A 2017 Ford F-150 intelligent-access transmitter that works only close to the truck, responds intermittently or triggers a low-key-battery message may need fresh coin cells. This guide covers the original intelligent-access remote with a removable mechanical key blade and push-button-start support. Ford specifies two CR2025 3-volt lithium coin batteries for that transmitter. It does not cover the flip-out integrated keyhead transmitter, which uses one CR2032 and a different opening method.
There is no dedicated OBD-II trouble code that proves the remote batteries are weak. Compare the suspect remote with a known-working spare, confirm the physical transmitter style and inspect for damage before ordering. Radio-frequency interference, a weak vehicle battery, a damaged remote, a failed button, a receiver fault or a door-lock problem can imitate a depleted coin cell.
Easy, with delicate case clips and a separator label
10–20 minutes
About $7–$12 for a four-pack; planning estimate
Do not recharge, crush, puncture, open, short, heat or burn these primary lithium cells. Do not wipe away the grease Ford identifies on the battery terminals or the back of the circuit board. Stop if the case is cracked, a cell has leaked, a contact is bent, the internal separator label is missing or damaged, or the housing will not latch securely.
Featured battery and exact package
Energizer 2025 Batteries, four-pack, 3V lithium coin batteries with 3-in-1 Child Shield; ASIN B07G8DRRCD. The manufacturer’s battery designation is CR2025, and the retail pack is commonly identified as ECR2025BP4. The selected package contains four cells. The covered Ford remote uses two cells at the same time, leaving two sealed spares. A transmitter, shell, mechanical key, coin, separator label, tape and programming service are not included.
Energizer’s technical data identifies CR2025 as a 3.0-volt lithium/manganese-dioxide coin cell approximately 20 mm in diameter and 2.5 mm thick. Match both Ford’s manual and the markings on the removed cells. Do not substitute the thicker CR2032 used in the separate integrated keyhead transmitter, and do not stack mixed brands, ages or battery types.
Check the exact Energizer CR2025 four-pack
Amazon purchase indicator retrieved October 20, 2026: “3K+ bought in past month” on the cached exact-ASIN listing. The search result did not report its crawl age, so this is cached evidence rather than a live observation. The rounded badge is not an audited sales total, an F-150-specific count or a global best-seller claim. Check the current selected four-pack and availability before ordering; no current price, stock status or seller is promised here.
Fitment: identify the transmitter, not the trim badge
| Vehicle or remote | Coverage | Selection check |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 Ford F-150, US/Canadian-market original intelligent-access transmitter | Covered when equipped | Removable mechanical key behind a pivoting rear cover; push-button-start/intelligent-access design. Ford specifies two CR2025 cells with positive faces toward each other. |
| 2017 F-150 integrated keyhead transmitter | Not covered | Flip-out metal key blade released by a front button; Ford specifies one CR2032 and a screwdriver-based cover procedure. |
| Aftermarket remote or changed shell | Not automatically covered | Internal cell count, holder and separator may differ. Follow the remote maker’s instructions. |
| Other F-150 years, Ford models or markets | Not established here | A similar-looking case is not proof; check the exact owner’s manual and removed-cell markings. |
Engine, cab, bed, transmission and drivetrain do not select the batteries for this job; the transmitter design does. Trim names are unreliable because keys and shells can be replaced. If the case lacks the removable key arrangement shown in Ford’s manual, contains one cell instead of two, or has no separator label, stop and identify it before adapting any step.
Symptoms and diagnosis before replacement
- Low-key-battery message: Ford says a message appears in the information display when the remote-control battery is low.
- Reduced working range: the remote functions near the truck but no longer at its former distance.
- Intermittent buttons: lock, unlock, panic or remote-start commands require repeated presses.
- One remote works normally: a known-good spare responding in the same place supports a fault in the suspect remote.
Test both remotes from the same location with deliberate button presses. If both fail, only one door fails to lock, or the truck has other electrical symptoms, diagnose the vehicle instead of assuming both pairs of coin cells died together. A weak 12-volt vehicle battery, blown fuse, door-lock actuator, receiver, wiring or configuration issue may be responsible. Nearby radio transmitters can temporarily reduce range.
Impact, moisture, worn button pads, a cracked housing or corroded contacts can remain faulty after battery replacement. Changing these two cells does not program a new key or prove that an unrecognized replacement transmitter belongs to the truck. The manual states that routine battery replacement does not delete the transmitter from the vehicle.
Tools and supplies
| Tool or Supply | Exact Product | Product Link | Purpose and Selection Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required replacement cells | Energizer CR2025, 3 V lithium coin batteries, four-pack, B07G8DRRCD | Exact four-pack | Use two fresh, matching cells in the covered original transmitter. Leave the other two sealed and secured. |
| Required opening tool | Clean coin already owned | No purchase needed | Ford specifies a coin in the case slot. Choose one that fills the slot without being forced; do not substitute a knife. |
| Required disposal supply; purchase optional | Scotch Super 33+ vinyl electrical tape, 0.75 in × 12.5 yd, B000H5Y3BA | Electrical tape option | Cover both removed cells’ terminals as CPSC directs. Existing suitable non-conductive tape is enough; never tape installed cells. |
| Work surface | Clean, well-lit table and shallow tray already owned | No purchase needed | Keeps both cells, the separator label and covers accounted for. Avoid carpet, seat gaps and areas children or pets can reach. |
No scanner, torque wrench, screwdriver, vehicle lift, 12-volt battery disconnect, lubricant or programming subscription is required for Ford’s intelligent-access battery procedure. No threaded fastener is disturbed, so there is no torque specification. Do not spray cleaner into the housing or use metal tools to bridge the coin cells.
Estimated DIY versus professional cost
| Cost item | Planning allowance | Assumption |
|---|---|---|
| Four-cell battery package | About $7–$12 | Planning range, not a current Amazon quote; two cells remain sealed. |
| DIY tools and consumables | $0–$3 incremental | You already have a suitable coin, work surface and tape. |
| DIY total | About $7–$15 | Battery-only work on an undamaged original remote. |
| Locksmith, parts counter or shop | About $20–$60 | Two cells plus a small service charge; ask what is included. |
These are broad US budgeting estimates, not local quotes. A cracked shell, failed transmitter, replacement key, cutting or programming is excluded and can cost substantially more.
Numbered replacement steps
- Confirm the transmitter and prepare two matching cells. Verify the original 2017 F-150 intelligent-access design with a removable mechanical key and Ford’s two-CR2025 specification. Set out tape for both used cells. Do not open spare packaging around children or pets.
- Remove the rear cover and key blade. Slide the release on the back of the remote, pivot the cover off and withdraw the mechanical key. Keep the key and cover in the tray; do not expose or photograph key-cut information.
- Separate the housing with a coin. Insert a clean coin into Ford’s illustrated slot and twist gently until the housing separates. Keep the button side supported. Stop if the plastic distorts or an aftermarket case does not release as shown.
- Record the battery stack. Before moving anything, note the two cells and the label between them. Ford requires the replacement cells’ positive faces to point toward each other and the label to return between the cells. A quick private reference photo can help, but do not post security identifiers.
- Remove and secure both old cells. Lift the cells out without bending contacts or wiping the terminal grease. Remove the separator label carefully and keep it flat. Immediately tape each old cell’s terminals and place it out of reach for proper collection.
- Install two fresh CR2025 cells. Use matching new cells from the same package. Position them so their marked positive faces point toward each other, with the original label between them exactly as Ford directs. Each cell must sit flat; do not add foil, stack a CR2032 or force the holder.
- Close the transmitter. Align the housing halves and press them together evenly. Reinstall the mechanical key and pivoting cover. Inspect the complete seam and confirm the release works. A loose cover is a coin-cell access hazard; stop using the remote until the case is secure.
Final inspection and functional checks
Verify that no cell, label or tool remains on the work surface. Check that the key blade is retained, the rear cover sits flush and every button moves freely. Keep the truck unlocked or have the mechanical key available for the first test. From a normal nearby position, test lock, unlock, panic and remote start according to the owner’s manual, then confirm intelligent access and push-button-start recognition.
Ford’s battery procedure says replacement does not delete the transmitter, so no programming step is listed. If the remote remains inoperative, reopen it once to verify two CR2025 cells, matching freshness, positive faces toward each other, flat seating and the separator label between them. Persistent failure needs diagnosis; do not bridge contacts, reverse cells repeatedly or follow an unrelated internet “reset.”
Common mistakes to avoid
Confusing the two Ford remote styles: the flip-out integrated keyhead remote uses one CR2032. Installing only one cell: the intelligent-access transmitter requires two CR2025 cells. Reversing the stack: Ford specifies the positive faces toward each other. Discarding the separator label: it returns between the cells. Mixing old and new batteries: replace both together with matching cells. Forcing the case: a wrong slot or aftermarket shell may crack. Leaving used cells loose: tape both immediately and secure them for collection.
Frequently asked questions
Does every 2017 F-150 remote use two CR2025 batteries?
No. Only the original intelligent-access transmitter described here uses two CR2025 cells. Ford specifies one CR2032 for the integrated keyhead transmitter with the flip-out metal key.
Why does the remote need two batteries?
That is Ford’s documented design for this transmitter. Install two matching CR2025 cells together; do not replace only one or substitute a single thicker cell.
Do I need to program the remote after replacement?
No programming step appears in Ford’s battery procedure, and the manual says replacement does not delete the transmitter. Programming a new or lost key is a separate security task.
Can I throw the old coin cells in household trash?
Follow local collection rules. CPSC advises taping the terminals immediately and taking used button or coin cells to a battery-collection center. Keep them secured until accepted.
Will this repair a check-engine light or no-start condition?
A weak remote can affect key recognition, but no dedicated OBD-II code proves these cells failed. A check-engine light, a dead vehicle battery or a broader electrical no-start needs separate diagnosis.
Where can I ask an F-150-specific follow-up?
Use the Ford F-150 chatroom and browse the F-150 repair-guide hub. Describe the remote style and symptoms, but do not post key codes, VIN photos, security identifiers or registration details.
Sources and photo credit
- Ford 2017 F-150 Owner’s Manual, second printing: Keys and Remote Controls, printed pages 55–57. Page 57 specifies two CR2025 cells for the intelligent-access transmitter, positive faces toward each other, with the label between them.
- Ford online Keys and Remote Controls procedure.
- Energizer CR2025 product information and official CR2025 technical data.
- Energizer lithium coin battery safety information.
- US Consumer Product Safety Commission: button and coin battery safety and disposal.
- Related guide: 2017 F-150 integrated-key remote CR2032 replacement.
- Vehicle photograph: Bull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons, public-domain release; source linked in the caption.