2012 L32 (4th generation, final year)
2012 Nissan Altima Key Fob Battery Type and Replacement
The 2012 Nissan Altima key fob takes a CR2032 (Intelligent Key) coin cell. How to open the fob without breaking it, and which substitutions actually work.
Last verified
Quick answer
The 2012 Nissan Altima key fob takes a CR2032 (Intelligent Key) coin-cell battery, available at any pharmacy, hardware store, or online for a few dollars.
Replacing the 2012 Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima model years does this cover?
These key fob battery specifications apply to every Nissan Altima built from 2012 through 2012 — the L32 (4th generation, final year), mid-size sedan (coupe continued separately through 2013). 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 Nissan Altima
- 2012Final year of the L32 sedan (2007–2012 design); the all-new L33 replaced it for 2013. The two-door Altima coupe continued on this platform through 2013.
2012 Nissan Altima key fob battery: common questions
What battery does the 2012 Nissan Altima key fob take?
- A single CR2032 (Intelligent Key) coin cell.
Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2025 in a 2012 Nissan Altima key fob?
- This fob takes a CR2032 (Intelligent Key), 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 Nissan Altima 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
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle, 2012 Nissan Altima (11V-371, 12V-055, 12V-494)
- Nissan parts catalog, 15208-9E01A oil filter fitment 1998–2012 Altima
- TirePressure.org, 2012 Nissan Altima placard pressures
- HID Nation, 2012 Nissan Altima bulb sizes
- fueleconomy.gov, 2012 Nissan Altima EPA ratings
- Nissan Altima Forum, 2012 vs 2013 oil viscosity (5W-30 vs 0W-20)