Is your 2012 Subaru Legacy key fob not working as reliably as it used to? You might be facing the common issue of a dead or dying key fob battery. Don’t worry, gaining access to your vehicle doesn’t have to be a hassle. Replacing the battery in your Subaru Legacy key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself. If you’d prefer professional assistance, scheduling a service is always an option, but this guide will walk you through replacing your key fob battery quickly and efficiently.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Subaru Key Fob Battery
Subaru has utilized a few different key fob designs over the years. To ensure you follow the correct procedure, it’s helpful to identify your key fob type. While the steps are quite similar across models, the battery type you’ll need does vary. Consulting your 2012 Subaru Legacy owner’s manual is the most reliable way to confirm your specific key fob and the correct battery. Once you know which battery you need, follow the instructions below that correspond to your key fob style.
Let’s get started on replacing that dead Subaru key fob battery and get you back to hassle-free vehicle access!
Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle Subaru Key Fob
Battery Type Required: CR2032 Battery
This type of key fob is common in newer Subaru models and is characterized by its bulging rectangular shape.
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab on the rear of your key fob. Press and hold this tab to release and remove the metal emergency key.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Carefully pry open the key fob casing. Inserting a flathead screwdriver into the seam between the two halves can be helpful. Apply gentle pressure to separate the two pieces.
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Access the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the round, flat key fob battery. It might be positioned above or below the transmitter circuit board, depending on how the fob opens.
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Replace the Battery: Gently release the old battery from its housing and remove it. Insert the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upwards. Minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery to prolong its life.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together until they are securely closed. Re-insert the metal emergency key until it clicks into place. Your key fob should now be ready to use with a fresh battery.
Replacing the Battery in a Teardrop Shape Subaru Key Fob
Battery Type Required: CR2025 Battery
This older style of Subaru key fob has a teardrop shape. It differs from the rectangular fob as it does not have a removable emergency key.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Similar to the rectangular fob, carefully pry open the teardrop-shaped key fob casing. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently separate the two halves along the seam.
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Access and Replace the Battery: Once open, locate the battery. Remove the old CR2025 battery and replace it with a new one, ensuring correct polarity (positive side up).
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Press the two halves of the key fob firmly back together until they snap closed securely. Your teardrop key fob is now powered with a new battery.
Replacing the Battery in a Subaru Key Fob with Exposed Metal Key and Buttons
Battery Type Required: CR1620 Battery
This is the oldest style of electronic Subaru key fob, easily identified by its permanently exposed metal key and button layout. The key feature of this fob is a secondary, smaller casing inside the main exterior casing.
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Open the Exterior Casing: Open the main exterior casing of this key fob using the same prying method described for the previous key fob types.
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Open the Interior Casing: Inside the exterior casing, you’ll find a second, smaller interior casing. This inner casing has small tabs that need to be pressed to open it. Carefully locate and press these tabs to separate the two halves of the interior casing.
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Replace the Battery: With the interior casing open, you can now access the battery. Remove the old CR1620 battery and replace it with a new CR1620, again ensuring the correct orientation (positive side facing up).
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the interior casing first, ensuring it snaps together securely. Then, place the interior casing back into the exterior casing and snap the exterior casing closed. Your oldest style Subaru key fob is now ready with a new battery.
What if a New Battery Doesn’t Solve the Problem?
If you’ve replaced your 2012 Subaru Legacy Key Fob Battery and it’s still not functioning correctly, the issue might be more complex than just a dead battery. In some cases, the key fob itself may need replacement or reprogramming.
For newer Subaru models, especially those with the bulging rectangular key fob, key fob programming typically requires dealership involvement due to security protocols. However, for older Subaru Legacy models and key fobs, there is a possibility of reprogramming the key fob yourself.
Contact us at Subaru North Orlando if you suspect your key fob needs replacement or programming. Our service team can assist with obtaining a new key fob and programming it for you.
While self-programming might be possible for some older models, it’s important to note that this process can be intricate and may not always be successful. For reliable and guaranteed key fob programming or replacement, especially for your 2012 Subaru Legacy, consulting with a Subaru dealership is often the most effective solution. You can also schedule your service appointment online for convenience. We also offer service specials to make your service experience even better. Our dealership in Sanford is conveniently located near Orlando, ready to serve your Subaru needs.
