2012–2015 2nd generation (YF3/YF4)
2012–2015 Honda Pilot Key Fob Battery Type and Replacement
The 2012–2015 Honda Pilot key fob takes a CR2032 coin cell. How to open the fob without breaking it, and which substitutions actually work.
Last verified
Quick answer
The 2012–2015 Honda Pilot key fob takes a CR2032 coin-cell battery, available at any pharmacy, hardware store, or online for a few dollars.
Replacing the 2012–2015 Honda Pilot 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 Honda Pilot model years does this cover?
These key fob battery specifications apply to every Honda Pilot built from 2012 through 2015 — the 2nd generation (YF3/YF4), 3-row mid-size suv (fwd or vtm-4 4wd). 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 2012–2015 Honda Pilot
- 2012Mid-cycle facelift year for this generation: revised front/rear styling, J35Z4 V6 carries over
- 2013Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a USB port, a new 8-in i-MID display, backup camera, and tri-zone automatic climate control become standard across the lineup
- 2014Unchanged from 2013
- 2015Final year of the 2nd generation before the all-new 2016 redesign
2012–2015 Honda Pilot key fob battery: common questions
What battery does the 2012–2015 Honda Pilot key fob take?
- A single CR2032 coin cell.
Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2025 in a 2012–2015 Honda Pilot key fob?
- This fob takes a CR2032, 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 2012–2015 Honda Pilot 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
- pilotsuv.com, Honda Pilot oil capacity by generation (4.5 qt, 2012–2015)
- Honda News, 2012 Honda Pilot Specifications and Features (250 hp, fuel tank, MPG)
- Edmunds, Used 2012 Honda Pilot Specs & Features (curb weight, fuel capacity, MPG)
- Muller Honda, Honda Pilot towing capacity by year (2012–2015: 2,000/4,500 lbs)
- jdmwestside.com, 2009–2014 Honda Pilot J35A/J35Z4 VCM engine
- College Hills Honda, 17220-RN0-A00 engine air filter (2012–2014 Pilot)
- HondaPartsNow. 80292-SDA-407 cabin filter fits 2009–2022 Pilot
- WiperBladesUSA, 2012 Honda Pilot wiper size chart (22/21/14 in)
- eBay/PHILTOP listings, 2009–2015 Honda Pilot front rotor 329.8 mm (12.98 in)
- Piloteers.org, Honda settles class-action lawsuit, extends powertrain warranty (VCM)
- YouTube, Honda VCM Warranty Extended 10 years/150,000 miles (2013–2017 Pilot/Odyssey)
- Honda News, Takata Airbag Inflator Recall Fact Sheet (2003–2015 Pilot)
- Consumer Reports, Honda expands Takata airbag recall (NHTSA campaign 18V661)
- Piloteers.org, 2009–2015 Pilot reliability after 150k (control arm bushings, VCM)
- RepairPal, 2015 Honda Pilot problems and complaints (warped rotors)