---
title: "2012 Nissan Altima Key Fob Battery"
description: "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."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2012/key-fob-battery"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 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.

**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.

- [2012 Altima](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2012)

## What changed during the 2012 Nissan Altima

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2012 | Final 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)](https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima&modelYear=2012)
- [Nissan parts catalog, 15208-9E01A oil filter fitment 1998-2012 Altima](https://parts.nissanusa.com/parts/nissan-oil-filter-152089e01a)
- [TirePressure.org, 2012 Nissan Altima placard pressures](https://tirepressure.org/nissan/altima/2012)
- [HID Nation, 2012 Nissan Altima bulb sizes](https://www.hidnation.com/pages/2012-nissan-altima)
- [fueleconomy.gov, 2012 Nissan Altima EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2012_Nissan_Altima.shtml)
- [Nissan Altima Forum, 2012 vs 2013 oil viscosity (5W-30 vs 0W-20)](https://www.altimaforums.net/threads/2013-altima-0w20-or-5w30.7380/)

## Other Nissan Altima generations

- [2019-2025 Nissan Altima key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2019-2025/key-fob-battery)
- [2013-2018 Nissan Altima key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2013-2018/key-fob-battery)

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

## More for the 2012 Nissan Altima

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

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