Ford Explorer Key Fob Battery Remote Replacement Years 1991-2019

The Ford Explorer key fob has 6 main variants since the vehicle’s first release in the early 90s. Here’s how to replace the key fob battery for each year / fob version of the Ford Explorer and what battery you will need to buy.

Model	Trims	Generation	Years	Key Fob Type	SubType	Rechargeable? Ease of change	Battery	Buy
Explorer	Cologne V6, Modular V8, XLS, XLT, NBX, Eddie Bauer, Limited, Sport Value, Sport choice, Sport Premium, Sport Trac, Sport Trac Adrenalin	3rd and 4th	2002. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010	Square Fob	No Key	No	CR2032	Check on Amazon
Explorer	Ford Explorer Sport, EcoBoost 2.0 I4, EcoBoost 2.3 I4, Duratec 35 V6, EcoBoost 3.5 TT V6, Sport, Limited, Platinum	5th	2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015	Rounded Key			CR2032	Check on Amazon
Explorer		5th	2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015	Slim Smart Key			CR2032	Check on Amazon
Explorer	Ford Explorer Sport, EcoBoost 2.0 I4, EcoBoost 2.3 I4, Duratec 35 V6, EcoBoost 3.5 TT V6, Sport, Limited, Platinum	5th	2016, 2017	Rounded Rectangle	Flip Key	No	CR2032	Check on Amazon
Explorer		5th	2016, 2017	Rounded Rectangle	Internal Valet Key	No	Two CR2025	Check on Amazon
Explorer		5th	2018, 2019	Smart Key	Pull Out Valet Key	No	CR2450	Check on Amazon

I created a video to show how to replace every single key fob battery in the Ford Explorer since 2002. Here’s the video that shows how I replace the batteries in all 6 fobs:

Every Ford Explorer Key Fob

Also, you can click your Explorer model year or battery picture to jump to a specific tutorial for that Ford Explorer key fob:

Square Fob: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Rounded Key: 2011,2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
F-150 2009-2014 Remote Rounded Key Fob

Slim Smart Key: 2011,2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Rounded Rectangle Flip Key: 2016, 2017

Rounded Rectangle w/Internal Valey Key: 2016, 2017

Smart Key w/Pull-Out Valet Key: 2018, 2019

How To Replace the 2018, 2019 Ford Explorer Smart Key Fob Battery

This newer smart key fob with a pull out valet key was used in newer ford Explorer models in 2018 and 2019 years for the 5th generation of the Explorer. This key will remote unlock the Explorer and contains an easy to change CR2450 battery.

Check Rounded Key Fob Battery CR 2450 on Amazon

Here’s a video on replacing the battery in the 2018, 2019 Ford Explorer smart key fob:

How To Replace the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Ford Explorer Slim Smart Key Fob Battery

Replacing this smart key battery is easy. There is a small latch on the back of the key. It takes a CR2032 battery. Here’s a quick video I made on how to change this fob for your explorer:

Check Smart Key Fob Battery CR 2032 on Amazon

How To Replace the 2016, 2017 Ford Explorer Flip Key Fob Battery

This key fob contains a flip key, and would be considered more of a “dumb” key vs the “smart key”. It can still unlock the car, but doesn’t contain more of the fancy unlock in your pocket type features, you have to actually press the button.

Check Flip Key Fob Battery CR 2032 on Amazon

Here’s a video on replacing the battery in the 2016, 2017 Ford Explorer Flip Key fob:

How To Replace the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Ford Explorer Rounded Key Fob Battery

This key fob contains the key integrated into the fob, there is not hidden valet key. It doesn’t have an easy pop off back, but the key itself is fairly easy to pry apart. You may want some superglue once the battery is replaced to secure the two pieces of the fob back together more permanently.

Check Rounded Key Fob Battery CR 2032 on Amazon

Here’s a video on replacing the battery in the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Ford Explorer Rounded Key Fob Battery:

How To Replace the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Ford Explorer Square Fob Battery

This square fob does not contain a key at all, just a remote unlock/lock/alarm/4th button (possibly to open trunk). This 4-button remote fob is easy to replace the battery in, but does require some pulling part of the fob that can be a bit tricky.