How to replace the battery in the Nissan Leaf key

Without a working key, you can’t access your car. Over time, the cell batteries used in vehicle keys discharge and eventually stop working.

There’s nothing unusual about this and nothing to worry about. If it’s severely discharged, you might have to use the mechanical key until you get a new battery.

This article will explain how to change the Nissan Leaf key battery, so it works as good as new.

Note: always read your owner’s manual. This contains information specific to your Nissan Leaf model. It also instructs you on the inherent dangers associated with cell batteries.

Table of Contents

Safety notices and risks associated with Nissan Leaf key batteries

This section is not an all-encompassing list. Read your owner’s manual for all the information you need. When changing the button cell battery in any car key, be aware that:

• Button cells are extremely hazardous (toxic) if ingested. Don’t put them anywhere near your mouth. Keep them well out of reach of children and animals.
  • This also applies to the old battery. Keep it well away from inquisitive minds and dispose of it safely in an environmentally-protective and legal manner. You should throw it away as soon as you’ve finished, so you don’t lose it.
• Incorrectly putting the battery together could lead to it exploding.
• You must use the correct type of battery. For the Nissan Leaf, this is typically a CR2025. Check your owner’s manual for the specific type required.
• Put the battery in the correct way around. The + (positive) side should face the bottom of the case. It’ll be labeled, so there should be no room for a mistake.
• Don’t damage the plastic (or metal) components when taking your key apart. It’s advisable to cover the flathead screwdriver with a cloth, for example.
• When inserting the battery, hold it by the sides/edges. The flat ‘faces’ are the positive and negative (+ and -) terminals that power the circuit. Getting dirt, sweat, oils, and other deposits on these areas could prevent the battery from working properly.
• Don’t touch the internal circuitry.
• This is only a brief overview of the most important things to consider. Many more factors and aspects could be potential hazards.

What key battery does the Nissan Leaf take?

Check your owner’s manual! This will tell you exactly what type of button cell battery you need. This is the only reliable source of information.

Most Nissan Leaf keys need a CR2025 battery. However, you should still check your owner’s manual to make sure!

How to change your Nissan Leaf key battery

Nissan Leaf key battery replacement is a straightforward job. That said, you must still be aware of all the safety risks and be careful not to damage the key.

Nissan recommends visiting an authorized dealership to get this procedure done. You can have a go at it yourself if you prefer.

Follow the instructions below to change your Nissan Leaf key battery.

• Pull the mechanical key out of the key.
  • The mechanical key is what you use to access the manual locks in the door handles.
• Cover a small flathead screwdriver (electrical screwdriver, if possible) with a cloth.
  • The cloth protects the plastic from cracking.
• Insert it into the slit revealed by the mechanical key being removed.
• Gently lever the top and bottom parts apart.
  • Be careful not to break it.
• Remove the old battery and dispose of it safely, following the safety instructions above and in the owner’s manual.
  • Most importantly, keep it out of reach of children and animals.
• Reinsert a new battery.
  • Ensure you use the correct battery type.
  • Hold the battery at the edges rather than at the faces.
• Realign the tops of the top and bottom parts. Then, press the two together.
• Ensure they’re securely pushed back together.
• Test the key by pressing the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons from some distance away.

If the key still doesn’t work, you may have inserted the battery incorrectly. Try again, following the same safety instructions. It may be the best idea to go to a Nissan dealership.

Never neglect to read your owner’s manual. See a PDF of the Nissan Leaf owner’s manual below.

FAQs

How do I replace a battery in my Nissan LEAF key fob?

To replace the battery in your Nissan LEAF key fob, follow these steps:

• First, locate the small mechanical key inside your key fob, which is used to access the manual locks in your car’s door handles.
• Cover a small flathead screwdriver with a cloth to protect the plastic components of the key fob.
• Insert the cloth-covered screwdriver into the slit revealed by removing the mechanical key.
• Gently separate the top and bottom parts of the key fob, taking care not to break them.
• Remove the old battery and dispose of it safely following the recommended safety guidelines.
• Insert a new battery, ensuring it’s the correct type, typically a CR2025 for most Nissan LEAF key fobs.
• Reassemble the top and bottom parts of the key fob by aligning them and pressing them securely together.
• Test the key fob by pressing the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons from a distance. If it doesn’t work, recheck the battery placement.

What kind of battery does a Nissan LEAF key fob take?

The Nissan LEAF key fob typically uses a CR2025 button cell battery. However, it’s essential to consult your owner’s manual for your specific model, as battery types may vary. Always refer to your owner’s manual to ensure you use the correct type of battery.

Can you replace a Nissan key fob battery by yourself?

Yes, you can replace the Nissan key fob battery by yourself. It’s a relatively straightforward process, as outlined in the instructions in the article provided. However, it’s essential to follow safety precautions and ensure you’re using the correct battery type. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with the procedure, you can also visit an authorized Nissan dealership, where they can assist you in replacing the battery.

What happens if my Nissan key fob battery dies?

If your Nissan key fob battery dies, you may experience several inconveniences, including:

• Inability to remotely lock or unlock your vehicle.
• Difficulty starting your vehicle if it has a keyless ignition system.
• The inability to use remote start or other key fob features.

To address this issue, you should replace the battery promptly following the steps outlined in the owner’s manual or the provided article. If the key fob battery isn’t replaced, you can use the mechanical key (usually stored within the key fob) to manually unlock and start your vehicle. However, this manual process can be less convenient. It’s best to replace the battery to restore full key fob functionality.