--- title: "2012-2019 Ford Explorer Key Fob Battery" description: "The 2012-2019 Ford Explorer key fob takes a CR2032 (both the flip-key remote and the Intelligent Access fob) coin cell. How to open the fob without breaking it, and which substitutions actually work." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/key-fob-battery" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # 2012-2019 Ford Explorer Key Fob Battery Type and Replacement The 2012-2019 Ford Explorer key fob takes a CR2032 (both the flip-key remote and the Intelligent Access fob) coin cell. How to open the fob without breaking it, and which substitutions actually work. **Quick answer**: The 2012-2019 Ford Explorer key fob takes a CR2032 (both the flip-key remote and the Intelligent Access fob) coin-cell battery, available at any pharmacy, hardware store, or online for a few dollars. ## Replacing the 2012-2019 Ford Explorer 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 Ford Explorer model years does this cover? These key fob battery specifications apply to every Ford Explorer built from 2012 through 2019, the U502 (5th generation), mid-size 3-row crossover suv (unibody, fwd/awd). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. - [2012 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012) - [2013 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2013) - [2014 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2014) - [2015 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2015) - [2016 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2016) - [2017 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2017) - [2018 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2018) - [2019 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2019) ## What changed during the 2012-2019 Ford Explorer | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2012 | 2.0L EcoBoost joins as an FWD-only economy option (no tow package) | | 2013 | Explorer Sport added: 365-hp 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, 352mm brakes, 20-in wheels | | 2014 | Essentially unchanged: a few new exterior colors added; Limited trim gains standard heated second-row seats | | 2015 | Essentially unchanged: Limited trim adds an available adaptive cruise control option, with second-row heated seats offered as an option lineup-wide | | 2016 | Major facelift: new front/rear styling, 280-hp 2.3L EcoBoost replaces the 2.0L, Platinum trim (3.5L EcoBoost) added, SYNC 3 arrives mid-cycle; low-beam bulb changes to H11 | | 2018-2019 | Minor updates; carryover mechanicals in the final years before the RWD-platform redesign | ## 2012-2019 Ford Explorer key fob battery: common questions ### What battery does the 2012-2019 Ford Explorer key fob take? A single CR2032 (both the flip-key remote and the Intelligent Access fob) coin cell. ### Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2025 in a 2012-2019 Ford Explorer key fob? This fob takes a CR2032 (both the flip-key remote and the Intelligent Access 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 2012-2019 Ford Explorer 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 - [Ford. What is the recommended engine oil for my vehicle? (oil/filter lookup)](https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/oil-change/oil-change-information/what-is-the-recommended-engine-oil-for-my-vehicle/) - [NHTSA EA17-002 ODI resume, Explorer exhaust odor engineering analysis](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2017/INOA-EA17002-5925.PDF) - [NHTSA recall 21V-537 (Ford 21S32), rear suspension toe link](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCLRPT-21V537-1447.PDF) - [NHTSA recall 24V-031 (Ford 24S02), A-pillar trim detachment](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V031-8781.PDF) - [Ford Authority / CarComplaints, 3.5L water pump class action dismissed after settlement](https://fordauthority.com/2024/01/ford-water-pump-lawsuit-settlement-ends-class-action/) - [Ford.com parts, Motorcraft BXT-65-850 Group 65 battery fitment](https://www.ford.com/product/vehicle-battery-p4000109971) - [Ford.com parts, Motorcraft SP-546 spark plug (gap 0.045)](https://www.ford.com/product/spark-plug-p4000139430) - [Ford.com parts, Motorcraft FP-70 cabin air filter (CV6Z-19N619-A)](https://www.ford.com/product/cabin-air-filter-p4000138624) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2013 and 2017 Ford Explorer EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2017_Ford_Explorer.shtml) - [WiperBladesUSA, 2016 Explorer wiper sizes 26/22/11](https://www.wiperbladesusa.com/wiper-size/ford/explorer/2016) ## Other Ford Explorer generations - [2020-2025 Ford Explorer key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/key-fob-battery) Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/key-fob-battery). ## More for the 2012-2019 Ford Explorer - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/common-problems) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/oil-reset) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.