Land Rover Key Fob Battery Replacement: CR2032 Step-by-Step

Your Land Rover key fob has stopped responding, and you're stuck wondering what's gone wrong. More often than not, the culprit is simply a dead battery. The good news? Land Rover key fob battery replacement is one of the easiest DIY fixes you can do, no trip to the dealership required.

Most Land Rover key fobs use a CR2032 coin cell battery, which costs a couple of quid from any supermarket or hardware shop. With the right technique, you can swap it out in under five minutes and have your key working like new. This guide covers the exact steps for each model type, from the Range Rover Sport to the Discovery and Defender, so you can get it done without scratching or damaging your fob.

At Rush Auto Locksmiths, we help drivers across North West Lancashire with everything from lockouts to key programming. While we're always here when you need professional help, a flat key fob battery is something you can absolutely sort yourself. Below, you'll find clear instructions, the tools you'll need, and a few tips to avoid common mistakes that catch people out.

What you need before you start

You don't need a garage full of specialist tools to complete this Land Rover key fob battery replacement. In fact, most people already have everything required sitting in a kitchen drawer. Getting these items ready before you start saves you scrambling around mid-job and helps you avoid damaging the fob casing with the wrong tools.

The battery itself

Your Land Rover key fob uses a CR2032 lithium coin cell battery, which is the same type found in many watches, calculators, and other small electronics. You can pick one up from supermarkets, petrol stations, or pound shops for under £2, though buying a multi-pack online often works out cheaper if you want spares. Check the voltage rating is 3V before you buy, anything else won't work properly and could damage the fob's electronics.

Keep a spare CR2032 in your glovebox so you're never caught out again.

Tools you'll need

Most Land Rover key fobs open with minimal force and basic tools. Here's what to gather:

• Flathead screwdriver (small, ideally 3mm wide or less)

• Plastic pry tool or credit card edge (safer than metal)

• Soft cloth to work on (prevents scratches)

• Your replacement CR2032 battery

If you don't have a plastic pry tool, a guitar pick or old loyalty card works brilliantly and won't scratch the casing. Avoid using large screwdrivers or knives, both can slip and gouge the plastic or, worse, cut your hand. Work somewhere with good lighting so you can see the tiny clips and seams clearly, ideally over a table rather than standing over your car bonnet.

Step 1. Identify your Land Rover key type

Land Rover uses several different key fob designs across their model range, and knowing which type you have determines how you'll open it for your land rover key fob battery replacement. The process varies slightly between the smart keyless models and the traditional blade key fobs, so spending 30 seconds to identify yours now saves you fumbling around later.

Smart key vs blade key types

Most modern Range Rovers, Discoveries, and Eveloque models from 2015 onwards use a rectangular smart key with no visible metal blade. These fobs have smooth plastic edges and usually feature buttons for lock, unlock, tailgate, and panic. You carry them in your pocket and the car detects them automatically when you approach.

Older Land Rovers and some Defender models use a traditional flip key with a metal blade that physically inserts into the ignition. These fobs are chunkier, with a visible release button on the side that pops out the metal key. Both types use the CR2032 battery, but the opening method differs, which is why identifying yours matters before you start prying.

Check your Land Rover's manual or look at the key shape, smart keys are flat and rectangular while blade keys have a visible metal fold-out section.

Step 2. Open the key fob safely

The opening method for your land rover key fob battery replacement depends entirely on whether you have a smart key or blade key, as each design uses different clips and seams. Apply gentle pressure throughout this process because forcing any part of the casing can snap internal clips that hold everything together. Work slowly and you'll avoid the scratches and cracks that happen when people rush.

Opening a smart key fob

Place your smart key face down on a soft cloth with the buttons touching the surface. Look for the small slot on the narrow edge of the fob, usually near the Land Rover badge. Slide your plastic pry tool or credit card edge into this slot and twist gently until you hear a soft click. The rear casing will separate from the front, revealing the circuit board and battery underneath.

Never insert your tool more than 2-3mm deep or you risk damaging the internal circuitry.

Opening a blade key fob

Press the release button to extend the metal blade fully, then look for a small notch where the blade exits the casing. Insert your flathead screwdriver into this notch and twist slowly to separate the two halves. Some models have a second clip near the keyring hole, so work your way around the seam if the first attempt doesn't release cleanly.

Step 3. Replace the CR2032 battery

Now that your Land Rover key fob is open, you'll see the circular silver battery sitting in its holder on the circuit board. This part of your land rover key fob battery replacement requires careful handling because the battery sits against exposed electronics that can be damaged by oils or excessive force. Touch only the edges of the battery throughout this process to avoid transferring skin oils onto the contacts.

Removing the old battery

Look for the small plastic clip or metal tab holding the battery in place, usually positioned on one side of the battery holder. Use your plastic pry tool or fingernail to gently lift the old CR2032 battery out of its socket. Some models have the battery held under a spring clip, so you'll need to slide it sideways slightly before lifting upwards. Note which side faces up (the side with writing should be visible), as you'll need to install the new one the same way.

Installing the new battery

Take your new CR2032 battery and check the positive (+) marking on one side. Position it in the holder with the positive side facing upwards (the side with text and symbols visible). Press down gently until you hear or feel a soft click as the battery seats properly against the contact points.

The battery should sit flush in the holder without wobbling, if it moves freely you haven't clipped it in correctly.

Step 4. Test the fob and start the car

Before you snap the casing back together, it's worth testing your new battery to confirm your land rover key fob battery replacement has worked properly. Hold the two halves of the fob together loosely and stand within five metres of your vehicle. Press the lock button and watch for the indicators to flash, which confirms the signal is transmitting correctly and the battery has good contact with the circuit board.

Testing the remote functions

Once the lock button works, test every other button on your fob to make sure nothing was dislodged during the battery swap. Press unlock, tailgate release, and the panic button in sequence. Each should trigger an immediate response from your Land Rover. If any button fails to work, open the fob again and check the battery orientation and seating, as a slightly tilted battery can cause intermittent connection problems.

Stand close to your vehicle during initial testing, weak signals often mean the battery isn't seated flush against the contacts.

Starting your Land Rover

Press the start button with your foot on the brake while holding the key fob near the steering column. Your engine should fire up immediately. If nothing happens, hold the fob directly against the start button for three seconds before pressing, this backup method works even with a weak battery signal.

If you get stuck

Most land rover key fob battery replacement jobs go smoothly when you follow the steps above, but occasionally the fob casing won't separate cleanly or the new battery doesn't restore full function. Damaged clips inside the fob or corroded battery contacts can stop your remote from working even with a fresh CR2032 fitted. If you've tried everything and your key still won't respond, forcing the issue further risks cracking the casing or damaging the circuit board permanently.

Professional help costs less than replacing a broken fob casing. We handle all types of Land Rover key issues across the Fylde Coast, from battery replacements that have gone wrong to complete key programming when your remote needs more than a simple battery swap. Our mobile service comes to you anywhere in North West Lancashire. Get in touch with Rush Auto Locksmiths and we'll sort your key fob properly, usually the same day you call.