Experiencing issues with your 2010 Subaru Impreza key fob? Before you worry about costly replacements or dealership visits, the solution might be as simple as swapping out the battery. For 2010 Subaru Impreza owners, a dead key fob battery is a common issue, but thankfully, it’s also one of the easiest fixes you can tackle yourself. This guide will walk you through the straightforward process of replacing your 2010 Subaru Impreza Key Fob Battery, saving you time and money.
Just like any electronic device, your Subaru Impreza key fob relies on a battery to function. Over time, this battery will naturally lose its charge, leading to decreased range or complete failure of your key fob. Recognizing the signs of a dying battery is the first step. If you find yourself needing to be closer and closer to your Impreza for the doors to unlock, or if the buttons become unresponsive, it’s highly likely a battery replacement is in order.
Fortunately, replacing the 2010 Subaru Impreza key fob battery is a task you can easily accomplish at home with minimal tools and effort. Let’s dive into the steps based on your key fob type. While the 2010 Impreza primarily uses a couple of key fob designs, it’s always best to identify yours to ensure you use the correct battery and procedure.
Identifying Your 2010 Subaru Impreza Key Fob Type
Subaru, even within the 2010 Impreza model year, utilized a few different key fob designs. The most common types you might encounter are:
- Bulging Rectangle Shape: This is a more modern design and likely the most prevalent for the 2010 Impreza. It typically features a silver release tab for a hidden emergency key.
- Teardrop Shape: An older design, this fob is characterized by its teardrop shape and lacks the easily removable emergency key.
- Exposed Metal Key with Buttons: This is an even earlier style where the metal key is always visible, with buttons integrated into the fob casing.
If you’re uncertain which type you have, consulting your 2010 Subaru Impreza owner’s manual is the best way to confirm. Once you’ve identified your key fob, follow the corresponding instructions below to replace your 2010 Subaru Impreza key fob battery.
Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing the 2010 Subaru Impreza Key Fob Battery
Regardless of the type of key fob your 2010 Subaru Impreza uses, the battery replacement process is generally straightforward. Here’s a breakdown for each common type:
1. Bulging Rectangle Key Fob (Most Common 2010 Impreza Type)
Battery Type Required: CR2032
Alt text: Bulging rectangular Subaru key fob with a visible silver release tab for the emergency key.
- Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab on the back of your 2010 Subaru Impreza key fob. Press and hold this tab to release and slide out the metal emergency key. Set the key aside.
- Pry Open the Fob: Carefully separate the two halves of the key fob casing. A flathead screwdriver or a thin prying tool inserted into the seam can be helpful. Gently twist or pry until the casing begins to split open. Be patient and avoid applying excessive force to prevent damage.
- Locate the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the internal components. The flat, round CR2032 battery will be visible, either on top of or underneath the transmitter circuit board depending on how the fob opened.
- Replace the Battery: Gently remove the old CR2032 battery. Take note of the orientation (positive side up). Insert the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the correct side is facing upwards. Minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers to avoid transferring oils.
- Reassemble the Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together. Ensure they are firmly closed and all seams are aligned.
- Re-insert Emergency Key: Slide the metal emergency key back into its slot until it clicks securely into place.
2. Teardrop Shape Key Fob
Battery Type Required: CR2025
Alt text: Teardrop-shaped Subaru key fob, an older design, shown without a visible emergency key release.
- Pry Open the Fob: The teardrop fob doesn’t have an emergency key release. Directly proceed to carefully pry open the fob casing using a flathead screwdriver or prying tool, similar to the rectangular fob.
- Locate and Replace Battery: Open the fob and locate the CR2025 battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR2025, ensuring correct polarity (positive side up).
- Reassemble the Fob: Snap the two halves of the teardrop key fob back together firmly, ensuring a secure closure.
3. Exposed Metal Key with Buttons Key Fob (Older Subaru Models)
Battery Type Required: CR1620
Alt text: Older Subaru key fob with an exposed metal key and integrated buttons, requiring access to an inner casing for battery replacement.
- Open the Outer Casing: This fob opens similarly to the bulging rectangle fob. You might find a small tab or seam to pry open the initial casing.
- Open the Inner Casing: Once the outer casing is open, you’ll discover a second, smaller inner casing containing the battery. This inner casing usually has small tabs. Gently press these tabs to release and open the inner casing.
- Replace the Battery: Inside the inner casing, you’ll find the CR1620 battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR1620, again ensuring correct polarity.
- Reassemble Both Casings: Close the inner casing first until it snaps shut. Then, place the inner casing back into the outer casing and close the outer casing securely.
After Replacing the Battery
Once you’ve replaced the 2010 Subaru Impreza key fob battery and reassembled your fob, test it immediately. Your car doors should unlock and lock with a press of the buttons. In most cases, replacing the battery is all that’s needed to restore full functionality to your key fob.
Key Fob Programming (When Battery Replacement Isn’t Enough)
In rare cases, especially if your 2010 Subaru Impreza key fob battery has been dead for an extended period, or if you experience other issues beyond battery failure, you might suspect the need for reprogramming. However, for a 2010 Subaru Impreza, battery replacement typically doesn’t require reprogramming.
If you continue to experience problems after a fresh battery replacement, it’s advisable to contact a Subaru dealership, like Subaru North Orlando (if you are in that region), or your local trusted mechanic. They have the diagnostic tools and expertise to determine if reprogramming or a new key fob is necessary.
Conclusion: Simple 2010 Subaru Impreza Key Fob Battery Fix
Replacing the battery in your 2010 Subaru Impreza key fob is a simple and cost-effective DIY task. By identifying your key fob type and following these straightforward steps, you can quickly resolve most key fob issues related to battery drain. This guide empowers you to take control of your car maintenance and avoid unnecessary dealership expenses for a problem you can easily fix yourself. Keep the correct replacement battery on hand, and you’ll be prepared to keep your 2010 Subaru Impreza key fob working reliably for years to come.
