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Ford Expedition Key Fob Battery Replacement Guide
How to change a dead battery in the smart key fob for a fourth generation 2018, 2019 and 2020 Ford Expedition.

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2018 Expedition Key Fob
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Back Side of Smart Fob
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Push In Release Button
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the 4th generation (2018, 2019, 2020 and probably also the 2021, 2022 and 2023 model years) Ford Expedition SUV in changing a weak or dead coin cell battery in the Intelligent Access or "smart" key fob remote control for the keyless entry and push button "Start" systems.

Owners of other Ford or Lincoln vehicles such as the Explorer, F-150, Escape, EcoSport, Transit, F-350, F-250, Edge, Flex, Ranger, Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Mustang, Bronco, Super Duty, Navigator, Continental, MKZ, MKX, MKC, MKT, Aviator, Corsair and Nautilus may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The compatible replacement coin cell (also known as a "watch" or "button") battery is part number CR2450 which is available from various manufacturers such as Panasonic, Energizer, Duracell, Sony, Maxell and Toshiba.

The tools needed to access and replace the battery include a small flat head screwdriver or a plastic pry bar tool.

The first step is push in the black plastic release button situated below the red "Panic" button and next to the key ring loop.



 

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Slide Out Ignition Key
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Insert Screwdriver
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Pry Off Rear Cover
Slide the emergency / backup metal ignition key straight out of its slot.

Set the ignition key aside in a safe place.

Insert the blade of the small flat head screwdriver or a plastic pry bar tool into the small notch where the metal ignition key used to reside and near the back cover.

Gently pry off the rear cover from the fob.

Try to avoid using excessive force. The battery cover should pop off relatively easily.

Set the back cover aside in a safe place.

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Lift Out Old Battery
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Old Battery Removed
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Panasonic CR2450 3V
Carefully pry the old battery out of the socket with a small flat head screwdriver or use your finger nail.

You could also turn over the fob and gently tap the the battery out on to the table.

Try to avoid bending the metal electrical contacts or scratching the green circuit board.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) battery in the fob for this 2018 Expedition was a Panasonic CR2450 3 volt lithium cell.

If you look down into the battery socket, you'll notice the CR2450 part number listed and "+ Side Up" printed on the circuit board.

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Push In New Battery
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New Battery Installed
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Plastic Back Cover
Lower the new CR2450 battery into the socket with the "-" negative side facing down towards the circuit board and the "+" positive side (with the printed brand name) facing up towards you.

Make sure the new battery is fully seated in the holder.

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Line Up Battery Cover
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Re-Insert Right Side First
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Snap In Left Side
Line up the rear cover with the back side of the fob.

With the "Ford" logo in the correct legible orientation, first re-insert the small plastic tab on the right side of the rear cover (closest to the "d" in Ford).

Then lower the left side of the cover (closer to the "F" in Ford).

Gently pop the retaining clip on the left side of the cover into place.

You should feel or hear the cover "click" securely into place.

Double check that the battery cover is flush with the back side of the fob at every edge.

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Slide In Ignition Key
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Key Fob Re-Assembled
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Test New Fob Battery
Slide the emergency / backup metal ignition key back into the slot on the bottom of the key fob assembly.

The ignition key should "click" securely into the slot.

To test the new battery, stand near your SUV and press the "Unlock" or "Lock" buttons.

If the new battery is working properly, you should see the parking lights flash and also hear the door locks opening and closing.

(The key fob should not need to be reprogrammed. Simply replacing the key fob battery should not clear the original programming from the factory.)

Be sure to write down the battery change in your vehicle's service records.

Please check out all of my 2018-2020 Ford Expedition DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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