Is your 2015 Subaru Crosstrek key fob acting up? Don’t worry, you’re likely not facing a major issue. In most cases, a weak or dead battery is the culprit. Being unable to lock, unlock, or start your Subaru can be frustrating, but replacing the key fob battery is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself. This guide will walk you through the process of replacing the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek Key Fob Battery, saving you time and a trip to the dealership for a simple fix.
Knowing how to replace your 2015 Subaru Crosstrek key fob battery is a valuable skill for any car owner. It’s a quick and inexpensive fix that can restore full functionality to your key fob and get you back on the road with confidence. Let’s dive into the simple steps to get your key fob working like new again.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2015 Subaru Crosstrek Key Fob Battery
For the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek, the key fob typically has a bulging rectangular shape. This design is user-friendly and makes battery replacement quite accessible. You’ll only need a few common household items and a new battery to complete this task.
What You’ll Need:
- A new CR2032 battery. This is the standard battery type for the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek key fob. You can find these at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
- A small flathead screwdriver or a similar thin, flat tool. This will help you gently pry open the key fob casing.
Steps:
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab on the back of your 2015 Subaru Crosstrek key fob. Press and hold this tab to release the metal emergency key. Slide the key out and set it aside.
Alt text: Close-up showing the silver tab being pressed to release the emergency key from a Subaru key fob, preparing for battery replacement.
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Pry Open the Key Fob Casing: After removing the emergency key, you’ll see a seam running around the edge of the key fob. This is where you need to gently pry it open. Insert your flathead screwdriver or thin tool into this seam. Apply gentle pressure and twist the screwdriver to separate the two halves of the key fob. Work your way around the seam until the casing pops open. Be careful not to apply excessive force, as you could damage the plastic casing.
Alt text: Hands using a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the two halves of a Subaru key fob to access the battery compartment.
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Locate and Remove the Old Battery: Once the key fob is open, you’ll see the circuit board and the round, flat key fob battery. The battery is typically held in place by small clips or contacts. Gently note the orientation of the old battery (positive side up or down) before removing it. You can use your fingertip or the edge of the screwdriver to carefully release the battery and lift it out.
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Install the New CR2032 Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and install it in the battery compartment. Ensure that the battery is placed in the correct orientation, matching the way the old battery was positioned. Typically, the positive (+) side of the battery should be facing upwards. Push the battery firmly into place until it is securely held by the clips. Try to avoid touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers as much as possible; skin oils can sometimes reduce battery life.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them firmly back together until they snap securely into place. Ensure there are no gaps and the casing is fully closed.
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Re-insert the Emergency Key: Slide the metal emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into place.
Testing Your Key Fob:
After reassembling your 2015 Subaru Crosstrek key fob, test it to ensure the new battery is working correctly. Press the lock and unlock buttons to see if your car responds. If everything is working as expected, you’ve successfully replaced your key fob battery!
What If Replacing the Battery Doesn’t Work?
In the vast majority of cases, replacing the battery will solve the issue with your 2015 Subaru Crosstrek key fob. However, if you’ve replaced the battery and your key fob still isn’t working, there might be another issue. Here are a few possibilities:
- Incorrect Battery Type: Double-check that you have used a CR2032 battery. While other battery types might fit, using the wrong type can lead to malfunction or reduced performance.
- Battery Installation Issue: Ensure the battery is installed correctly with the proper polarity and is securely seated in the compartment.
- Key Fob Damage: If your key fob has been dropped, exposed to moisture, or otherwise damaged, internal components might be faulty.
- Vehicle Receiver Issue: In rare cases, the problem might not be with the key fob itself, but with the receiver in your 2015 Subaru Crosstrek that detects the key fob signal.
- Key Fob Programming: While less likely for a simple battery change, sometimes electronic issues can require the key fob to be reprogrammed to your vehicle.
If you’ve tried replacing the battery and are still experiencing problems, it’s best to consult with a professional. You can contact a qualified mechanic or your local Subaru dealership for further diagnosis and repair options. They have specialized tools and expertise to identify more complex issues and ensure your key fob and vehicle systems are working correctly.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your 2015 Subaru Crosstrek key fob is a simple and cost-effective DIY task. By following these easy steps, you can quickly restore the functionality of your key fob and avoid unnecessary dealership service appointments for a minor issue. Keep a spare CR2032 battery on hand, and you’ll be prepared to handle this common maintenance task whenever it arises, ensuring you always have reliable access to your Subaru Crosstrek.
