These instructions apply to the Nissan Note Mk2 (E12) 2013-2017.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
If your Nissan Note Mk2 (E12, sold as the Versa Note in North America) remote only works up close, or the keyless car shows a low key-battery message, the coin cell inside the fob is flat. It’s a two-minute job with a coin or a small screwdriver. The Note came with two kinds of key, and both open the same way.
Which Key Do You Have?
- Remote with a fold-out or fixed metal key (cars without keyless start) — the buttons lock and unlock the doors; you turn the key to start.
- Intelligent Key (cars with push-button start) — a smart fob you keep in your pocket, with a hidden emergency blade inside.
Both take a single 3 volt lithium coin cell. The exact size is printed on the old cell — it is commonly a CR2025 in the plain remote and a CR2032 in the Intelligent Key, but check the number before you buy.
How to Change the Battery
- If you have an Intelligent Key, slide out the mechanical emergency key first (release the small catch and pull the blade out). On a fold-out remote, fold the blade away.
- Find the seam around the edge of the fob (some remotes have a small screw — remove it first).
- Insert a coin or a small flat screwdriver into the slot at the seam and gently twist to split the two halves. Wrap the tip in a cloth to avoid marking the case.
- Lift out the old coin cell. Don’t touch the circuit board or the metal contacts with your fingers.
- Fit the new cell the same way round as the old one — note which side (usually the + marked face) sits against the case.
- Press the two halves back together until they click, and refit any screw and the mechanical key.
- Test all the buttons, and on a keyless car check the push-button start recognises the key.
Frequently Asked Questions
What battery does the Nissan Note key take?
A single 3 volt lithium coin cell — typically a CR2025 in the plain remote and a CR2032 in the Intelligent Key. The safest guide is the number printed on the cell you remove, so open the fob and check before buying a replacement.
Do I need to reprogram the key after changing the battery?
No. Replacing the coin cell doesn’t erase anything — the key keeps working as before once the fresh battery is in. Reprogramming is only needed if you add a brand-new key, which is a dealer job.
My keyless Note won’t start even with a new key battery — what now?
Hold the Intelligent Key against the start button and press it — the car can read the key by direct contact even with a weak or dead fob battery. If it starts that way, the fob battery or the key itself needs attention. We cover this in our dead-key-fob start guide.
The remote still has short range after a new battery — is the fob faulty?
Check the new cell is seated firmly and the right way round, and that you didn’t smudge the contacts. If range is still poor, the fob’s transmitter or the car’s receiver may be at fault, or you may simply be in an area with strong radio interference.
Can I use the car if the key battery dies completely?
Yes. On the plain remote you still have the metal key to unlock and start. On a keyless car, use the emergency blade hidden in the fob to open the door, then hold the fob to the start button to start the engine.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information. Always follow your vehicle’s official service information and safety instructions. Perform repairs at your own risk.
If a warning light or key-system message won’t clear, a stored fault code can help — look it up on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Nissan. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.