Is your 2012 Subaru key fob acting up? Before you panic about being locked out, the most likely culprit is a dead battery. Replacing the battery in your Subaru key fob, especially for 2012 models and similar years, is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself. This guide will walk you through each key fob type common for 2012 Subarus and how to get them powered up again. Forget the stress and frustration – let’s get your key fob working like new!
Identifying Your Subaru Key Fob Type (2012 Models)
Subaru, even within model years like 2012, utilized a few different key fob designs. Knowing which one you have is the first step to a smooth battery replacement. While your owner’s manual is the definitive guide for your specific 2012 Subaru, here’s a quick rundown of the common types you might encounter:
- Bulging Rectangle Shape: This is a more modern design, often found in 2012 and newer Subaru models. It’s characterized by its rectangular shape with a noticeable bulge and typically includes a removable metal emergency key.
- Teardrop Shape: A slightly older, more rounded design. The teardrop fob is, as the name suggests, shaped like a teardrop. It usually lacks a separate, removable emergency key.
- Exposed Metal Key with Buttons: This is the most classic style, where the metal key blade is always visible and integrated with the button section. This type often has a secondary internal casing for the battery.
Once you’ve identified your key fob type, you can move on to the specific battery replacement steps for your model.
Step-by-Step Battery Replacement for Each Key Fob Type
No matter which 2012 Subaru key fob you have, the battery replacement process is designed to be user-friendly. Here are the detailed instructions for each type:
Bulging Rectangle Fob (2032 Battery)
This fob uses a common CR2032 battery. Here’s how to replace it:
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab or button on the back of your rectangular fob. Press and hold this tab to release the metal emergency key. Pull the key straight out to remove it.
Alt text: Removing the metal emergency key from the back of a rectangular 2012 Subaru key fob by pressing the silver release tab.
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Pry Open the Fob: With the emergency key removed, you’ll see a seam running around the fob. Carefully insert a flathead screwdriver or a thin pry tool into this seam. Gently twist or pry to separate the two halves of the fob casing. Take your time to avoid damaging the plastic.
Alt text: Using a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the two halves of a 2012 Subaru rectangular key fob casing along the seam.
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Locate the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the internal components. The flat, round battery (CR2032) will be visible, either on top of or beneath the transmitter circuit board depending on how you opened it.
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Replace the Battery: Gently release the old battery. It might be held in place by small clips. Note the orientation of the battery (+ side up). Pop the new CR2032 battery into place, ensuring the correct side (+) is facing upwards. Try to minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers to avoid transferring oils.
Alt text: Replacing the old CR2032 battery with a new one in a 2012 Subaru rectangular key fob, ensuring the positive side is facing up.
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Reassemble the Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together. They should click securely. Re-insert the metal emergency key until it clicks into place.
Teardrop Shape Fob (2025 Battery)
The teardrop fob is slightly older and uses a CR2025 battery. The process is very similar to the rectangular fob, but there’s no emergency key to remove initially:
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Pry Open the Fob: Locate the seam on the teardrop-shaped fob. Insert a flathead screwdriver or pry tool into the seam and carefully pry the two halves of the casing apart.
Alt text: Using a pry tool to open the casing of a teardrop-shaped 2012 Subaru key fob along the seam.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Inside, you’ll find the CR2025 battery. Remove the old battery, noting its orientation. Install the new CR2025 battery with the correct side (+) facing up.
Alt text: Replacing the CR2025 battery in a 2012 Subaru teardrop key fob, ensuring correct polarity.
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Reassemble the Fob: Press the two halves of the teardrop fob casing firmly back together until they snap closed.
Exposed Metal Key Fob (CR 1620 Battery)
This older style fob, featuring a permanently exposed metal key, uses a CR1620 battery. It involves an extra step due to a secondary internal casing:
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Pry Open the Outer Casing: First, you need to open the main, outer casing of the fob, just like you would for the rectangular or teardrop fobs. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry along the seam to separate the two halves.
Alt text: Opening the outer casing of a 2012 Subaru key fob with an exposed metal key using a flathead screwdriver.
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Open the Inner Casing: Once the outer casing is open, you’ll see a second, smaller internal casing. This inner casing holds the battery. Look for small tabs on this inner casing. Gently press these tabs to release and open the inner casing.
Alt text: Opening the smaller inner casing of a 2012 Subaru exposed metal key fob by pressing on the release tabs.
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Replace the Battery: Inside the inner casing, you’ll find the CR1620 battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR1620, ensuring the correct polarity (+ side up).
Alt text: Replacing the CR1620 battery inside the inner casing of a 2012 Subaru exposed metal key fob.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the inner casing until it clicks shut. Then, place the inner casing back into the outer casing and snap the two halves of the outer casing together.
What if a New Battery Doesn’t Work? (Programming & Dealership)
In the vast majority of cases, replacing the battery will solve the problem with your 2012 Subaru key fob. However, if you’ve installed a new battery and your fob still isn’t working, there might be a different issue, such as the need for reprogramming or, in rare cases, a faulty key fob.
For newer Subaru models, especially those with the rectangular fob, key fob programming often requires specialized equipment and is best handled by a dealership like Subaru North Orlando. Our trained technicians can diagnose the issue and program a new key fob if necessary.
While some older Subaru key fobs (like the teardrop or exposed metal key types) can be programmed at home using a specific sequence of steps, this process can be complex and isn’t always successful. If you’re experiencing persistent issues after a battery replacement, it’s always a good idea to consult with professionals.
Rely on Expert Service for Your Subaru Key Fob Needs
Replacing your 2012 Subaru Key Fob Battery is usually a quick and easy fix. By following these steps, you can likely get your key fob working again in minutes. However, if you encounter any difficulties or suspect a more complex problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to Subaru North Orlando. Our service team is ready to assist with battery replacements, key fob programming, and any other Subaru service needs you may have. Contact us today or [schedule your service appointment online](/service/appointment.htm] – we’re here to help keep you on the road!
