How to Change the Batteries in Your Mercedes Key Fob

Buzz

Content

Key Points to Remember

Procedure

Newer Chrome Keys (Post-2017)

Easy Steps for Replacing Chrome & Smart Keys

Key Points to Remember

For new Chrome keys, extract the spare key and press the back button to access the key casing. Replace the CR2032 battery in the battery compartment.
For older Chrome keys, remove the spare key and insert it into the bottom slot of the key fob. Slide off the casing and insert 1 to 2 new CR2025 batteries.
For Smart Keys, remove the spare key and insert it into the end slot of the fob. Remove the battery compartment and add 2 new CR2025 batteries.

Procedure

Newer Chrome Keys (Post-2017)

Identify the latest Chrome keys by their silver finish and modern appearance. Unlike older versions, Mercedes keys manufactured after 2017 lack a square piece at the top with a large red panic button. The newer Chrome keys utilize a single CR2032 battery.

Depress the button on the back of the fob to release the spare key. Flip your key over and locate the silver button near the base. Simply press down on the button to extract the spare key housed within your fob.

Place the key's tip on the button and slide off the rear cover. Use the tip of the spare key to press the silver button. While holding it down, use your other hand to push back on the casing and detach the back panel.

For S-Class models: Insert the key into the space previously occupied by the spare key to pry off the back panel.

Insert the key into the side slot to access the battery compartment. Locate 2 gray tabs and a small notch along the edge of the exposed key back. Then, insert the key's tip into the notch and slide out the battery compartment.

For S-Class models: Identify the circular seam on the fob's back and a small notch above it. Next, insert the spare key's tip into the slot to remove the battery cover.

Replace the battery with a new CR2032 battery. Remove the old battery from the compartment using your fingers. Then, insert a new CR2032 battery with the positive side facing down into the compartment.

For S-Class models: Insert the CR2032 battery with the positive side facing up.

Put the key back together and test it to ensure functionality. Insert the battery compartment back into the key, reattach the back casing, and insert the spare key. Then, press the buttons to lock and unlock your car to verify that it's working.

If the key still doesn't work, you may have inserted the battery incorrectly. Simply disassemble the key again and flip the battery over.

Pre-2017 Chrome Keys

Identify older Chrome keys by their triangular or circular panic button. Most Chrome keys manufactured before 2017 feature a square piece at the top of the fob with either a triangular or circular panic button. Chrome keys produced after 2013 typically have triangular panic buttons and require only 1 CR2025 battery, whereas older chrome keys with a circular panic button need 2 CR2025 batteries.

Slide the tab located at the bottom of the fob to extract the spare key. Locate a small square silver or black tab at the bottom of your key fob. Then, pull the tab back to release the spare key from the fob.

Insert the spare key into the exposed slot to release the back cover. After removing the spare key, you'll notice a small, narrow slot above the tab at the bottom of the fob. Simply push the tip of your key into this slot to release the back cover from the fob.

Detach the back cover and remove the old battery or batteries. Once the back cover is off, flip the fob over and gently tap it to remove the old battery or batteries. Dispose of the old batteries safely at your local recycling center.

Chrome keys with triangular panic buttons contain one battery, while those with circular buttons contain two.

Insert one or two new CR2025 batteries, depending on your key model. For most Chrome keys, insert the new battery (or batteries) with the positive side facing up. Insert one battery for keys with triangular panic buttons, and two batteries for keys with circular panic buttons. Then, snap the back cover back on and place the spare key back into the key holder.

Test your key to ensure it locks and unlocks your car.
If the fob doesn't work, you may have inserted the batteries incorrectly. Simply disassemble the key and flip the batteries over.

Smart Keys

Identify Smart Keys by their black plastic casing. Unlike Chrome keys, which are metallic, both newer and older Smart Keys are made of plastic. Smart Keys also require two CR2025 batteries.

Current Smart Key models feature a red panic button similar to older Chrome keys, while Smart Keys predating 1999 do not.

Use the latch at the end of the key fob to release the spare key. Locate the black, square latch at the bottom of your key fob. Then, slide the latch to release the spare key from the fob and pull it out.

Insert the spare key horizontally into the open slot. Once you've removed the spare key, find the narrow slot above the latch. Turn the key fob sideways and insert the spare key into the slot.

Slide out the battery compartment from the key fob. Pushing the spare key into the slot will cause the battery compartment to loosen and protrude from the fob. Simply grasp the end of the compartment and pull it out.

Replace the old batteries with 2 CR2025 batteries. Remove the old batteries from the compartment using your fingers or the spare key. Then, insert 2 new batteries into the slots with the positive side facing up. Slide the battery compartment back into the key holder and reinsert your spare key into the slot at the bottom of the fob.

Test your key by locking and unlocking your car.
If the fob doesn't function, you may have inserted the batteries incorrectly. Simply reopen the battery compartment and flip the batteries over.

Caring for Your Mercedes Keys

Protect your Mercedes keys with a key case. Some Mercedes keys, particularly older models, can be fragile and prone to damage from drops or scratches. Covering your keys with a key case helps shield them from unexpected falls and other forms of damage.

For maximum durability, opt for a silicone key case.

Opt for lithium batteries when replacing your key batteries. Lithium batteries typically have a longer lifespan compared to alkaline and other battery types. While lithium CR2025 and CR2032 batteries may be more expensive than alkaline batteries, their longer lifespan means they offer better value for money.

Attach a tracking device to your keys. To prevent the loss of your valuable Mercedes keys, affix a tracker to the fob or your keychain. Most trackers come with a corresponding app that allows you to locate your keys if they go missing. Some popular key tracking devices include:

Replace your key batteries when you notice a weak signal. If your car doesn't respond on the first attempt, it's likely time to replace your key's batteries. Changing the batteries promptly when they begin to weaken prevents you from being stranded with a non-functional key fob.

Frequency of battery replacement depends on the battery type and your key usage.

Obtain new keys from a Mercedes dealership if needed. Unfortunately, Mercedes keys are not indestructible and may cease to function even after battery replacement, especially after several years. If your keys fail to unlock your car after a battery change, simply visit your local Mercedes dealership and request a new set of keys.

Most Mercedes dealerships offer new keys to customers, regardless of whether they purchased their vehicle from the dealership.
A replacement key from a dealership may cost $200 or more.
Consider replacing your Mercedes key every 2 to 3 years, or when it no longer functions properly.

Pointers

Prior to replacing your key batteries, review your car insurance or warranty coverage. Some car dealerships or insurance providers offer complimentary or low-cost key battery replacements for their clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steps should I follow to replace the battery in my newer Chrome keys?

To replace the battery in newer Chrome keys, start by pressing the silver button on the back to release the spare key. Then, slide off the back cover and remove the old CR2032 battery, ensuring the positive side faces down when inserting the new battery. Finally, reattach the cover and test the key to confirm functionality.

How can I identify if my Smart Key requires battery replacement?

You should replace your Smart Key's battery if you notice a weak signal when trying to unlock or start your car. Additionally, if the key fails to respond after multiple attempts, it's time to change the batteries. Smart Keys typically use two CR2025 batteries.

What is the difference between older and newer Chrome keys?

Older Chrome keys, manufactured before 2017, typically have a triangular or circular panic button and use either one or two CR2025 batteries. In contrast, newer Chrome keys have a silver finish, lack the square top, and use a single CR2032 battery, featuring a more modern design.

Is it safe to use lithium batteries in my Mercedes key fob?

Yes, using lithium batteries in your Mercedes key fob is safe and recommended. They have a longer lifespan than alkaline batteries, making them more cost-effective over time. Opt for CR2025 or CR2032 lithium batteries to ensure reliable performance.

What should I do if my key fob still doesn't work after replacing the battery?

If your key fob doesn't work after battery replacement, first ensure the batteries are inserted correctly. If they are, disassemble the key again and check for any damage. If problems persist, visiting a Mercedes dealership for further assistance may be necessary.

Can I replace my Mercedes key if it stops functioning after several years?

Yes, you can replace your Mercedes key if it stops functioning. It's advisable to visit a Mercedes dealership, where you can request a new key. Expect to pay around $200 or more for a replacement key, regardless of where you purchased your vehicle.

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