Chevrolet Equinox key fob battery

Separate remote fob

1. A separate fob has no key blade inside, so it opens with nothing but a coin or a small screwdriver.
2. Turn it over: some older fobs use one small screw, newer ones just clip. Pry at the seam once any screw is out.
3. Swap the cell or cells, keeping the same side up as the old ones.
4. Snap the case shut and watch for the lights to flash when you press lock at the car.

A CR2032 is 20 mm across and 3.2 mm thick. CR2032, CR2025 and CR2016 share the same width but not the same thickness, so a swap between them can leave a loose contact or a case that will not close.

A CR2450 is 24.5 mm across and 5.0 mm thick, much fatter than a CR2032. A thinner cell will rattle and lose contact, so buy the exact size.

Flip key

1. Fold the blade out so it is out of the way, or keep it folded if your case opens from the side; the battery sits in the plastic body, not the blade.
2. Look along the edge for a notch. A coin turned in that notch usually separates the remote half from the blade half.
3. Take out the old cell, noting which side faced you, and fit the new one the same way.
4. Close it up, check the blade still flips cleanly, and test the buttons at the car.

A CR2032 is 20 mm across and 3.2 mm thick. CR2032, CR2025 and CR2016 share the same width but not the same thickness, so a swap between them can leave a loose contact or a case that will not close.

Smart key (push-button start)

1. Most push-button fobs hide a metal backup key. Press or slide its catch and draw the key out first.
2. Use the slot where the metal key sat. Twist, do not lever hard, and work along the seam until the halves separate.
3. Before you take the old cell out, look at its face. Put the new cell in with the same side showing, and avoid touching both faces at once.
4. Close the case until it clicks all the way round, put the metal key back, then try the buttons and a push-button start.

On many recent GM smart remotes a button on the side releases the key; the slot at the bottom is where the case opens.

A CR2032 is 20 mm across and 3.2 mm thick. CR2032, CR2025 and CR2016 share the same width but not the same thickness, so a swap between them can leave a loose contact or a case that will not close.