---
title: "2012-2015 Honda Pilot Key Fob Battery: CR2032"
description: "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."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2012-2015/key-fob-battery"
updated: "2026-08-21"
---

# 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.

**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.

- [2012 Pilot](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2012)
- [2013 Pilot](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2013)
- [2014 Pilot](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2014)
- [2015 Pilot](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2015)

## What changed during the 2012-2015 Honda Pilot

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2012 | Mid-cycle facelift year for this generation: revised front/rear styling, J35Z4 V6 carries over |
| 2013 | Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a USB port, a new 8-in i-MID display, backup camera, and tri-zone automatic climate control become standard across the lineup |
| 2014 | Unchanged from 2013 |
| 2015 | Final 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)](https://pilotsuv.com/honda-pilot-engine-oil-guide/)
- [Honda News, 2012 Honda Pilot Specifications and Features (250 hp, fuel tank, MPG)](https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-automobiles/releases/release-4509ac20f72a429d892191934c064ecc-2012-honda-pilot-specifications-and-features)
- [Edmunds, Used 2012 Honda Pilot Specs & Features (curb weight, fuel capacity, MPG)](https://www.edmunds.com/honda/pilot/2012/features-specs/)
- [Muller Honda, Honda Pilot towing capacity by year (2012-2015: 2,000/4,500 lbs)](https://www.muller-honda.com/honda-pilot-towing-capacity)
- [jdmwestside.com, 2009-2014 Honda Pilot J35A/J35Z4 VCM engine](https://jdmwestside.com/honda/engines/honda-pilot-2009-2010-2011-2012-2013-2014-j35a-3-5l-vcm-enginess/50/2008-2012-honda-odyssey-j35a-vcm-model-3-5l-v6-engine-sohc-motor/)
- [College Hills Honda, 17220-RN0-A00 engine air filter (2012-2014 Pilot)](https://honda.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/honda-oil-filter-15400plma02)
- [HondaPartsNow. 80292-SDA-407 cabin filter fits 2009-2022 Pilot](https://www.hondapartsnow.com/oem-honda-pilot-cabin_air_filter.html)
- [WiperBladesUSA, 2012 Honda Pilot wiper size chart (22/21/14 in)](https://www.wiperbladesusa.com/wiper-size/honda/pilot/2012)
- [eBay/PHILTOP listings, 2009-2015 Honda Pilot front rotor 329.8 mm (12.98 in)](https://www.ebay.com/itm/406449623025)
- [Piloteers.org, Honda settles class-action lawsuit, extends powertrain warranty (VCM)](https://www.piloteers.org/threads/honda-settles-class-action-lawsuit-and-extends-powertrain-warranty.48313/)
- [YouTube, Honda VCM Warranty Extended 10 years/150,000 miles (2013-2017 Pilot/Odyssey)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQYcbcoTfF0)
- [Honda News, Takata Airbag Inflator Recall Fact Sheet (2003-2015 Pilot)](https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-corporate/releases/takata-airbag-inflator-recall-fact-sheet)
- [Consumer Reports, Honda expands Takata airbag recall (NHTSA campaign 18V661)](https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/honda-expands-takata-airbag-recall/)
- [Piloteers.org, 2009-2015 Pilot reliability after 150k (control arm bushings, VCM)](https://www.piloteers.org/threads/2009-2015-pilot-reliability-after-150k.173076/)
- [RepairPal, 2015 Honda Pilot problems and complaints (warped rotors)](https://repairpal.com/2015-honda-pilot/problems)

## Other Honda Pilot generations

- [2023-2025 Honda Pilot key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2023-2025/key-fob-battery)
- [2016-2022 Honda Pilot key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2016-2022/key-fob-battery)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/key-fob-battery).

## More for the 2012-2015 Honda Pilot

- [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2012-2015/oil)
- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2012-2015/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2012-2015/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2012-2015/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2012-2015/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2012-2015/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2012-2015/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2012-2015/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2012-2015/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2012-2015/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2012-2015/oil-reset)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/pilot/2012-2015/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.