Ford Explorer key fob battery

Separate remote fob

1. This remote is its own fob, separate from the metal key, which makes it one of the easier ones to open.
2. Turn it over: some older fobs use one small screw, newer ones just clip. Pry at the seam once any screw is out.
3. Replace the cell, keeping the + side where it was, and check the small metal tab still touches it.
4. Snap the case shut and watch for the lights to flash when you press lock at the car.

This key takes two CR2016 cells. Change both at the same time and stack them the way the old pair sat; mixing a fresh cell with a tired one shortens the life of the new one.

A CR2032 is 20 mm across and 3.2 mm thick. CR2032, CR2025 and CR2016 share the same width but not the same thickness, so a swap between them can leave a loose contact or a case that will not close.

Key with remote in the head

1. The remote electronics sit in the plastic head of the key itself, so there is no separate fob to open.
2. Work a thin flat tool into the seam near the blade and twist; go round slowly if it does not open at once.
3. Replace the cell with the same face showing, and make sure the rubber keypad sits flat before closing.
4. Press the head together until it clicks and test the buttons. The transponder chip that lets the car start is separate from the battery, so starting should not change.

A CR2032 is 20 mm across and 3.2 mm thick. CR2032, CR2025 and CR2016 share the same width but not the same thickness, so a swap between them can leave a loose contact or a case that will not close.

Smart key (push-button start)

1. Find the small release on the edge or back of the fob and hold it while you pull out the metal emergency key.
2. Look inside the empty key slot for a notch. Put the tip of the metal key or a small flat screwdriver wrapped in tape there and twist gently until the shell splits.
3. Pop the old battery out with a toothpick or plastic pick, not a metal blade, and seat the new one with the + side matching the old one.
4. Reassemble, refit the emergency key, and check that the car sees the fob when you press start.

Ford intelligent access fobs usually have a release for the emergency key. The key blade itself fits the pry slot.

This key takes two CR2025 cells. Change both at the same time and stack them the way the old pair sat; mixing a fresh cell with a tired one shortens the life of the new one.

A CR2032 is 20 mm across and 3.2 mm thick. CR2032, CR2025 and CR2016 share the same width but not the same thickness, so a swap between them can leave a loose contact or a case that will not close.

A CR2450 is 24.5 mm across and 5.0 mm thick, much fatter than a CR2032. A thinner cell will rattle and lose contact, so buy the exact size.

Flip key

1. Fold the blade out so it is out of the way, or keep it folded if your case opens from the side; the battery sits in the plastic body, not the blade.
2. Look along the edge for a notch. A coin turned in that notch usually separates the remote half from the blade half.
3. Take out the old cell, noting which side faced you, and fit the new one the same way.
4. Close it up, check the blade still flips cleanly, and test the buttons at the car.

A CR2032 is 20 mm across and 3.2 mm thick. CR2032, CR2025 and CR2016 share the same width but not the same thickness, so a swap between them can leave a loose contact or a case that will not close.