Learn How to Open Your Mazda Key to Replace a Dead Battery

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How to Replace Mazda Key Fob Battery

Having your Mazda key battery replaced by a qualified service technician is best to avoid damaging your key.

How to Replace Mazda Key Fob Battery

Like any battery, the battery in your Mazda’s key fob could go dead, requiring a replacement. But how do you open up the Mazda key fob? Although it is recommended you work with certified technicians at an authorized Mazda dealer to avoid damaging your key fob, it is your car after all, and sometimes you’ll want to handle your own maintenance. That’s why we’re here to show you how to replace the Mazda key fob battery (current for the 2016 model year).

What You Will Need:

  1. Your key fob.
  2. A tape-wrapped flathead screwdriver.
  3. A replacement battery.

If you’re unsure if your battery is really dead or at low power, there are a few ways to tell. If the KEY dashboard warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster after the engine is off, if the key fob or its operation indicator light do not work or if the key fob’s operational distance is less than normal, your key’s battery is likely headed the other way. Now, if you have all the needed materials, let’s get started.

Changing Mazda Key Battery

changing mazda key batteryBe sure to use your owner’s manual as the best reference and for the most up-to-date procedures for replacing the key battery. These steps are updated for the 2016 model year. Keep in mind that other model years may differ.

  1. Remove the auxiliary key by pressing the knob on the back of the key fob. [What is the auxiliary key?]
  2. Take your tape-wrapped flathead screwdriver and insert it into the opening. Twist it toward the end opposite of the opening to loosen the key fob cover slightly. Once the cover is loosened, insert the screwdriver into the gap you’ve created on the outside of the key fob and slide it down to the other end of the key fob to further loosen the cover until you can remove it.
  3. Once the cover is removed, you can remove the round battery cap. Then, remove the battery. If the rubber ring detaches during this step, be sure it does not get scratched or damaged.
  4. If necessary, reattach the rubber ring before inserting a new battery.
  5. Then, take your new battery, with the positive side facing the top of the key fob, and insert it into the key.
  6. Replace the battery cap.
  7. Replace the key fob cover, which should snap into place.
  8. Lastly, reinsert the auxiliary key.

[Read more: What to do if you lose your car keys]

Again, though you can try figuring out how to replace the Mazda key fob battery yourself, we always recommend working with a qualified Mazda technician to avoid damaging the key. Either way, be sure to consult your owner’s manual before attempting to disassemble the key fob in anyway, or schedule an appointment with our service team online.