as simple as it seems. The battery types used by different car brands can vary greatly. My old Toyota uses a CR2032 coin battery, but when we opened my friend's Honda key, it turned out to be a CR2025. What's even funnier is that his other BMW uses a CR2450. The sizes and voltages are different, so using the wrong one is not an option. Once, a relative forced a CR2032 into a CR2016 slot and ended up damaging the key's battery compartment. Now I've developed a habit when buying batteries: either open the old battery to check the model or refer to the vehicle manual. Some car keys even have chips, and improper handling during battery replacement might affect signal transmission.
You know what? After over a decade in auto repair, I've seen hundreds of car key batteries with hardly any duplicates. The mainstream now is the CR series, but matching them to key shapes requires real expertise. For example, slim folding keys use 2025 or 2016, while bulkier remotes need 2032 or 2450. The most surprising thing is discovering how even the same brand changes battery specs across model years - last time I serviced a 2008 Corolla key and a 2020 model, their batteries differed. Using the wrong one reduces power capacity and shortens lifespan, with severe cases causing button failure. I recommend owners either photograph their old battery for reference or check the key's manual. Some electronics stores have handy battery type reference charts.
