Is your 2017 Subaru Legacy key fob refusing to cooperate? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. One of the most common culprits for a malfunctioning key fob is a dead battery. The good news is that replacing the battery in your 2017 Subaru Legacy key fob is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can regain access to your vehicle quickly and efficiently.
Whether you’re experiencing trouble locking and unlocking your doors remotely, or your Subaru Legacy is giving you a “key not detected” message, a fresh battery might be all you need. Forget the inconvenience of scheduling a service appointment right away – let’s explore how to replace your 2017 Subaru Legacy Key Fob Battery and get you back on the road with a fully functional key fob.
Identifying Your 2017 Subaru Legacy Key Fob Type
Subaru utilizes different key fob designs depending on the model year. For a 2017 Subaru Legacy, you’ll likely encounter one of two main types: the bulging rectangle shape or the teardrop shape. Knowing which type you have is crucial because they use different batteries.
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Bulging Rectangle Shape: This is a more modern design, often found in newer Subaru models. It’s characterized by its rectangular shape with a noticeable bulge and usually includes a silver tab to release a mechanical emergency key.
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Teardrop Shape: This is an older, more rounded design, resembling a teardrop. It typically lacks the easily removable emergency key feature of the rectangular fob.
If you’re uncertain which key fob you have for your 2017 Subaru Legacy, consulting your owner’s manual is always the best approach. It will provide specific details about your vehicle’s key fob and the correct battery type.
Step-by-Step Battery Replacement for the Bulging Rectangle Key Fob (2032 Battery)
If your 2017 Subaru Legacy key fob is the bulging rectangle type, you’ll need a CR2032 battery. These batteries are widely available at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. Here’s how to replace it:
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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 the metal emergency key. Slide the key out and set it aside.
Alt text: Releasing the emergency key from a 2017 Subaru Legacy bulging rectangle key fob by pressing the silver tab.
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Pry Open the Key Fob: Carefully inspect the seam running around the edge of the key fob. This is where you’ll need to gently pry it open. A flathead screwdriver or a thin plastic pry tool can be helpful. Insert the tool into the seam and gently twist to separate the two halves of the fob. Be patient and avoid applying excessive force to prevent damage to the casing.
Alt text: Opening the 2017 Subaru Legacy key fob casing using a flathead screwdriver to access the battery compartment.
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Locate the Battery: Once the fob is open, you’ll see the internal components, including the circuit board and the round, flat key fob battery. The battery might be positioned either above or below the transmitter circuit board depending on how the fob opened.
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Replace the Battery: Gently release the old CR2032 battery from its holder. You may need to use your fingernail or a small tool to nudge it out. Take the new CR2032 battery and carefully place it into the holder, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upwards. Minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers, as oils can reduce battery life.
Alt text: Replacing the CR2032 battery in a 2017 Subaru Legacy key fob, showing correct battery orientation.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them firmly back together until they snap securely. Ensure there are no gaps and the casing is fully closed.
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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 Shape Key Fob (2025 Battery)
If your 2017 Subaru Legacy uses the teardrop-shaped key fob, the process is very similar, but you’ll need a CR2025 battery. These are also readily available. Here’s the procedure:
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Pry Open the Key Fob: The teardrop fob doesn’t have a separate emergency key release. Locate the seam around the fob casing. Use a flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool to carefully pry open the two halves of the fob, just like with the rectangular fob.
Alt text: Opening the teardrop-shaped 2017 Subaru Legacy key fob casing to access and replace the CR2025 battery.
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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 battery, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upwards.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Press the two halves of the teardrop key fob firmly together until they snap closed securely.
Troubleshooting: What if a New Battery Doesn’t Work?
In most cases, replacing the key fob battery will solve the issue. However, if you’ve installed a new battery and your 2017 Subaru Legacy key fob is still not working, there might be other factors at play. Here are a few troubleshooting steps:
- Battery Compatibility: Double-check that you’ve used the correct battery type (CR2032 for rectangular, CR2025 for teardrop). Using the wrong battery type can prevent the fob from working.
- Battery Orientation: Ensure the positive (+) side of the battery is facing upwards when installed in the fob. Incorrect orientation will prevent proper contact.
- Key Fob Programming: In rare cases, battery replacement might cause the key fob to lose its programming. While less common with simple battery changes, it’s possible. You can attempt to reprogram the key fob yourself (instructions are often found in the owner’s manual), or you may need to visit a Subaru dealership for programming.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried replacing the battery and troubleshooting, and your 2017 Subaru Legacy key fob is still not functioning correctly, it’s best to consult with professionals. Subaru dealerships have specialized equipment and expertise to diagnose and resolve key fob issues, including:
- Key Fob Replacement: If the key fob itself is damaged or faulty, a replacement might be necessary. Dealerships can order and program new key fobs specifically for your vehicle.
- Programming Issues: If reprogramming is required and DIY methods are unsuccessful, dealership technicians can handle the programming process.
- Underlying Vehicle Issues: In rare cases, key fob problems might be related to issues with your Subaru Legacy’s receiver or immobilizer system. Dealership service centers can diagnose and repair these more complex problems.
For reliable service and expert assistance with your 2017 Subaru Legacy key fob, consider scheduling a service appointment with your local Subaru dealership. They can ensure your key fob is functioning correctly and address any underlying issues efficiently.
Replacing your 2017 Subaru Legacy key fob battery is usually a quick and easy fix. By following these steps, you can often restore your key fob’s functionality and avoid unnecessary dealership visits. However, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you encounter persistent problems.
