Are you experiencing issues with your 2018 Subaru Impreza key fob? It’s a common frustration when your key fob stops working, leaving you feeling locked out of your vehicle. Often, the culprit is simply a dead battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your 2018 Subaru Impreza key fob is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can quickly regain full access to your Subaru Impreza without needing to schedule a service appointment immediately.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2018 Subaru Impreza Key Fob Battery
The key fob for your 2018 Subaru Impreza is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Replacing the battery is a process that generally takes just a few minutes and requires minimal tools. Let’s break down the steps to get your key fob working again:
Identifying Your Key Fob Type and Battery
For the 2018 Subaru Impreza, you’ll likely have the “bulging rectangle shape” key fob. This type of fob is common for many newer Subaru models and is easily identifiable. This particular fob requires a CR2032 battery.
If you’re uncertain about your key fob type or the correct battery, your owner’s manual is the best resource. It will provide specific details for your 2018 Subaru Impreza model. Knowing the correct battery type beforehand will save you time and ensure you purchase the right replacement.
Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle Subaru Key Fob (CR2032 Battery)
This section details the battery replacement process for the most common key fob associated with the 2018 Subaru Impreza.
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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 slide out the metal emergency key. Set the emergency key aside in a safe place.
Alt text: Silver tab highlighted on the back of a Subaru key fob, indicating the location for emergency key removal.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Carefully pry open the key fob. A flathead screwdriver or a similar thin, flat tool can be helpful here. Insert the tool into the seam running along the edge of the key fob casing. Gently twist or lever the tool to separate the two halves of the fob. Take your time to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
Alt text: Using a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the two halves of a Subaru key fob casing to access the battery compartment.
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Locate and Remove the Old Battery: Once the fob is open, you’ll see the round, flat CR2032 battery. It might be positioned above or below the transmitter circuit board, depending on how the fob opened. Gently release the old battery. In some cases, there might be a small clip holding it in place that you need to maneuver.
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Install the New CR2032 Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and position it correctly in the battery compartment. Ensure the positive (+) side of the battery is facing upwards. This is usually indicated by a “+” symbol on the battery itself and/or markings in the battery compartment. Try to minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers; handling it by the edges is preferable to avoid transferring oils.
Alt text: Close-up view of inserting a new CR2032 battery with the positive side facing up into the designated slot within the Subaru key fob.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together. Press firmly until you hear or feel them click securely into place. Finally, slide the metal emergency key back into its slot until it locks.
Alt text: Fully reassembled Subaru key fob with the metal emergency key re-inserted after successful battery replacement.
Testing Your 2018 Subaru Impreza Key Fob
After reassembling your key fob, test it immediately to ensure the battery replacement was successful. Try locking and unlocking your 2018 Subaru Impreza, as well as using the panic button and remote start if your model is equipped with these features. If everything works as expected, you’ve successfully replaced your 2018 Subaru Impreza Key Fob Battery!
What If Battery Replacement Doesn’t Solve the Issue?
In the vast majority of cases, replacing the battery will restore your key fob’s functionality. However, if you’ve replaced the battery and your 2018 Subaru Impreza key fob still isn’t working, there might be a different issue.
- Key Fob Programming: It’s uncommon for a battery replacement to require reprogramming for this model and key fob type. However, in rare instances, or if there were other electrical issues, reprogramming might be necessary.
- Key Fob Damage: If your key fob has been dropped, exposed to moisture, or otherwise damaged, internal components could be faulty.
- Vehicle Issues: In very rare cases, the problem might not be the key fob itself but an issue with your 2018 Subaru Impreza’s receiver system.
If you continue to experience problems after replacing the battery, it’s recommended to contact a qualified service technician. Your local Subaru dealership or a trusted automotive repair shop can diagnose the issue and provide the necessary repairs or key fob replacement and programming services.
Subaru Dealership Assistance
While replacing your 2018 Subaru Impreza key fob battery is a DIY-friendly task, Subaru dealerships are always available to assist with any key fob issues you may encounter. From battery replacement to key fob programming and replacement, certified technicians have the expertise and tools to ensure your Subaru’s key fob system operates correctly. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Subaru dealer for professional service and support.
Replacing the battery in your 2018 Subaru Impreza key fob is usually a quick and simple solution to regain access and control of your vehicle. By following these steps, you can confidently handle this common maintenance task and get back on the road with a functioning key fob.
