Is your 2012 Subaru Forester key fob refusing to cooperate? Before you panic, it’s highly likely that a simple battery replacement is all you need. Losing access to your vehicle can be incredibly frustrating, but fortunately, changing the key fob battery on your 2012 Subaru Forester is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can quickly regain control of your Forester.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2012 Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery
For the 2012 Subaru Forester, you’ll likely encounter one of two key fob styles: a bulging rectangle shape or a teardrop shape. While they look slightly different, the battery replacement process is remarkably similar for both. Let’s break down the steps.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools:
- A new CR2032 battery or CR2025 battery (Check your owner’s manual or the old battery for the correct type. Generally, the bulging rectangle fob uses CR2032, and the teardrop uses CR2025, but always double-check).
- A small flathead screwdriver (or a similar thin, flat tool)
Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle 2012 Subaru Forester Key Fob
This type of fob usually requires a CR2032 battery.
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab on the back of your key fob. Press and hold this tab to release and remove the metal emergency key.
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Pry Open the Fob: Carefully inspect the seam running around the edge of the key fob. Insert the flathead screwdriver into this seam, gently twisting to pry the two halves of the fob apart. Take your time and avoid using excessive force to prevent damaging the casing.
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Locate the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the internal components. The flat, round key fob battery will be visible, possibly sitting above or below a transmitter circuit board depending on how the fob opened.
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Replace the Battery: Gently release the old battery. Note the orientation of the battery (positive side up). Pop the new CR2032 battery into place, ensuring the correct side is facing upwards. Minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers to avoid transferring oils.
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Reassemble the Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob back together. You should hear a click or feel them securely join. Finally, slide the metal emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into place.
Replacing the Battery in a Teardrop Shape 2012 Subaru Forester Key Fob
If your 2012 Subaru Forester uses a teardrop-shaped key fob, the process is very similar. This fob typically uses a CR2025 battery.
- Skip Emergency Key Removal: The teardrop fob doesn’t have a removable emergency key, so you can skip the first step from the previous section.
- Pry Open the Fob: Follow the same procedure as step 2 above, carefully prying open the fob using a flathead screwdriver along the seam.
- Locate and Replace the Battery: Identify the battery (likely a CR2025). Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one, ensuring correct polarity.
- Reassemble the Fob: Snap the two halves of the teardrop fob back together securely.
What If Replacing the Battery Doesn’t Solve the Problem?
If you’ve replaced the battery in your 2012 Subaru Forester key fob and it’s still not working, there might be other issues. It’s possible the key fob itself is malfunctioning, or it may need to be reprogrammed.
For security reasons, obtaining a new key fob and programming for newer Subaru models often requires assistance from a certified dealership. If you suspect a more complex issue or need a replacement key fob for your 2012 Subaru Forester, it’s recommended to contact your local Subaru dealer for professional service. They can diagnose the problem accurately and provide the necessary solutions to get you back on the road with a functioning key fob.
While key fob issues can be inconvenient, remember that for a 2012 Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Replacement, you’re often just a few simple steps and a new battery away from resolving the problem yourself.
