Car key battery replacement in Exeter
Professional car key battery replacement services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
0.5-1 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Car key fob battery replaced quickly at your home. No more frantically pressing buttons next to the car - your remote works from normal distance again.
When Did Your Key Remote Stop Working Properly?
Started needing to be closer and closer to the car, now you're practically touching the door handle before it unlocks. Dead key fob battery - happens to everyone, usually at the most annoying moment.
💡 Pro tip: Most key fobs warn you for weeks before dying completely. That "key battery low" message on your dash? Act on it before you're locked out in a car park.
DIY Attempt vs Getting It Done
| ✅ Properly Done | ❌ DIY Gone Wrong |
|---|---|
| Key opened safely | Broken clips, damaged case |
| Right battery fitted | Wrong type, doesn't work |
| Tested before leaving | Still doesn't work, wasted time |
| Takes 10 minutes | Hour of frustration, broken key |
What You Get
🔧 Quick Battery Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Open key | Carefully opened without breaking clips |
| Replace battery | Correct type fitted right way round |
| Reassemble | Key closed up properly, all clips secure |
| Test | Lock/unlock tested, range checked |
📦 Common Key Types
- Flip keys (blade folds in)
- Separate fob and blade
- Integrated smart keys
- Proximity keys (no buttons, just presence)
Pricing
| Job | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard key battery | 10-15 mins | £60 |
| Multiple keys same visit | 15-20 mins | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour). Battery cost (£2-5) added if I supply it.
Why Pay Someone?
✅ No risk of breaking expensive key - replacements cost hundreds
✅ Right battery guaranteed - not guessing at supermarket
✅ Done at your location - saves dealer visit
✅ Tested properly - know it works before I leave
Why Choose Us for Car key battery replacement in Exeter?
Done at your home - no dealer visit
Right battery fitted properly
Fob tested before I leave
Way cheaper than main dealer
What to Expect
Step 1: Identify Key Type
Look at your key, work out how it opens (some have screws, some have clips, some just prise apart).
Step 2: Replace Battery
Carefully open it, note which way battery sits, replace with correct type, close it back up without breaking anything.
Step 3: Test It Works
Lock and unlock car, check range is back to normal, make sure all buttons work. Sometimes need to cycle the lock to wake it up.
🔧 DIY Tips
Fancy having a go yourself? Here's how to avoid the common disasters:
🔧 What you'll need
- Correct replacement battery (check manual or existing battery)
- Small flathead screwdriver or butter knife
- Good light
- Patience
📐 Opening the key safely
- Check for screws first - some keys have tiny screws hidden under logos
- Find the split line - where two halves meet
- Prise gently - start at one end, work around slowly
- Don't force - clips break easily, expensive mistake
- Take photos - how it goes together, which way battery sits
🔋 Battery replacement
- Note the orientation: + side usually faces up, but check
- Don't touch circuit: Oils from fingers can cause problems
- Match the number: CR2032, CR2025, CR2016 - get exact match
- Check expiry: Old batteries don't work even if new in packet
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Forcing it open - breaks clips, ruins key
- Battery in backwards - won't work, might damage electronics
- Touching circuit board with dirty fingers
- Losing the tiny screws (if yours has them)
- Not testing immediately - find out it's broken too late
💡 Pro trick: Before opening, take clear photos of how it looks closed. When reassembling, you'll know if clips aren't right because it won't look the same.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🔑 Got a spare key? Change its battery too while I'm there. Sod's law says your main key dies the day your spare's also flat.
Battery life: Typically 2-4 years depending on how much you use it. Cars with keyless entry drain batteries faster (constant communication).
Often combined with:
- Spare key battery replacement
- Key programming (if you've lost one)
- General pre-MOT checks
Warning signs: If you changed battery and it still doesn't work properly, the fob itself might be damaged (water, drops, worn buttons). That's a dealer job for a new one unfortunately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't I just do this myself?
Depends on your key. Some you can pop open with a coin, swap the battery, done in 2 minutes. Others need careful prying without breaking clips, or have security screws. If you've tried and it won't budge, or you're worried about breaking an expensive key, I'll do it safely.
How do I know if my key needs a new battery?
Remote stops working from normal distance (have to be right next to car), buttons feel less responsive, or the car's telling you 'key battery low' on the dash. If it's completely dead and won't unlock the car, that's definitely the battery.
Do you supply the battery or do I need to buy it?
I can bring common ones (CR2032, CR2025, CR2016 are most typical) or you can have bought it already. Battery costs a couple of quid from a supermarket, I'll charge you cost if I supply it.
What if changing the battery doesn't fix it?
Then it's likely the fob itself is faulty (water damage, worn buttons, broken circuit). I'll test it first before changing battery if you want, and be honest if I think it needs a new key from the dealer.
Will I need to reprogram the key after battery change?
Almost never - the key retains its pairing even with battery out. Occasionally a car needs a simple relearn (usually just lock/unlock cycle) which I'll do. You won't need dealer involvement.
Car key battery replacement Also Available In:
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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