Replace the Key Fob Battery

If the remote on your Suzuki Grand Vitara Mk2 (JB, 2005–2015) has become weak — you have to stand close to lock or unlock — the fob’s coin cell needs replacing. The Grand Vitara key uses a CR1620 cell. Unusually, this model also lets you re-register a remote yourself without a dealer tool. This guide covers both. It takes a couple of minutes with a small screwdriver.

What You Need

• One fresh CR1620 3 V lithium coin cell.
• A small cross-head and flat-blade screwdriver.
• Clean, dry hands.

How to Replace the Battery

1. Remove the screw in the key body.
2. Use a screwdriver to remove the button-cell cover and lift the transmitter out of its holder.
3. Separate the cases and remove the old CR1620 cell.
4. Fit the new cell with the positive (+) side facing down (as the original sat).
5. Refit the transmitter, the cover and the screw.
6. Check the remote locks and unlocks the car.

Re-registering a Remote Yourself

If the remote has lost its pairing (or you have a spare to add — up to 3), the Grand Vitara can be put into programming mode without a diagnostic tool:

1. Close all doors and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Open the driver’s door, then turn the ignition on and, within 10 seconds, remove the key again.
3. Within 20 seconds, press and release the driver’s door lock switch 3 times — the door locks cycle to confirm programming mode.
4. Press and hold the unlock button on the remote — the door locks cycle again to confirm it’s registered. Release the button.
5. Repeat for any other remotes, then close the door to exit.

Note: a brand-new transponder key (for starting, not just the remote) still needs a dealer to code the immobiliser.

Frequently Asked Questions

What battery does the Grand Vitara key take?

A CR1620 3 V lithium coin cell, fitted positive-side-down.

Can I really program a remote without a dealer?

Yes — the door-lock-switch sequence above puts the car into remote-programming mode. It pairs the remote button functions; it does not program a new transponder for starting (that needs a dealer).

My remote still won’t work with a fresh cell — now what?

Re-open it and check the cell orientation and that the contacts are clean. If it’s still dead, try re-registering it with the sequence above; if that fails, the fob may have an internal fault.

For battery work that may also be needed, see our Grand Vitara battery disconnect/reconnect guide. For warning lights, look up the code on autodtcs.com.