Is your 2007 Subaru key fob acting up? Before you rush to the dealership or assume it needs expensive reprogramming, the most likely culprit is a dead battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your 2007 Subaru key fob is usually a straightforward DIY task that can save you time and money.
Many car owners mistakenly believe that a dead key fob automatically requires reprogramming. However, in most cases, especially with a 2007 Subaru, simply replacing the battery will restore your key fob to its full functionality. New battery, problem solved. Key fob remotes are generally quite durable, and complete failure is not common. Often, visits to the dealer for “dead” remotes stem from the need for a spare or accidental damage, not inherent remote failure.
Let’s investigate common issues and guide you through a potential fix.
Troubleshooting Your 2007 Subaru Key Fob
If your 2007 Subaru key fob has stopped working, or is working intermittently, here’s how to troubleshoot the issue and determine if a battery replacement is the solution.
Opening Your Key Fob and Inspecting for Damage
The first step is to carefully disassemble your key fob to inspect the components. Typically, a Subaru key fob consists of four main parts:
- Two Plastic Outer Casings: These are the top and bottom halves that enclose the internal components.
- Rubber Button Pad: This is the flexible rubber piece with the buttons you press to lock, unlock, and activate other functions.
- Circuit Board: This is the electronic heart of the key fob, containing the circuitry and battery contact.
Gently pry apart the plastic outer casings of your 2007 Subaru key fob. Look for any signs of:
- Moisture: Water damage is a common cause of key fob malfunction. Even small amounts of moisture can interfere with the electronics.
- Corrosion: Pay close attention to the areas under the rubber buttons and around the battery contacts. Corrosion, often appearing as a white or greenish buildup, can disrupt the electrical connections. The interlocking traces on the circuit board, which are responsible for signal transmission, are particularly vulnerable to corrosion.
The rubber button pad plays a crucial role in completing the circuit when you press a button. These pads typically have a conductive material, often graphite, on their underside. This material bridges the gap between split circuits on the board when pressed, sending a signal to your Subaru.
Testing the Circuit Board Directly
If visual inspection doesn’t reveal obvious damage, you can perform a simple test to isolate the problem:
- Remove the Battery: Take out the existing battery from the circuit board.
- Insert a New Battery (Temporarily): Place a new battery directly onto the circuit board, ensuring correct polarity.
- Simulate Button Presses: Using a small, non-conductive screwdriver or a similar tool, gently “short” (complete the circuit) the button contacts on the circuit board. Essentially, you are manually mimicking the action of the rubber button pad.
If the key fob functions correctly when you directly short the contacts on the circuit board, but not with the rubber pad in place, this indicates a problem with the rubber button pad itself. In some cases, particularly with certain General Motors (GM) vehicles as mentioned in the original text, these pads are known to fail. While less common in Subarus, it’s still a possibility. For certain makes, replacement rubber button pads can sometimes be found online, offering a cost-effective repair.
Replacing Your 2007 Subaru Key Fob Battery
Assuming your inspection indicates a likely battery issue or you simply want to start with the most common and easiest fix, here’s how to replace the battery in your 2007 Subaru key fob:
(Note: Specific steps may slightly vary depending on the exact style of your 2007 Subaru key fob. Consult your owner’s manual for the most accurate instructions if needed.)
- Locate the Battery Compartment: On most 2007 Subaru key fobs, there is a small notch or seam on the casing.
- Open the Fob: Use a small flathead screwdriver or a coin to gently pry open the key fob casing at the notch or seam. Be careful not to apply excessive force, as you could damage the plastic.
- Identify the Battery Type: Once open, you will see the battery. Note the battery type (usually a CR2032, CR1620, or similar button cell battery). This information is printed directly on the battery itself.
- Remove the Old Battery: Carefully remove the old battery. You may need to use a small tool to gently pry it out, depending on how it’s secured in the compartment.
- Insert the New Battery: Install the new battery, ensuring the correct polarity (+ and – sides facing the right way). The positive (+) side usually faces upwards.
- Reassemble the Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together until they are securely closed.
After replacing the battery, test your key fob to see if it now functions correctly. In the vast majority of cases for a 2007 Subaru key fob malfunction, a fresh battery will solve the problem.
When Reprogramming or Further Action Might Be Needed
While battery replacement is the primary solution for many key fob issues, here are a few other scenarios and considerations:
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Key Fob Damage Beyond Battery: If you found significant moisture damage, corrosion, or physical damage to the circuit board during your inspection, a new battery alone may not be enough. In these cases, you might need to replace the entire key fob remote.
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Reprogramming (Less Likely After Battery Change): Although rare after a simple battery replacement, in some very specific situations, or if the issue is not battery-related, your Subaru key fob might require reprogramming. This is more common when a new key fob is introduced to the vehicle’s system.
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Purchasing a Replacement Key Fob: If you determine you need a new key fob, explore your options:
- Dealership: Subaru dealerships can sell you a new, pre-programmed key fob. However, this is often the most expensive route. Inquire about labor costs for programming, even if you provide your own remote. An hour of labor is typical, though the actual programming process usually takes only minutes. Some dealers may offer a half-hour labor charge if you ask.
- Online Retailers: You can often purchase new or used key fobs online at a lower cost. If buying online, ensure the replacement is compatible with your 2007 Subaru model.
- Used Remotes: Inquire if used remotes can be reprogrammed to your vehicle. Some manufacturers sell new remotes with a programming code that locks the remote to a specific vehicle, preventing reprogramming for another car.
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Self-Programming: For some makes and models (though less common for Subaru for this era of key fobs), there might be DIY self-programming procedures. These often involve a sequence of ignition switch turns and door locking/unlocking actions. Check your Subaru owner’s manual or search online for “2007 Subaru key fob programming” to see if a self-programming method exists for your specific model. Dealer technicians sometimes have undocumented shortcuts for programming, but these are not typically shared with the public.
Conclusion
For a 2007 Subaru key fob that’s stopped working, replacing the battery is the first, easiest, and often successful step. By following this guide, you can troubleshoot your key fob, replace the battery, and potentially save yourself a trip to the dealership. Remember to inspect for other damage, and explore your options for replacement or reprogramming if a new battery doesn’t solve the issue.
