Is your 2015 Subaru Forester key fob not working as reliably as it used to? You’re not alone. A common culprit for a weakening or dead key fob is often just a depleted battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your Subaru Forester 2015 key fob is a straightforward process you can easily handle yourself, saving you time and a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through each step to get your key fob working like new again.
Replacing your Subaru Forester 2015 Key Fob Battery is not only simple, but it’s also a cost-effective solution compared to replacing the entire key fob. Before you consider more complex or expensive fixes, let’s explore how to quickly and efficiently replace your key fob battery. The type of key fob you have will slightly determine the battery you need, so let’s identify which one you’re working with.
Identifying Your Subaru Forester 2015 Key Fob Type and Battery
Subaru, depending on the model year, has used a few different key fob designs. For your 2015 Subaru Forester, it’s likely you have one of two main types: the bulging rectangle shape or the teardrop shape. Knowing which one you have is the first step to ensure you use the correct replacement battery.
Bulging Rectangle Key Fob:
This more modern design is characterized by its rectangular shape with a noticeable bulge and typically requires a CR2032 battery. This type often includes a metal emergency key that can be removed.
Teardrop Shape Key Fob:
An older design, the teardrop shape is, as the name suggests, shaped like a teardrop. This fob usually uses a CR2025 battery and does not have a removable emergency key in the same way as the rectangular fob.
If you’re unsure which key fob you have, or to absolutely confirm the battery type, your Subaru Forester 2015 owner’s manual is your best resource. However, for most 2015 Forester models, these two types and battery specifications will apply. Let’s proceed with the battery replacement steps for each type.
Step-by-Step Guide to Subaru Forester 2015 Key Fob Battery Replacement
Regardless of which key fob style your 2015 Subaru Forester uses, the battery replacement process is quite similar and requires minimal tools. Here’s a breakdown for each type:
Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle Subaru Forester 2015 Key Fob (CR2032 Battery)
This is likely the most common key fob for a 2015 Subaru Forester. Here’s how to replace its battery:
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab or button on the back of your key fob. Press and hold it to release the metal emergency key. Slide the key out and set it aside.
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Pry Open the Key Fob: With the emergency key removed, you’ll notice a seam running along the edge of the fob. Carefully insert a flathead screwdriver or a thin pry tool into this seam. Gently twist or pry to separate the two halves of the key fob. Be patient and avoid applying excessive force to prevent damage.
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Locate and Remove the Old Battery: Once open, you’ll see the internal components, including the round, flat key fob battery. Note its orientation (which side is facing up). Gently pry the old CR2032 battery out of its housing. A small flathead screwdriver can be helpful here as well.
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Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment, ensuring the correct side is facing upwards (match the orientation of the old battery). Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the battery with your fingers as much as possible; handle it by the edges to prevent transferring oils that can reduce battery life.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob back together. They should click or snap securely into place.
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Re-insert the Emergency Key: Slide the metal emergency key back into its slot until it clicks and locks in place.
Your Subaru Forester 2015 key fob with the bulging rectangle shape should now be powered by a fresh battery and ready to use.
Replacing the Battery in a Teardrop Shape Subaru Forester 2015 Key Fob (CR2025 Battery)
If your 2015 Subaru Forester uses the teardrop-shaped key fob, the process is very similar:
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Skip Emergency Key Removal (If Applicable): The teardrop fob may not have a removable emergency key in the same way as the rectangular one. Examine your fob; if there’s no obvious release tab, proceed to the next step.
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Pry Open the Key Fob: Similar to the rectangular fob, locate the seam and carefully pry open the two halves of the teardrop key fob using a flathead screwdriver or pry tool.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Identify the CR2025 battery inside. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR2025, ensuring correct polarity.
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Reassemble: Snap the two halves of the key fob back together firmly.
With a new CR2025 battery, your teardrop Subaru Forester 2015 key fob should now be functioning properly.
Replacing the Battery in an Older Subaru Forester 2015 Key Fob with Exposed Metal Key (CR1620 Battery)
While less common for a 2015 model, some older Subaru key fobs have an exposed metal key and utilize a different battery type. If your fob looks like this, here’s how to change the battery:
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Open the Exterior Casing: This process is similar to opening the other fob types. Pry open the main casing to access the internal components.
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Open the Interior Casing: Inside the exterior casing, you’ll find a second, smaller casing. This interior casing will have small tabs. Press these tabs to release and open this second casing.
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Replace the CR1620 Battery: The CR1620 battery will be located within this inner casing. Replace the old battery with a new CR1620, ensuring correct orientation.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the interior casing first, then place it back into the exterior casing and snap everything securely back together.
What if Replacing the Battery Doesn’t Work?
In the vast majority of cases, replacing the battery will solve the issue with your Subaru Forester 2015 key fob. However, if you’ve replaced the battery and your key fob is still not working, there might be another issue.
Key Fob Programming: In some instances, especially after a battery replacement, your key fob might need to be reprogrammed to communicate with your Subaru Forester. While the original article mentions a programming procedure, it’s often more reliable and recommended to have key fob programming done by a qualified Subaru dealer or a professional locksmith. Modern vehicles often have security measures that make DIY programming unreliable.
Key Fob Damage or Failure: If reprogramming doesn’t work, it’s possible that your key fob itself is damaged or has failed. In this case, you’ll need to purchase a new key fob. New key fobs must be obtained and programmed by a Subaru dealership to ensure compatibility and security with your vehicle.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your Subaru Forester 2015 key fob is usually a quick, easy, and effective solution to common key fob problems. By identifying your key fob type and following these simple steps, you can likely restore your key fob’s functionality yourself. If you encounter issues beyond battery replacement, it’s best to consult with a Subaru dealership or a trusted automotive locksmith for further diagnosis and repair. Enjoy the renewed convenience of your working key fob!
