Are you struggling with your 2021 Subaru Outback key fob? A common issue many owners face is a dead battery. It can be frustrating when your key fob stops working, leaving you feeling locked out of your vehicle. The good news is, replacing the battery in your Subaru Outback key fob is a straightforward process you can easily handle yourself. As automotive experts at keyfobprog.com, we’re here to guide you through each step, ensuring you get back on the road quickly.
Understanding Your Subaru Outback Key Fob Battery Needs
Before we dive into the replacement process, it’s important to understand which type of key fob your 2021 Subaru Outback uses and the correct battery it requires. Subaru, depending on the model year and trim, utilizes different key fob designs. For the 2021 Subaru Outback, you’ll typically encounter the bulging rectangle shape key fob.
To confirm the exact type and battery needed for your specific key fob, your owner’s manual is the best resource. However, for the bulging rectangle key fob commonly associated with the 2021 Subaru Outback, you will likely need a CR2032 battery. This is a widely available and inexpensive coin cell battery.
Knowing this upfront will save you time and ensure you purchase the correct replacement battery before you begin.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replace Your 2021 Subaru Outback Key Fob Battery
Replacing the battery in your 2021 Subaru Outback key fob is a simple task that requires no special tools and can be completed in just a few minutes. Follow these steps:
Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle Subaru Key Fob (Common for 2021 Outback)
Battery Type Required: CR2032
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Locate and Remove the Emergency Key: On the back of your key fob, find the small silver tab. Press and hold this tab to release the metal emergency key. Slide the key out and set it aside.
alt=”Removing the emergency key from a bulging rectangular Subaru key fob for battery replacement”
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Pry Open the Key Fob Casing: Once the emergency key is removed, you’ll notice a small seam where the two halves of the key fob casing meet. Carefully insert a flathead screwdriver or a similar thin, flat tool into this seam. Gently twist or pry to separate the two halves of the fob. Be careful not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
alt=”Using a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the casing of a Subaru key fob to access the battery compartment”
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Identify the Battery Location: After opening the fob, you’ll see the internal components. The flat, round CR2032 battery will be visible, either on top of or underneath the transmitter circuit board, depending on how the fob opens.
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Remove and Replace the Old Battery: Gently release the old battery from its housing. You might need to use your fingertip or the tip of a pen to nudge it out. Take note of the battery’s orientation (positive side up or down) before removing it. Install the new CR2032 battery, 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 to avoid transferring oils from your skin, which can reduce battery life.
alt=”Replacing the old CR2032 battery with a new one in a Subaru key fob, ensuring correct polarity”
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and snap them back together. You should hear a click, indicating they are securely closed.
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Re-insert the Emergency Key: Slide the metal emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into place.
Your 2021 Subaru Outback key fob should now be powered by a fresh battery and ready to use. Test the lock and unlock buttons to confirm it’s working correctly.
What if Replacing the Battery Doesn’t Solve the Issue?
In most cases, replacing the battery will resolve key fob issues. However, if you’ve replaced the battery and your 2021 Subaru Outback key fob still isn’t functioning, there might be other underlying problems. Here are a few possibilities:
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Key Fob Programming: Sometimes, after a battery replacement, or if there was a power surge, the key fob might need to be reprogrammed to your vehicle. While some older Subaru models allow for DIY programming, newer models, including the 2021 Outback, often require professional programming at a dealership.
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Key Fob Damage: If your key fob has been dropped, gotten wet, or sustained other damage, internal components might be faulty. In such cases, a replacement key fob might be necessary.
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Vehicle Receiver Issues: Though less common, issues with your Subaru Outback’s receiver system could also prevent the key fob from working correctly.
If you’ve tried replacing the battery and your key fob remains unresponsive, it’s best to consult with a Subaru dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith. They have the diagnostic tools and expertise to identify the root cause of the problem and provide the necessary solutions, whether it’s reprogramming or key fob replacement.
Rely on Keyfobprog.com for Expert Car Key Solutions
At keyfobprog.com, we are dedicated to providing you with expert information and solutions for all your car key and key fob needs. While battery replacement is often a simple DIY fix, we understand that more complex issues can arise. If you encounter any difficulties with your 2021 Subaru Outback key fob beyond battery replacement, remember that professional help is available. For key fob programming, replacement, and other car key services, consult your local Subaru dealership or a trusted automotive locksmith. They can ensure your key fob is functioning perfectly, keeping you securely connected to your vehicle.
