How to change chevy malibu key fob battery

This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the ninth generation 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 GM Chevrolet Malibu in changing a weak or dead battery inside the smart (also known as the "intelligent" or "proximity") key fob remote control for the keyless entry and push button start systems.

The 9th generation Malibu was supposed to undergo a "facelift" in 2022 or 2023 and the refreshed vehicle may have continued being produced into the 2024 and 2025 model years but it will now apparently be discontinued after the 2023 model year.

Owners of other General Motors vehicles from Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Holden such as the Impala, Corvette, Bolt, Sonic, Spark, Express, Trax, TrailBlazer, Equinox, Traverse, Blazer, Tahoe, Suburban, Colorado, Silverado, Cruze, Volt, Camaro, Encore, Envision, Enclave, Regal, LaCrosse, Canyon, Sierra, Terrain, Acadia, Yukon, Savana, XT4, XT5, XT6, Escalade, CT4, CT5, CT6 and Commodore may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The compatible replacement coin cell (also known as a "button" or "watch" battery) is part number CR2032 which is available from various manufacturers such as Panasonic, Duracell, Energizer and Maxell.

The tools needed to access and replace the key fob battery include a standard flat head screwdriver and possibly also a very small flat head screwdriver such as from a Jeweler's Screwdriver Set.

The first step is to locate the small chrome silver button on the bottom left side of the fob near the red "Panic" button.

The Chevy Malibu's key fob or transmitter battery can be changed by separating the back and front sides of the fob. Remove the key and insert a small screwdriver in the key hole to pop the fob open. Pry open the back and front of the assembly and remove the electronic board or panel covering one 3-volt battery. The 3-volt CR2032 can be purchased from any general retailer and is the same battery used in watches and small mechanical devices. Pop out the Malibu's used CR2032 using the same flathead screwdriver. Replace with new part until a "click" is heard, plus-side down. To close the remote, repeat assembly steps in reverse order.

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Trevor B. April 9, 2020

You can remove the back of the key and pull the battery out. Then you can put a new battery in.

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Do a key fob have to be reprogram after changing the battery?