It’s a familiar scenario for many car owners: you reach for your key fob, press the button, and nothing happens. Frustration mounts quickly when you can’t easily access your 2008 Subaru Outback. Often, the culprit is a simple dead battery in your key fob. The good news is that replacing the Subaru Outback key fob battery, even for a 2008 model, is a straightforward task you can handle yourself. This guide will walk you through identifying your 2008 Subaru Outback Key Fob Battery Type and provide step-by-step instructions for a quick and easy replacement.
Before you head to the store or order batteries online, it’s important to determine the type of key fob your 2008 Subaru Outback uses. While Subaru has utilized a few different key fob designs over the years, knowing which one you have will ensure you purchase the correct replacement battery. Let’s explore the common key fob types for the 2008 Subaru Outback and the corresponding battery you’ll need.
Identifying Your 2008 Subaru Outback Key Fob and Battery Type
For the 2008 Subaru Outback, you’ll likely encounter one of these key fob styles:
-
Bulging Rectangle Shape: This more modern design is characterized by its rounded rectangular shape and often includes a silver release tab for a hidden mechanical emergency key. This type of 2008 Subaru Outback key fob battery type is a CR2032 battery.
-
Teardrop Shape: An older, more classic key fob design, the teardrop shape is easily recognizable. It lacks the separate emergency key release of the rectangular fob. The 2008 Subaru Outback key fob battery type for this style is a CR2025 battery.
-
Exposed Metal Key with Buttons: This is the most traditional style, where the metal car key is always visible and integrated into the fob body along with the buttons. For this type of 2008 Subaru Outback key fob battery type, you’ll need a CR1620 battery.
If you are unsure which key fob you have, consulting your 2008 Subaru Outback owner’s manual is always the best first step. The manual will provide specific details about your vehicle’s key fob and may even specify the battery type.
Once you’ve identified your key fob type, you can confidently purchase the correct 2008 Subaru Outback key fob battery type and proceed with the replacement.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2008 Subaru Outback Key Fob Battery
Regardless of the specific style, replacing the battery in your 2008 Subaru Outback key fob is a similar process. Here’s a detailed guide for each type:
1. Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle 2008 Subaru Outback Key Fob (CR2032 Battery)
This fob uses a CR2032 battery. Here’s how to replace it:
-
Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab on the back of your key fob. Press and hold this tab to release and remove the metal emergency key.
-
Pry Open the Fob: Carefully separate the two halves of the key fob casing. You can use your fingernail or a small flathead screwdriver inserted into the seam to gently pry it open. Be patient and avoid forcing it to prevent damage.
-
Locate the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the transmitter circuit board and the round, flat CR2032 battery. The battery might be positioned above or below the circuit board depending on how the fob opened.
-
Replace the Battery: Gently release the old CR2032 battery. Note the orientation (positive side up) before removing it. Pop the new CR2032 battery into place, ensuring the correct side is facing upwards. Minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery to avoid transferring oils from your fingers.
-
Reassemble the Fob: Snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together until they are securely closed. Re-insert the metal emergency key until it clicks into place.
2. Replacing the Battery in a Teardrop Shape 2008 Subaru Outback Key Fob (CR2025 Battery)
For the teardrop fob, which requires a CR2025 battery, the process is almost identical, just skipping the emergency key removal step:
-
Pry Open the Fob: As with the rectangular fob, carefully pry open the two halves of the teardrop key fob using your fingernail or a small flathead screwdriver.
-
Locate the Battery: Inside, you’ll find the circuit board and the CR2025 battery.
-
Replace the Battery: Remove the old CR2025 battery, noting its orientation. Install the new CR2025 battery with the correct side up.
-
Reassemble the Fob: Press the two halves of the fob firmly back together until they snap closed.
3. Replacing the Battery in an Exposed Metal Key 2008 Subaru Outback Key Fob (CR1620 Battery)
This older style fob, using a CR1620 battery, has an extra internal casing:
-
Open the Exterior Casing: Open the main exterior casing of the fob just as you would for the rectangular or teardrop fobs, by carefully prying the two halves apart.
-
Open the Interior Casing: Inside the exterior casing, you’ll find a second, smaller casing. This interior casing will have small tabs. Press these tabs to release and open the interior casing.
-
Locate the Battery: The CR1620 battery will be located within this interior casing.
-
Replace the Battery: Remove the old CR1620 battery and replace it with a new one, ensuring correct orientation.
-
Reassemble Both Casings: Close the interior casing first, making sure it clicks shut. Then, place the interior casing back into the exterior casing and snap the exterior casing closed.
What If Replacing the Battery Doesn’t Work?
If you’ve replaced your 2008 Subaru Outback key fob battery and it’s still not working, there might be other issues. While less common with a simple battery swap, sometimes the key fob may need reprogramming, or in rarer cases, the fob itself might be faulty.
For 2008 Subaru Outback models, key fob programming can sometimes be done at home, but it can be complex. If you suspect a programming issue or other problems after replacing the battery, it’s best to consult with a Subaru dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith. They have the specialized equipment to diagnose key fob issues and perform reprogramming if necessary.
Finding the Right 2008 Subaru Outback Key Fob Battery Type
You can readily find replacement batteries for your 2008 Subaru Outback key fob at various locations:
-
Auto Parts Stores: Stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O’Reilly Auto Parts carry a wide selection of car batteries, including key fob batteries like CR2032, CR2025, and CR1620.
-
Retail Stores: Big box retailers like Walmart and Target, as well as drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, usually have these common battery types in their battery or electronics sections.
-
Online Retailers: Amazon and other online retailers offer a vast selection of key fob batteries, often at competitive prices. Just ensure you are purchasing from a reputable seller.
When purchasing, double-check that you are buying the correct battery type (CR2032, CR2025, or CR1620) for your specific 2008 Subaru Outback key fob.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your 2008 Subaru Outback key fob is a simple maintenance task that can save you time and hassle. By identifying your key fob type and following these step-by-step instructions, you can quickly restore the functionality of your key fob and regain convenient access to your vehicle. Remember to use the correct 2008 Subaru Outback key fob battery type for your model and consult a professional if you encounter any issues beyond a simple battery replacement.
