Experiencing issues with your 2011 Subaru Forester key fob can be frustrating. If you’re finding it’s becoming less responsive or failing to work altogether, the most common culprit is a dead battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your Subaru Forester key fob is a straightforward process you can easily handle yourself. This guide, brought to you by the auto experts at keyfobprog.com, will walk you through each step to get your key fob working like new again. No need for a costly trip to the dealership right away – let’s get you back in control of your Forester quickly and efficiently.
Identifying Your 2011 Subaru Forester Key Fob and Battery Type
Before we begin, it’s important to identify the type of key fob your 2011 Subaru Forester uses. Subaru has utilized a few different key fob designs over the years. For the 2011 Forester, you’ll likely encounter one of two main types: the bulging rectangle shape or the teardrop shape. Knowing which one you have will ensure you use the correct battery and follow the slightly different opening procedures if applicable.
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Bulging Rectangle Shape: This is a more common style for slightly newer Subaru models around 2011. It’s characterized by a rectangular shape with a noticeable bulge on one side and usually features a silver release tab for a hidden emergency key. This type typically uses a CR2032 battery.
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Teardrop Shape: An older design, the teardrop fob is shaped like a teardrop and is generally more rounded. It doesn’t have a separate release for an emergency key. This fob usually requires a CR2025 battery.
If you’re unsure, consulting your 2011 Subaru Forester owner’s manual is always the best approach to confirm your specific key fob type and the correct battery. Once you’ve identified your fob and battery, you’re ready to proceed with the replacement.
Step-by-Step Battery Replacement for the Bulging Rectangle Subaru Key Fob (CR2032 Battery)
This method applies to the bulging rectangle key fob commonly used with the 2011 Subaru Forester and requires a 2032 battery.
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small, often silver, tab on the back of your 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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Pry Open the Key Fob: With the emergency key removed, you’ll see a seam running along the edge of the fob. Carefully insert a flathead screwdriver or a thin prying tool into this seam. Gently twist or pry to separate the two halves of the key fob. Take your time and avoid excessive force to prevent damage to 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. Depending on how the fob opened, the battery might be on the top or bottom half.
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Replace the Battery: Gently release the old CR2032 battery. You might be able to pry it out with your fingertip or the edge of a small screwdriver. Take note of the battery’s orientation – usually, the positive (+) side faces upwards. Install the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the correct side is facing up. Try to minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery to avoid transferring oils from your fingers, which can reduce battery life.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob back together. Ensure they are firmly closed and all edges are aligned.
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Re-insert the Emergency Key: Slide the metal emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into place.
Step-by-Step Battery Replacement for the Teardrop Subaru Key Fob (CR2025 Battery)
If your 2011 Subaru Forester uses the teardrop-shaped key fob, the process is very similar, but it uses a CR2025 battery and lacks the emergency key removal step.
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Pry Open the Key Fob: Locate the seam around the edge of the teardrop key fob. Insert a flathead screwdriver or prying tool into the seam and gently pry the two halves apart.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Once open, identify the CR2025 battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR2025, ensuring the correct polarity (positive side up).
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Snap the two halves of the teardrop key fob back together, ensuring they are securely closed.
What If Replacing the Battery Doesn’t Fix the Problem?
In most cases, replacing the key fob battery will solve the issue of an unresponsive 2011 Subaru Forester key fob. However, if you’ve replaced the battery and your fob still isn’t working, there might be other issues. Here are a few possibilities:
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Key Fob Programming: Sometimes, after a battery replacement, or if there are other electronic glitches, your key fob might need to be reprogrammed to your vehicle. While the original article mentions a programming procedure, it’s often unreliable and can be complex. For newer Subaru models, programming is typically best handled by a dealership.
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Key Fob Damage: If your key fob has been dropped, gotten wet, or otherwise damaged, internal components might be faulty. In this case, battery replacement won’t solve the problem, and you might need a new key fob.
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Vehicle Issues: In rare cases, the problem might not be with the key fob itself but with the vehicle’s receiver or immobilizer system.
If you’ve replaced the battery and are still having trouble, it’s recommended to contact a qualified automotive technician or your local Subaru dealership. They have the diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact issue and provide the necessary solutions, whether it’s reprogramming, key fob replacement, or addressing a vehicle-related problem.
Rely on Keyfobprog.com for Your Key Fob Needs
While replacing your 2011 Subaru Forester key fob battery is often a simple DIY task, keyfobprog.com is here to assist you with all your key fob needs. From providing helpful guides like this one to offering replacement key fobs and programming services, we’re your trusted resource. If you encounter any issues or prefer professional assistance, don’t hesitate to explore our website for more resources or contact us for support. Getting your key fob working correctly is our priority, ensuring you have convenient and reliable access to your Subaru Forester.
