I have a 2018 model and recently had the on-screen warning to replace the key fob battery. I followed a YouTube tutorial but it still doesn't seem to be working. I've double checked it's the correct battery and retried it a couple of times, the battery wont quite click into place like it did in the video tutorial I watched, it keeps flipping out and if I do get it to slot in, it doesn't make a 'snap' sound, so I wonder if that may be why it wont work- I wondered if anyone whose replaced their key fob battery had any similar issues or advice?

Firstly make sure you have bought a good quality 2032 battery.

Ebay, Poundland and cheap Chinese 2032s are no good, buy Energizer or Panasonic

Then make sure you have it the correct way round or it won't work

Full instructions are in the owners handbook, you can download one here:

https://www.ford.co.uk/support/vehicle/fiesta-2017/2018/owner-manualsi

You don't mention if you have a bladed key or just remote entry. The two types are slightly different and crucially the battery is inserted a djfferent way up. + faces up on the bladed type, but down on the remote type so check carefully

To add to Dave's points, ensure the battery is free of any sticker residue or oily fingermarks. If you have access to a multimeter (or know someone who has) the new battery should show 3.3v before fitting.

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. The battery is a Panasonic the same as what was in it before (this is the first time I've had to change the battery). It's the type of key with the button that flips out when you press the button, so + facing upwards. Unfortunately nothing seems to help, I'm not sure whether something in the plastic casing is broken causing it to not slot in cleanly, but it's going in for an MOT next week so hopefully they can take a look.

On 4/24/2026 at 8:42 PM, Justanotherdriver said:

so + facing upwards.

I'm sure + faces down

I know the part with all the writing on should face down.

Make sure the little tangs that sit on the battery aren't bent and are making contact

13 minutes ago, DaveT70 said:

I'm sure + faces dow

Looking at the manual for my old 2018:

• + Faces up if its a flip out blade key

• + Faces down if its a push button start remote only

Still not really clear which we have here.

Got a new Energjser in front of me ready to change mine - all the writing and the + are on the same side on that.

I changed mine 3 times without a problem, only thing I could see that might stop the battery going in correctly were the contact tags, if bent, as already said.

Keys and Remote Controls - Changing the Remote Control Battery - Vehicles With: Push Button Start

Changing the Remote Control Battery - Vehicles With: Push Button Start



WARNING:  Keep batteries away from children to prevent ingestion. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death. If ingested, immediately seek medical attention.   WARNING:  If the battery compartment does not securely close, stop using the remote control and replace it as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep the remote control away from children. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.

CAUTION: The battery can cause severe or fatal injuries in two hours or less if swallowed or placed inside any part of the body. Seek medical attention immediately.

Make sure that you dispose of old batteries in an environmentally friendly way. Seek advice from your local authority about recycling old batteries.

The remote control uses one coin-type three-volt lithium battery CR2032 or equivalent.

1. Press and hold the buttons on the edges of the transmitter to release the cover.Carefully remove the cover.

2. Remove the key blade from the transmitter.

3. Use a suitable tool, for example a screwdriver, to carefully separate the two halves of the remote control.

4. Twist the screwdriver in the position shown to separate the two halves of the remote control.

5. Carefully remove the battery with the screwdriver.

Note:   Do not touch the battery contacts or the printed circuit board with the screwdriver.

6. Insert a new battery with the + facing downward.

Note:   Do not wipe off any grease on the battery terminals or on the back surface of the circuit board.

7. Assemble the two halves of the remote control.

8. Reinstall the key blade.

Fiesta Owner's Manual

Keys and Remote Controls - Changing the Remote Control Battery - Vehicles With: Keyed Ignition

Changing the Remote Control Battery - Vehicles With: Keyed Ignition



WARNING:  Keep batteries away from children to prevent ingestion. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death. If ingested, immediately seek medical attention.   WARNING:  If the battery compartment does not securely close, stop using the remote control and replace it as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep the remote control away from children. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.

CAUTION: The battery can cause severe or fatal injuries in two hours or less if swallowed or placed inside any part of the body. Seek medical attention immediately.

Seek advice from your local authority about recycling old batteries.

The remote control uses one coin-type three-volt lithium battery CR2032 or equivalent.

1. Press the key release button.

2. Insert a suitable tool, for example a screwdriver, in the position shown and gently push the clip.

3. Press the clip down to release the battery cover.

4. Carefully remove the cover.

5. Insert a screwdriver as shown to release the battery.

Note:   Do not touch the battery contacts or the printed circuit board with the screwdriver.

6. Remove the battery.

7. Install a new battery with the + facing upward.

8. Replace the battery cover.

Fiesta Owner's Manual