Discovering your 2015 Subaru Forester key fob isn’t working can be a minor panic. Suddenly, accessing your vehicle becomes a hassle. However, before you rush to the dealership, take a breath. Replacing the battery in your Subaru Forester key fob is often a straightforward process you can easily handle yourself. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can quickly regain full access to your Forester without needing professional help right away.
Identifying Your 2015 Subaru Forester Key Fob Type
Subaru has utilized a few different key fob designs over the years. For a 2015 Subaru Forester, you’ll most likely encounter the bulging rectangle shape key fob. While it’s always best to double-check your owner’s manual to confirm the exact type and the correct battery, this guide will primarily focus on the most common bulging rectangular fob prevalent in 2015 Forester models. Knowing your fob type ensures you use the right battery and follow the correct procedure for a smooth replacement.
Step-by-Step: Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle Subaru Key Fob (2015 Forester)
This type of key fob, commonly used with the 2015 Subaru Forester, requires a CR2032 battery. Here’s how to replace it:
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small, silver tab situated on the rear of your key fob. Press and hold this tab to release and slide out the metal emergency key. Set the key aside in a safe place.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: With the emergency key removed, you’ll need to carefully separate the two halves of the key fob. Look for a seam running along the edge of the fob. You can gently pry it open using your fingernail or a thin, flat tool like a small flathead screwdriver. Insert the tool into the seam and gently twist to separate the casing halves. Be careful not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the plastic.
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Locate the Battery: Once the fob is open, you’ll see the internal components. The flat, round CR2032 battery will be visible, either sitting on top of or underneath the transmitter circuit board, depending on how you opened the casing.
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Replace the Old Battery: Gently release the old battery from its housing. Note the orientation of the battery (which side is facing up) before removing it. Typically, the positive (+) side faces upwards. Take your new CR2032 battery and carefully place it into the compartment, ensuring the correct side is facing up, matching the orientation of the old battery. Minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers to avoid transferring oils, which can 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 between the halves.
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Re-insert the Emergency Key: Slide the metal emergency key back into its slot until it clicks and locks into position.
Image: Pressing the silver tab on the back of the Subaru key fob to release the emergency key, a crucial first step in the 2015 Subaru Forester key fob battery replacement process.
You’ve now successfully replaced the battery in your 2015 Subaru Forester key fob! Test the fob to ensure it’s working correctly by locking and unlocking your doors remotely.
What If My 2015 Subaru Forester Key Fob is Teardrop Shaped?
While less common for the 2015 Forester, some older models or variations might use a teardrop-shaped key fob. The battery replacement process for this fob is very similar, with one key difference:
- No Emergency Key Removal: The teardrop fob doesn’t have a removable emergency key. You can skip the first step of removing the metal key.
- Battery Type: This fob typically uses a 2025 battery instead of a 2032. Make sure to use the correct battery type.
The rest of the steps – opening the fob, replacing the battery, and reassembling – are essentially the same as described for the bulging rectangle fob.
Image: An example of a teardrop-shaped Subaru key fob, an older style that may require a slightly different battery (2025) for replacement in some 2015 Subaru Forester models.
Handling the Older Subaru Key Fob with Exposed Metal Key
For even older Subaru models, including some very early 2015 Forester versions or in rare cases, you might encounter a key fob where the metal key is always visible. This type is slightly different internally:
- Double Casing: This fob has two casings. You first open the outer casing (similar to the bulging rectangle fob). Inside, you’ll find a second, smaller inner casing.
- Inner Casing Tabs: The inner casing has small tabs that you need to press to open it and access the battery.
- Battery Type: This older fob uses a CR 1620 battery.
The process involves opening both casings to reach and replace the CR 1620 battery, ensuring correct polarity when inserting the new battery. Reassemble both casings after the replacement.
Troubleshooting: Key Fob Still Not Working After Battery Replacement?
If you’ve replaced the battery and your 2015 Subaru Forester key fob still isn’t functioning, here are a few things to consider:
- Battery Polarity: Double-check that you inserted the new battery with the correct polarity (+ side up).
- New Battery Quality: Ensure you are using a fresh, high-quality CR2032 (or correct type for your fob) battery from a reputable brand. Sometimes, new batteries can be faulty or have a low charge if they’ve been sitting on the shelf for too long.
- Battery Contacts: Inspect the metal contacts inside the key fob where the battery sits. Make sure they are clean and making good contact with the battery. You can gently clean them with a cotton swab and a bit of rubbing alcohol if necessary.
- Key Fob Damage: Inspect the key fob for any signs of physical damage, especially if it was dropped or exposed to moisture. Internal damage could prevent it from working even with a new battery.
If these troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, it’s possible there’s a problem beyond just the battery.
When Battery Replacement Isn’t Enough: Considering Key Fob Programming or Replacement
In some cases, replacing the battery might not solve the problem, especially with newer Subaru Forester models like the 2015 version. Here’s when you might need to consider key fob programming or even a complete replacement:
- Programming Issues (Newer Fobs): Newer, bulging rectangular fobs often require programming by a dealership if they completely lose power or are replaced. While battery changes usually don’t necessitate reprogramming, complex electronic glitches can sometimes occur.
- Fob Malfunction: If the key fob is damaged, malfunctioning internally, or has simply reached the end of its lifespan, a replacement fob might be necessary.
- Lost or Stolen Fob: If your key fob is lost or stolen, you’ll need to get a replacement and have it programmed to your vehicle for security reasons.
For programming a new fob or obtaining a replacement, especially for a 2015 Subaru Forester, contacting your local Subaru dealership is generally the most reliable approach. They have the specialized equipment and expertise to handle key fob programming and replacements.
While older Subaru key fobs could sometimes be programmed at home using specific sequences (as mentioned in the original article), this is less common and less reliable for models like the 2015 Forester with more advanced security systems. It’s best to consult your dealership for programming or replacement needs to ensure compatibility and security.
Conclusion: Empowering You to Replace Your 2015 Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery
Replacing the battery in your 2015 Subaru Forester key fob is usually a simple DIY task that can save you time and money. By following these steps and identifying your key fob type, you can confidently tackle this maintenance job yourself. However, remember that for more complex issues like programming or fob replacement, especially with newer models, your Subaru dealership is readily available to assist and ensure your vehicle’s security and functionality. Keep your key fob working smoothly and enjoy the reliable access to your Subaru Forester!
