Are you struggling with your 2010 Subaru Forester key fob? Does it seem less responsive, or has it stopped working altogether? Before you panic, the most likely culprit is a dead battery. Replacing the battery in your 2010 Subaru Forester key fob is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself, saving you time and a trip to the dealership for a simple fix. This guide will walk you through each step to replace your 2010 Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery quickly and efficiently, getting you back on the road with a functional remote in no time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2010 Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery
For 2010 Subaru Forester models, you’ll typically encounter one of two key fob styles. While the internal components and battery types differ slightly between Subaru key fobs depending on the year and model, the battery replacement process is generally similar across most designs. Let’s explore the steps for the most common type of key fob you might find with your 2010 Subaru Forester.
Replacing the Battery in a Rectangular Subaru Key Fob (2032 Battery)
This type of key fob, often characterized by its slightly bulging rectangular shape, is a common design for Subaru vehicles around the 2010 era. It utilizes a CR2032 battery, which is widely available and inexpensive. Here’s how to replace it:
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab on the back of your 2010 Subaru Forester key fob. Press and hold this tab to release the metal emergency key. Slide the key out and set it aside.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Carefully inspect the fob for a seam running along its edge. This seam is where you’ll need to pry the fob open. You can use your fingernail or a small flathead screwdriver. Gently insert the screwdriver into the seam and twist to separate the two halves of the fob. Be careful not to apply excessive force, as you could damage the plastic casing.
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Locate the Battery: Once the fob is open, you’ll see the circuit board and the round, flat key fob battery. The battery may be positioned either on top of or underneath the circuit board, depending on the specific design.
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Remove and Replace the Old Battery: Gently detach the old CR2032 battery. You might need to use your fingernail or the tip of a pen to carefully pry it loose from its holder. Take note of the battery’s orientation – which side is facing up – before removing it. This will ensure you install the new battery correctly.
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Install the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment, ensuring the correct side is facing upwards (usually the positive side, marked with a “+”, faces up). Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the battery as much as possible; holding it by the edges is recommended to prevent transferring oils from your fingers.
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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. You should hear a click indicating they are properly closed.
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Re-insert the Emergency Key: Slide the metal emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into its locked position.
Alt text: Rectangular 2010 Subaru Forester key fob opened to show CR2032 battery replacement process.
Replacing the Battery in a Teardrop Shape Subaru Key Fob (2025 Battery)
Some 2010 Subaru Forester models, particularly those from earlier in the year, might utilize a teardrop-shaped key fob. This older design is slightly different but still simple to manage for battery replacement. It typically uses a CR2025 battery.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Unlike the rectangular fob, the teardrop shape often lacks a separate emergency key. Instead, look for a seam on the fob casing. Use a small flathead screwdriver or a thin, sturdy plastic tool to carefully pry open the two halves of the fob along this seam.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Once open, you’ll find the circuit board and the CR2025 battery. Follow steps 4-7 from the rectangular fob instructions above, ensuring you are using a CR2025 battery for replacement and noting the correct battery orientation.
Alt text: Teardrop shaped 2010 Subaru Forester key fob disassembled for CR2025 battery change.
Replacing the Battery in an Exposed Metal Key Subaru Key Fob (CR1620 Battery)
A less common but possible key fob for a 2010 Subaru Forester is one where the metal key is always visible, with buttons integrated into the fob body. This type requires a slightly different approach and uses a CR1620 battery.
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Open the Exterior Casing: This fob usually opens in a similar manner to the rectangular fob. Look for a seam and gently pry it open using a flathead screwdriver.
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Open the Interior Casing: After opening the outer casing, you’ll find a second, smaller casing inside. This inner casing houses the battery. Look for small tabs on this inner casing. Press these tabs to release and open the inner casing.
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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 correct polarity.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the inner casing until it snaps shut. Then, place the inner casing back into the exterior casing and snap the exterior casing closed.
Alt text: 2010 Subaru Forester exposed metal key fob showing dual casing for CR1620 battery replacement.
What if a New Battery Doesn’t Solve the Problem?
In most cases, replacing the key fob battery will restore its functionality. However, if you’ve replaced the battery in your 2010 Subaru Forester key fob and it’s still not working, there might be another issue. It’s possible the key fob itself is damaged or needs reprogramming.
For reprogramming or a replacement key fob, it’s best to contact a Subaru dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith. Dealerships have the specialized equipment to program new key fobs to your 2010 Subaru Forester, ensuring proper security and functionality.
While you can attempt DIY key fob programming for some older Subaru models, it’s often more complex and may not be successful for all vehicles, especially newer ones or those with more advanced security systems. For a 2010 Subaru Forester, professional programming is usually recommended if a new battery doesn’t resolve the issue.
Get Professional Help if Needed
Replacing your 2010 Subaru Forester key fob battery is usually a simple fix. However, if you encounter difficulties or if a new battery doesn’t solve the problem, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. Contact your local Subaru dealer or a trusted automotive service center for key fob reprogramming or replacement services. They can diagnose any underlying issues and ensure your key fob and vehicle security system are working correctly.
