--- title: "2012 Chevrolet Malibu Key Fob Battery" description: "The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu key fob takes a CR2032 (remote transmitter) coin cell. How to open the fob without breaking it, and which substitutions actually work." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/key-fob-battery" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Key Fob Battery Type and Replacement The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu key fob takes a CR2032 (remote transmitter) coin cell. How to open the fob without breaking it, and which substitutions actually work. **Quick answer**: The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu key fob takes a CR2032 (remote transmitter) coin-cell battery, available at any pharmacy, hardware store, or online for a few dollars. ## Replacing the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu key fob battery - Pry the fob open gently at the seam with a small flathead screwdriver or a coin, working around the edge. Many fobs have a hidden release slot near the key ring or emergency-key blade. - Note the battery orientation (usually positive side up) before removing the old cell. - Avoid touching the new battery's faces with bare fingers; skin oils can shorten its life. - If the fob doesn't work after replacement, check that the battery is seated fully and the contacts weren't bent. Most vehicles do not need re-pairing after a battery change. ## Which Chevrolet Malibu model years does this cover? These key fob battery specifications apply to every Chevrolet Malibu built from 2012 through 2012, the 7th generation (final year), mid-size sedan (epsilon platform). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. - [2012 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012) ## What changed during the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2012 | Final year of the 7th generation, sold alongside the early-launched 2013 Eco. Last Malibu with an available V6 until, well, ever. | ## 2012 Chevrolet Malibu key fob battery: common questions ### What battery does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu key fob take? A single CR2032 (remote transmitter) coin cell. ### Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2025 in a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu key fob? This fob takes a CR2032 (remote transmitter), so start there. The two cells share a 20 mm diameter but differ in thickness, and the thicker one does not always seat in a housing built for the thinner. ### How do you open a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu key fob? Slide out the mechanical emergency key first, which usually releases a catch, then part the halves with a plastic pry tool or a coin wrapped in tape. A screwdriver will mark the case and can crack the seam. ## Sources - [AMSOIL product lookup, 2012 Malibu 3.6L capacities](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2012/chevrolet/malibu/) - [Costa Oils, 2012 Malibu 2.4L oil change guide (5 qt, 5W-30)](https://costaoils.com/2012-chevrolet-malibu-24l-oil-change-guide-2/) - [Walmart/ACDelco, PF457G fitment 2004-2012 Malibu](https://www.walmart.com/ip/ACDelco-PF457G-Engine-Oil-Filter-Fits-select-2010-2017-CHEVROLET-EQUINOX-LT-2004-2012-CHEVROLET-MALIBU/36052507) - [TirePressure.org, 2012 Malibu placard pressures (30 psi)](https://tirepressure.org/chevrolet/malibu/2012) - [WiperBladesUSA, 2012 Malibu 24/21-in blades](https://www.wiperbladesusa.com/wiper-size/chevrolet/malibu/2012) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2012 Malibu EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2012_Chevrolet_Malibu.shtml) - [RepairPal, 2012 Malibu top reported problems](https://repairpal.com/2012-chevrolet-malibu/problems) - [Element Wheels, 2008-2012 Malibu 5x110 bolt pattern](https://www.elementwheels.com/wheels/chevrolet/malibu) - [Sonnax, GM 6T40/6T70 3-5-R wave plate failure](https://www.facebook.com/Sonnax/videos/stop-gm-6t40-6t70-3-5-r-failure-with-sonnax-drum-saver-kits/3015931788537426/) ## Other Chevrolet Malibu generations - [2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/key-fob-battery) - [2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/key-fob-battery) Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/key-fob-battery). ## More for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/common-problems) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/oil-reset) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.