Keys & electronicsNissan Note e-POWER HE12

Nissan Note HE12: Identify CR2025 Intelligent Key vs CR1620 Remote

By CarFactBook · Review source evidence and limitations

Do not guess the coin cell in a Nissan Note HE12 key. Nissan specifies CR2025 for Intelligent Key but CR1620 for a different screw-secured remote-entry system. Identify the actual key design before buying or opening it.

Time
5–10 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Tools
3 needed
Instructions
7 steps · illustrated

Applies to Nissan Note e-POWER HE12 · 2016–2020. Nissan Note E12/HE12 2016–2020 key styles described in Nissan's FAQ 6717; verify the actual fitted remote/key housing, not just the HE12 chassis code.. Always compare the described parts, labels and specifications with your own vehicle and manual.

Manual-referencedNissan official manufacturer owner referenceNissan Note E12 (2012–2020) / HE12 (2016–2020) FAQ 6717, sections 'Intelligent Key' CR2025 replacement and 'Remote Control Entry System' CR1620 replacement; opening mechanism and polarity.
Review evidence and limitations ↓

Tools and materials

  • Original Nissan vehicle key
  • Nissan FAQ 6717 key-type images
  • Only after confirmation: correct CR2025 or CR1620 coin cell

Illustrated instructions

Follow these steps

Follow each documented action alongside its supporting visual. If a component or label looks different on your car, stop and check your own manual.

  1. Step 1 of 7

    Confirm the original HE12 key design

    Confirm the original HE12 key design
    Instructional illustration · compare with your own vehicle and its manual

    Compare both sides of the actual Nissan key against the two designs in Nissan FAQ 6717: Intelligent Key versus Remote Control Entry. The correct cell type depends on this key design, not the engine or trim badge.

    Check before moving on

    Key matches one of Nissan's pictured originals.

    All steps ↑
  2. Step 2 of 7

    Inspect the back for lock or screw

    Inspect the back for lock or screw
    Instructional illustration · compare with your own vehicle and its manual

    Nissan's Intelligent Key has a locking release for an internal mechanical key; its procedure begins by withdrawing that key. The distinct Remote Control Entry unit uses a small screw and screwdriver to open the cover.

    Check before moving on

    You can identify whether it has the Nissan mechanical-key release or screw-secured cover.

    All steps ↑
  3. Step 3 of 7

    Choose the matching battery size

    For the Nissan Intelligent Key use CR2025. For the separate Remote Control Entry key use CR1620. Check the marking on the existing battery if still in doubt, but do not open an unfamiliar shell forcefully.
    Instructional illustration · compare with your own vehicle and its manual

    For the Nissan Intelligent Key use CR2025. For the separate Remote Control Entry key use CR1620. Check the marking on the existing battery if still in doubt, but do not open an unfamiliar shell forcefully.

    Check before moving on

    Battery size is supported by the exact key type.

    All steps ↑
  4. Step 4 of 7

    If Intelligent Key: remove mechanical insert first

    Checkpoint Mechanical insert removed and housing opened without scratched electronics. ! Stop if There is a retaining screw, or the seam will not open gently.
    Instructional illustration · compare with your own vehicle and its manual

    For the CR2025 Intelligent Key, unlock the rear release and withdraw the mechanical insert, then use a cloth-wrapped flat screwdriver at the case gap to separate the halves gently. Nissan warns against inserting the tool too far and damaging the circuit board.

    Check before moving on

    Mechanical insert removed and housing opened without scratched electronics.

    All steps ↑
  5. Step 5 of 7

    If Remote Entry: remove screw rather than pulling an insert

    If Remote Entry: remove screw rather than pulling an insert and Schematic - verify your actual key against Nissan's reference.
    Instructional illustration · compare with your own vehicle and its manual

    For the CR1620 remote-entry variant, use a correctly sized cross-head precision screwdriver to remove the case screw, then a cloth-protected small flat screwdriver at the seam. This differs from the Intelligent Key mechanism; do not apply both approaches.

    Check before moving on

    Screw is safely retained and cover separates without strain.

    All steps ↑
  6. Step 6 of 7

    Fit battery with the Nissan-documented polarity

    Fit battery with the Nissan-documented polarity
    Instructional illustration · compare with your own vehicle and its manual

    Nissan's FAQ directs the new cell to the board-free side of the opened housing, with its positive (+) face downward in the illustrated procedure. Keep hands/tools away from the circuit contacts and verify polarity against the exact case before fitting.

    Check before moving on

    Correct size and polarity for the identified remote.

    All steps ↑
  7. Step 7 of 7

    Reassemble the correct key and test

    Reassemble the correct key and test
    Instructional illustration · compare with your own vehicle and its manual

    Align cover ends and snap together. Reinstall and latch the Intelligent Key mechanical insert or securely refit the Remote Entry screw as applicable. Test functions; Nissan recommends a dealer if it does not operate afterwards.

    Check before moving on

    Case fully closed and buttons respond.

    All steps ↑

References & limitations

Where these instructions come from

Nissan Note E12/HE12 2016–2020 key styles described in Nissan's FAQ 6717; verify the actual fitted remote/key housing, not just the HE12 chassis code.

CR2025 is for Intelligent Key; CR1620 and a case screw apply to a distinct remote-entry key. Plus polarity faces downward in Nissan's depicted replacement operation. This is a key-type identification guide, not a universal generic key opening guide.

Nissan official manufacturer owner reference ↗

Manual section: Nissan Note E12 (2012–2020) / HE12 (2016–2020) FAQ 6717, sections 'Intelligent Key' CR2025 replacement and 'Remote Control Entry System' CR1620 replacement; opening mechanism and polarity.

Instructions checked against manufacturer documentation; not a physical inspection of every vehicle.

Illustrations explain the general action. They are not photographs or proof of exact component geometry.