---
title: "2012-2018 Ram 1500 Key Fob Battery"
description: "The 2012-2018 Ram 1500 key fob takes a CR2032 (Keyless Enter-N-Go fob and flip-key fobik) coin cell. How to open the fob without breaking it, and which substitutions actually work."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/key-fob-battery"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 2012-2018 Ram 1500 Key Fob Battery Type and Replacement

The 2012-2018 Ram 1500 key fob takes a CR2032 (Keyless Enter-N-Go fob and flip-key fobik) coin cell. How to open the fob without breaking it, and which substitutions actually work.

**Quick answer**: The 2012-2018 Ram 1500 key fob takes a CR2032 (Keyless Enter-N-Go fob and flip-key fobik) coin-cell battery, available at any pharmacy, hardware store, or online for a few dollars.

## Replacing the 2012-2018 Ram 1500 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 Ram 1500 model years does this cover?

These key fob battery specifications apply to every Ram 1500 built from 2012 through 2018, the DS (4th generation; sold 2019-2024 as Ram 1500 Classic), full-size half-ton pickup (regular, quad, crew cab). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years.

- [2012 1500](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012)
- [2013 1500](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2013)
- [2014 1500](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2014)
- [2015 1500](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2015)
- [2016 1500](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2016)
- [2017 1500](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2017)
- [2018 1500](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2018)

## What changed during the 2012-2018 Ram 1500

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2012 | Carryover powertrains: 3.7L V6 (4-spd), 4.7L V8 (6-spd), 5.7L HEMI; hydraulic steering; HOAT coolant |
| 2013 | Major refresh: 3.6L Pentastar + ZF 8-speed arrive, electric power steering, optional air suspension, RamBox and 8.4-in Uconnect expand; coolant switches to 10-year OAT |
| 2014 | 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 added (first half-ton diesel of the modern era); 4.7L V8 dropped after 2013 |
| 2015 | Off-road-focused Rebel trim debuts mid-year with a factory-tuned suspension, off-road tires, and unique styling; interior/trim options broaden |
| 2015-2018 | Rebel added (2015, 285/70R17 tires); Limited becomes flagship; mechanical specs otherwise carry over |
| 2016 | Essentially unchanged: redesigned center console standard across the lineup; Rebel (introduced mid-2015) gains new interior color choices including Radar Red |
| 2018 | DS production continued after 2018 as the 'Ram 1500 Classic' (2019-2024, Tradesman/Express/Warlock/Big Horn trims) sold alongside the new DT. This generation's data applies to those Classic trucks; the DT generation below covers same-year 'new body' trucks |

## 2012-2018 Ram 1500 key fob battery: common questions

### What battery does the 2012-2018 Ram 1500 key fob take?

A single CR2032 (Keyless Enter-N-Go fob and flip-key fobik) coin cell.

### Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2025 in a 2012-2018 Ram 1500 key fob?

This fob takes a CR2032 (Keyless Enter-N-Go fob and flip-key fobik), 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 2012-2018 Ram 1500 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

- [FCA media, 2015 Ram 1500 specifications (battery, capacities)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/chryslermedia.iconicweb.com/mediasite/specs/2015_RAM_1500_SPvcfijqn696qeodm5be2oh020fk.pdf)
- [NHTSA recall 19V-757, EcoDiesel EGR cooler (Part 573 report)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCLRPT-19V757-2821.PDF)
- [FCA Safety Recall VB1, diesel EGR cooler, 2014-2019 Ram 1500 (oemdtc)](https://chrysler.oemdtc.com/1423/safety-recall-vb1-diesel-egr-cooler-2014-2019-ram-1500/)
- [RamForum, Safety recall P54 / NHTSA 14V-530 fuel pump relay](https://www.ramforum.com/threads/safety-recall-p54-hsta-14v-530-fuel-pump-relay.203933/)
- [Diesel Hub, 3.0L EcoDiesel oil change guide (capacities, filters, TSB 18-078-16)](https://www.dieselhub.com/maintenance/ecodiesel-oil-change-guide.html)
- [fueleconomy.gov, 2015 Ram 1500 EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2015_Ram_1500.shtml)
- [Wheel-Size.com, 2016 Ram 1500 OE fitments](https://www.wheel-size.com/size/ram/1500/2016/)
- [RamForumZ, 5.7L spark plug spec (NGK LZFR5C-11, 30k interval)](https://www.ramforumz.com/threads/spark-plug-replacement-5-7l.249281/)
- [RamForum, oil change indicator reset procedure](https://www.ramforum.com/threads/how-to-reset-oil-change-indicator.196835/)

## Other Ram 1500 generations

- [2019-2025 Ram 1500 key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2019-2025/key-fob-battery)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/key-fob-battery).

## More for the 2012-2018 Ram 1500

- [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/oil)
- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/oil-reset)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/specs)

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