Ford Explorer Key Fob Battery Remote Replacement Guide (1991-2019)

Here is your ultimate guide for Ford Explorer key fob battery replacement

The Ford Explorer key fob has 6 main variants since the vehicle’s first release in the early 90s. Under typical circumstances, the battery in a car key fob should be able to power the device for three to four years.

Scroll down to see a video on how to replace the batteries of all six of the Ford Explorers or keep reading for different detailed guidelines on each of them and what battery you will need to buy.

Need another Ford key battery?

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

Every Ford Explorer Key Fob

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

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


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. Depending on your settings, this key will remotely unlock the Explorer and contains an easy-to-change CR2450 battery.

Scroll down for a video on replacing the battery in the 2018 and 2019 Ford Explorer smart key fob or keep reading for a detailed guideline:

You will need:

• a flathead screwdriver
• a 2450 battery

Well done! You’ve successfully carried out a Ford Explorer key fob battery replacement.

 How To Replace the Ford Explorer Smart Key Fob Battery with the Internal Valet Key (2015 and 2016)

This key fob contains two internal CR2025 batteries and can be difficult to replace. Here’s my video on changing this key fob. It contains an internal valet key:

All you need here are :

• a flathead screwdriver
• Cr2025 battery

.

Step 1

Flip the key to back and search for a “lever/ depression button”. Press down on the button with a small screwdriver or key until you can remove the back casing of the fob key to reveal a valet key.

Step 2

The battery is below the part with an internal valet key. Now stick a flathead screwdriver under the part with the valet key and push. Press the screwdriver in until the inner piece comes apart in half to reveal the battery. (This might take some time and a lot of pressure).

Step 3

Now that you have access to the old batteries, use a flathead screwdriver to pop out the batteries slightly; be careful not to break the connector. A little plastic under the batteries specifies what kind of battery to use and how to place the batteries properly.

Step 4

Put in the first battery with the “plus” side facing up. Place the little plastic over the first battery and put in the second battery with the “plus” side facing down.

Step 5

Then attach the two halves of the inner piece back together and place the key fob cover over it. Press round the key slightly and the fob key will snap back into place.

How To Replace Ford Explorer Slim Smart Key Fob Battery (2011-2015)

Replacing this smart key battery is easy. Scroll down for a quick video on how to change this fob for your explorer or keep reading for step by step guide.

You will need:

• CR2032 coin battery
• flathead screwdriver.

Step 1

Flip the key, locate the latch at the back and press down on it. Pressing down the latch releases the back casing. To make it easier, press down the latch and use a small flathead screwdriver to remove the back cover of the fob key.

Step 2

Removing the back cover will give you access to the battery. The battery is on the back cover. Use a flathead screwdriver to pop out the old battery and put in a new one. Put in the new battery with the positive(the part with more lettering) side facing down.

Step 3

Replace the back cover, and press the fob key slightly to ensure a snug fit.

Here’s a quick video I made on how to change this fob for your explorer:

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 unlock-in-your-pocket type features. You’d have to press the button.

Scroll down for a video or keep reading to see how to replace the battery in the 2016 and 2017 Ford Explorer Flip Key fob.

You need:

• Flathead screwdriver
• CR 2032 battery

Step 1

Flip the key to the side and check for notches on the side of the key. Use a flathead screwdriver to get into those notches and give it a pop. The back cover will come off and give you access to the battery.

Step 2

Use the same flathead screwdriver to slightly pop out the old battery and put in a new battery with the positive side facing up.

Step 3

Now replace the fob key cover. Press the cover lightly to ensure a perfect fit.

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

How To Replace 2011- 2015 Ford Explorer Rounded Key Fob Battery

This key fob contains the key integrated into the fob, there is no 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 below for a video or keep reading to see how to replace the battery in the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Ford Explorer Rounded Key Fob Battery.

You will need:

• box cutter
• flat head screwdriver
• superglue
• Cr 2032 battery

Step 1

Use a box cutter to trace the line that cuts the key into halves. Score around the fob key with the box cutter to get into the internals of the key. The key will not come apart immediately, so use a flathead screwdriver to pry into the indentation. Slowly work the screwdriver into the key, the key cover and a rubber matte will come off.

Step 2

Now that you have access to the old battery, use the flathead screwdriver to carefully pop out the battery. Fix the new battery with the positive side facing up.

Step 3

It’s time to reassemble! Return the rubber matte that covers the battery. Put super glue at the edges of the key cover and press the two sides of the fob key together.

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

How To Replace the 2002 – 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 the 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.

Scroll down for a video or keep reading to see how to replace on replacing the battery in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 Ford Explorer Square Fob Battery:

You will need:

• box cutter
• flat head screwdriver
• superglue
• Cr 2032 battery

Step 1

Use a box cutter to score through the indentation line that cuts the key into halves. As soon as you have a little space in the line, slowly work around the line with a flathead screwdriver till the fob key comes apart in halves.

Step 2

You’d have access to the battery as soon as the key fob comes apart in halves. Use the same screwdriver to pop out the old battery and place it in a new one. Place the new battery with the positive side facing down.

Step 3

Assemble both halves together. You can add super glue to the edges to ensure that the fob key stays in place.

Here’s a video on replacing the battery in the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Ford Explorer Square Fob Battery:

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of battery does a Ford Explorer key fob take?

Key fobs use three-volt batteries in a coin style.

Can you use 2032 batteries in Ford key fob?

Ford keys use two batteries, three-volt lithium batteries CR2032 and CR2035. Although Ford keys have square, oval, or rectangular shapes most are using identical C22032 batteries.

What type of battery does a FOB key use?

The button cells most commonly found withFob keys are the CR2032. Other commonly used buttons are CRS24450, CRC2025, CR1616 & CP2016.

Bottom Line

Changing your key fob battery doesn’t have to be a hassle. Follow these steps for any of the keys and you’d be good to go. You might want to store your fob car key in a Faraday pouch to avoid electromagnetic interference. This bag contains signal-blocking materials that prevent your key from sending its code, making it harder for thieves to detect and amplify the signal.