Is your 2006 Subaru key fob refusing to unlock your doors or start your engine reliably? A common culprit is a dead or dying key fob battery. Don’t worry, replacing the battery in your 2006 Subaru key fob is a straightforward task you can easily handle at home. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can quickly regain full access to your vehicle without a trip to the dealership.
Subaru key fobs, even those from 2006 models, are designed for user-friendly battery replacement. Knowing the right steps and the correct battery type for your specific 2006 Subaru model (like the Outback, Impreza, or Forester) is key. Let’s dive into how to replace your 2006 Subaru Key Fob Battery and get you back on the road with a functional remote.
Identifying Your 2006 Subaru Key Fob Type
Subaru utilized a few different key fob designs around the 2006 model year. While the internal battery replacement process is similar, knowing your fob type will help you identify the correct battery size. Here are the common types you might encounter with a 2006 Subaru:
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Bulging Rectangle Shape: This style is more common in slightly newer 2006 models or could be a replacement fob. It’s characterized by its rectangular shape with a noticeable bulge and often includes a slide-out mechanical key.
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Teardrop Shape: This older, teardrop-shaped fob was prevalent in earlier 2006 Subaru models. It’s more rounded and doesn’t feature a separate release for a mechanical emergency key.
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Exposed Metal Key with Buttons: This is the oldest style, where the metal key is always visible, and the buttons are integrated around it. This fob has a slightly different internal casing.
If you’re unsure which key fob you have for your 2006 Subaru, consulting your owner’s manual is always the best first step. Once you’ve identified your key fob type, you can proceed with the battery replacement steps outlined below. For most 2006 Subaru models, you’ll likely need either a CR2032, CR2025, or CR1620 battery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2006 Subaru Key Fob Battery
No matter which 2006 Subaru key fob you have, the battery replacement process is generally simple and requires minimal tools. Here’s a breakdown for each type:
2006 Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement – Bulging Rectangle Shape (CR2032 Battery)
Battery Type: CR2032 (easily found at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers)
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab or button on the back of your rectangular key fob. Press and hold it to release and slide out the metal emergency key. This key is a backup to manually unlock your car door if the fob battery is completely dead.
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Pry Open the Fob: Carefully examine the seam running around the edge of the key fob. You’ll need to gently pry the two halves of the fob apart. A flathead screwdriver or a thin pry tool can be helpful here. Insert the tool into the seam and gently twist to separate the halves. Be careful not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
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Locate the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the internal components. The flat, round CR2032 battery will be visible, possibly held in place by small clips or within a compartment on the circuit board. Note the orientation of the battery (+ side up or down) before removal.
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Replace the Battery: Gently release the old CR2032 battery. You might need to use your fingertip or a small tool to nudge it out of its holder. Install the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the correct polarity (usually the positive (+) side facing upwards). Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your bare fingers as much as possible; use gloves or a cloth to handle it, as oils from your skin can reduce battery life.
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Reassemble the Fob: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob and press them firmly back together until they snap securely. Replace the metal emergency key by sliding it back into its slot until it clicks into place.
2006 Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement – Teardrop Shape (CR2025 Battery)
Battery Type: CR2025 (slightly thinner than CR2032, ensure you use the correct type)
The process for the teardrop-shaped 2006 Subaru key fob is very similar to the rectangular one, but it does not have a separate emergency key release. You will skip step 1 from the previous instructions.
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Pry Open the Fob: Just like with the rectangular fob, carefully locate the seam and use a flathead screwdriver or pry tool to gently separate the two halves of the teardrop fob.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Open the fob and locate the CR2025 battery. Take note of its orientation before removing the old battery. Insert the new CR2025 battery with the correct side facing up.
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Reassemble the Fob: Press the two halves of the fob back together until they snap shut securely.
2006 Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement – Exposed Metal Key with Buttons (CR1620 Battery)
Battery Type: CR1620 (a thinner and smaller diameter battery compared to CR2032/CR2025)
This older style 2006 Subaru key fob requires an extra step because of its interior casing.
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Pry Open the Exterior Casing: First, you’ll open the main, exterior casing of the fob, similar to the rectangular and teardrop fobs. Use a flathead screwdriver or pry tool to gently separate the two halves.
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Open the Interior Casing: Once the exterior casing is open, you’ll see a second, smaller plastic casing inside. This interior casing houses the battery. Look for small tabs or clips on this interior casing. Gently press or pry these tabs to open the smaller casing.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Inside the interior casing, you’ll find the CR1620 battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR1620, ensuring correct polarity.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the interior casing first, making sure it snaps together properly. Then, place the interior casing back into the exterior casing and snap the two halves of the outer casing together securely.
What if Replacing the Battery Doesn’t Fix the Problem?
In most cases, replacing the battery will solve the issue with your 2006 Subaru key fob. However, if you’ve replaced the battery and your fob still isn’t working, there could be other issues.
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Key Fob Programming: Occasionally, after a battery replacement, a key fob might need to be reprogrammed to your vehicle, especially for newer or rectangular style fobs. While the original article mentions a programming procedure, it’s often more reliable and recommended to have a dealership or qualified locksmith handle the programming, particularly for 2006 Subaru models with immobilizer systems.
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Fob Damage or Malfunction: If your key fob has been damaged, exposed to moisture, or is simply old, internal components might have failed. In this case, you may need to replace the entire key fob. New key fobs for 2006 Subaru vehicles typically need to be purchased and programmed through a Subaru dealership to ensure compatibility and security.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your 2006 Subaru key fob is usually a quick and easy fix for common remote issues. By identifying your key fob type and following these step-by-step instructions, you can often restore your key fob’s functionality yourself. Remember to use the correct battery type (CR2032, CR2025, or CR1620) for your specific fob.
If you encounter any difficulties or if a new battery doesn’t solve the problem, it’s best to consult with a Subaru dealership or a certified automotive locksmith. They can diagnose more complex issues, program a new key fob if needed, or address any underlying problems with your vehicle’s remote entry system. Get back to enjoying the convenience of your key fob and the reliable performance of your 2006 Subaru!
