2012–2013 GMT900 (2nd generation)
2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Key Fob Battery Type and Replacement
The 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 key fob takes a CR2032 (remote fob) coin cell. How to open the fob without breaking it, and which substitutions actually work.
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Quick answer
The 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 key fob takes a CR2032 (remote fob) coin-cell battery, available at any pharmacy, hardware store, or online for a few dollars.
Replacing the 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 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 Silverado 1500 model years does this cover?
These key fob battery specifications apply to every Chevrolet Silverado 1500 built from 2012 through 2013 — the GMT900 (2nd generation), full-size half-ton pickup (regular, extended, crew cab). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2012Carryover year; Silverado Hybrid (6.0L two-mode, LZ1) still available in limited numbers
- 2013Final GMT900 year. Max trailering ~10,700 lb with 6.2L and tow package; most 5.3L configs rate 9,100–10,400 lb
2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 key fob battery: common questions
What battery does the 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 key fob take?
- A single CR2032 (remote fob) coin cell.
Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2025 in a 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 key fob?
- This fob takes a CR2032 (remote fob), 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 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 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 Silverado 1500 4.3L capacities
- Riverside Chevrolet, Silverado 1500 oil type & capacity guide 2007–2026
- Costa Oils, 2012 Silverado 6.2L (L9H) oil change guide
- O'Reilly Auto Parts, 2012 Silverado 1500 battery fitment (Group 48, 615 CCA OE)
- Wheel-Size.com, 2012 Silverado 1500 OE tire fitments
- Otto Wiper Blades, 2012 Silverado 1500 wiper sizes (22/22)
- Edmunds, 2013 Silverado 1500 specs (26-gal tank, towing)
- SilveradoSierra forum, GMT900 cabin air filter retrofit kit
- GM-Trucks forum, GMT900 oil life reset (accelerator method)