
Method to replace the in an Axela key: 1. There is a small switch on the back of the key. Press the switch and pull out the metal key inserted in the key while holding the top; 2. Use a flat object to pry open the gap on the side of the key, open the key cover, and you will see a small black cover inside, which is a waterproof cover. Remove it to see the battery inside; 3. Remove the battery and replace it with a new one, with the plus side facing up. The dimensions of the Axela are 4582mm in length, 1795mm in width, and 1458mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2700mm. The Axela is front-wheel drive, with a front suspension of MacPherson independent suspension and a rear suspension of multi-link full independent suspension, equipped with the SKYACTIV CHASSIS system.

I've taken apart the 3 key several times before, and replacing the battery yourself is actually quite simple. First, you need to locate the small button on the back of the key, near the logo—pressing it allows you to pull out the mechanical key. Then comes the crucial step: use the metal head of this mechanical key or a small screwdriver to gently pry open the seam of the casing. When you hear a click, the plastic shell will split into two halves. After opening it, don't rush—first, identify the position of the battery compartment. It usually takes a CR2025 battery. When I used my fingernail to remove the old battery, I made sure to note the orientation of the positive and negative sides. When inserting the new battery, remember to place the side with the text facing up—if you put it in backwards, it won't work. To close the case, just align the tabs and press until it snaps shut. Finally, don't forget to slide the mechanical key back in. The whole process takes about ten minutes and saves you a hundred bucks compared to going to the dealership.

Last time I replaced the , I used a coin trick to pry open the case. After pressing the small button on the back of the key and pulling out the mechanical key, I wedged a 50-cent coin into the seam of the casing and slowly turned it around, causing the plastic shell to pop open easily. The battery slot inside was quite tight, so I recommend using a fingernail or tweezers to pull it out. The Mazda 3 key typically uses a CR2025 coin cell battery, which can be bought at supermarkets for just over ten yuan. When installing the new battery, make sure to check the polarity markings—the side with the plus sign should face upward. Before closing the case, I wiped the circuit board with a tissue and noticed some oxidation on the metal contacts, so I cleaned them with an eraser. Finally, I tested the key from five meters away, and the lights flashed crisply. Doing it yourself is actually super simple—just use household items like a coin and tweezers.

Replacing the key involves four steps: Press the small button on the back to remove the mechanical key, use the key as a pry tool to open the casing, replace with a new CR2025 battery, then close the cover. The key point is to use finesse rather than brute force when prying open the casing, as the clips are fragile. Opt for durable batteries like Panasonic or Sony, and ensure the battery is installed with the text side facing up, like placing a coin. Last time, I tested the remote start after closing the cover to confirm the signal was working properly. Keeping some alcohol wipes handy to clean the contacts is also a good idea.

Be careful with the plastic clips when disassembling the key. First, I removed the mechanical key, then used a fingernail to pry open the cover starting from the charging port end, slowly lifting the top cover. The old CR2025 was easy to identify and could be popped out using a toothpick. The new battery, a Nanfu purchased from the supermarket, was installed with special attention to ensure the + sign on the positive side faced upwards. After installation, testing revealed that the trunk opening button wasn't very responsive, so I reopened the cover and adjusted the battery position to fix the issue. It's recommended to test all button functions after replacement, and ensure the clips are aligned properly with a clear clicking sound to confirm secure installation. The most challenging part of the whole process was aligning the shell gaps.

I prefer to prepare tools in advance: use magnetic tweezers to remove the and electronic cleaner to wipe the contacts. When opening the shell, I use a guitar pick instead of a screwdriver to avoid scratching the case. The Mazda 3 key structure is actually quite simple—after prying open the back cover, the battery compartment is located to the left of the circuit board. Be careful not to forcefully bend the circuit board ribbon cable, and the replacement battery must be a 3V CR2025 model. Once, I installed the battery backward, causing it to malfunction, but the reset method is simple—just remove and reinstall it. Wearing anti-static gloves throughout the process gives me extra peace of mind.


