Is your 2016 Subaru Legacy key fob refusing to cooperate? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. A dead key fob battery is a common issue, but thankfully, replacing it is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself. As your trusted automotive experts at keyfobprog.com, we’re here to guide you through each step, ensuring you get back to effortlessly accessing your Subaru.
It can be frustrating when your key fob stops working. Thinking you might be locked out of your vehicle can cause unnecessary stress. However, for most 2016 Subaru Legacy models, and indeed many Subaru vehicles, key fob battery replacement is a quick and painless process. While we at keyfobprog.com are always ready to assist with your car maintenance needs, you might find that tackling this simple fix on your own is empowering and convenient.
Let’s dive into how to replace the battery in your 2016 Subaru Legacy key fob.
Identifying Your 2016 Subaru Legacy Key Fob Type
Subaru utilizes a few different key fob designs, and while the battery replacement process is similar across them, knowing your fob type is helpful. For your 2016 Subaru Legacy, you’re most likely to have one of two main types:
- Bulging Rectangle Shape: This is a common design for newer Subaru models, including the 2016 Legacy. It’s characterized by its rectangular shape with a slight bulge and often includes a separate, removable metal emergency key.
- Teardrop Shape: While less common for the 2016 Legacy, some older models or variations might use a teardrop-shaped fob. This style is more rounded and doesn’t typically have a removable emergency key in the same way as the rectangular fob.
If you’re unsure which key fob you have, consulting your 2016 Subaru Legacy owner’s manual is always the best first step. Once you’ve identified your key fob type, the battery replacement will be a breeze.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2016 Subaru Legacy Key Fob Battery
For the 2016 Subaru Legacy, you’ll likely be dealing with the bulging rectangle key fob, which conveniently uses a widely available CR2032 battery. Here’s how to replace it:
Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle Subaru Key Fob (Common for 2016 Legacy)
Battery Type Required: CR2032
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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. Set the key aside in a safe place.
Alt text: Removing the silver emergency key from the back of a bulging rectangular Subaru key fob.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: With the emergency key removed, you’ll see a seam running around the edge of the key fob. Carefully pry open the fob casing. A flathead screwdriver or a similar thin, flat tool can be helpful for this step. Gently insert the tool into the seam and twist to separate the two halves of the fob. Be careful not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
Alt text: Prying open the two halves of a Subaru key fob casing using a flathead screwdriver inserted into the seam.
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Locate the Battery: Once the fob is open, you’ll see the internal components, including the transmitter circuit board and the round, flat key fob battery. Depending on how the fob opens, the battery might be positioned on either side of the circuit board.
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Replace the Old Battery: Gently release the old CR2032 battery from its housing. Note the orientation of the battery (positive side up). Take your new CR2032 battery and pop it into place, ensuring the correct side is facing upwards, matching the orientation of the old battery. Try to minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers; handling it by the edges is preferable.
Alt text: Replacing the round CR2032 battery in a Subaru key fob, ensuring the correct polarity.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together. They should click or snap securely into place. Finally, re-insert the metal emergency key until it locks back into its original position.
Replacing the Battery in a Teardrop Shape Subaru Key Fob (Less Common for 2016 Legacy)
Battery Type Required: CR2025
If your 2016 Subaru Legacy happens to use the teardrop-shaped key fob, the process is very similar. The main difference is that this fob doesn’t have a separate emergency key to remove at the beginning.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Just like with the rectangular fob, carefully pry open the teardrop fob casing using a flathead screwdriver or similar tool, working along the seam to separate the two halves.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Once open, locate the battery. The teardrop fob typically uses a CR2025 battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR2025, ensuring correct polarity.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Snap the two halves of the teardrop key fob back together until they are securely closed.
Replacing the Battery in an Older Subaru Key Fob with Exposed Metal Key
Battery Type Required: CR1620
While highly unlikely for a 2016 Subaru Legacy, older Subaru models used a key fob where the metal key is always visible. This type requires a slightly different approach because it has an inner casing in addition to the outer one.
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Open the Outer Casing: Open the exterior casing of this fob just as you would the bulging rectangle or teardrop fobs, by carefully prying along the seam.
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Open the Inner Casing: Once the outer casing is open, you’ll find a second, smaller inner casing. This inner casing usually has small tabs that you need to press to release and open it. Examine the inner casing closely to locate these tabs and gently press them to open it.
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Replace the Battery: Inside the inner casing, you’ll find the battery, which is typically a CR1620 for this older style. Remove the old CR1620 battery and replace it with a new one, again ensuring correct polarity.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the inner casing first, making sure it’s securely snapped shut. Then, place the inner casing back into the outer casing and snap the outer casing closed.
What Battery Does Your 2016 Subaru Legacy Key Fob Need?
For the vast majority of 2016 Subaru Legacy models with the bulging rectangular key fob, you will need a CR2032 battery. If you have the teardrop-shaped fob (less likely for a 2016 Legacy), it typically uses a CR2025 battery. And if you happen to have the very old style with the exposed metal key (extremely unlikely for a 2016 model), it uses a CR1620 battery.
Always double-check your owner’s manual to confirm the exact battery type for your specific 2016 Subaru Legacy key fob if you are uncertain. You can easily find these batteries at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
Programming Your Subaru Key Fob (If Necessary)
In most cases, simply replacing the battery in your 2016 Subaru Legacy key fob will restore its functionality. However, if you continue to experience issues after replacing the battery, it’s possible that the key fob may need reprogramming, or in rarer cases, replacement.
For newer Subaru models like the 2016 Legacy with the bulging rectangular fob, key fob programming is often best handled by a dealership like Subaru North Orlando. They have the specialized equipment and expertise to ensure it’s done correctly, especially for security-sensitive systems.
While some older Subaru models might allow for DIY key fob programming, the process can be complex and may not always be successful. If you suspect your 2016 Subaru Legacy key fob needs reprogramming after a battery change, or if battery replacement didn’t solve the problem, contacting a Subaru dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith is recommended.
Rely on Keyfobprog.com and Your Local Subaru Experts
Replacing your 2016 Subaru Legacy Key Fob Battery is usually a quick and easy fix that gets you back on the road in no time. We hope this guide from keyfobprog.com has been helpful!
If you encounter any difficulties or prefer professional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Subaru dealership or a trusted automotive service center. They can provide expert help with key fob battery replacement, programming, or any other car key and remote issues you might face. Keep your Subaru key fob working smoothly and enjoy the convenience it provides!
