Experiencing issues with your Subaru Ascent key fob? A common culprit is a dead or dying battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your Subaru Ascent key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself at home. This guide will walk you through each step to get your key fob working like new again, saving you time and a trip to the dealership.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools:
- A new CR2032 battery: This is the standard coin battery size for most Subaru key fobs. You can find these at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. For optimal performance and longevity, choose reputable brands like Energizer or Duracell.
- A small flathead screwdriver or a similar thin tool: This will be used to gently pry open the key fob case. A small coin or even your car’s mechanical key (removed from the fob) can also work in a pinch.
- A soft cloth (optional): To protect the key fob from scratches during the battery replacement process.
Alt text: Top view of a Subaru Ascent key fob, highlighting its button layout and sleek design, emphasizing the object of the battery replacement guide.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Key Fob Battery
Follow these easy steps to replace the battery in your Subaru Ascent key fob:
Step 1: Locate the Notch and Emergency Key
On the back or side of your Subaru Ascent key fob, you’ll find a small notch or release button. This is often located near the metal emergency key release. First, if your key fob has a separate release for the emergency key, remove the mechanical key. This will sometimes reveal a notch for opening the fob, or make it easier to access the main opening notch.
Alt text: Close-up of the back of a Subaru Ascent key fob, with a red circle highlighting the small notch used to open the key fob casing for battery replacement.
Step 2: Open the Key Fob Casing
Using your small flathead screwdriver or chosen tool, gently insert the tip into the notch. Carefully twist or pry to separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Avoid using excessive force, as you could damage the plastic. Work your way around the seam if needed until the case begins to split open. Once you have a small opening, you can often use your fingers to gently pull the two halves completely apart.
Alt text: Image showing a small screwdriver being used to gently pry open the casing of a Subaru Ascent key fob to access the battery compartment.
Step 3: Remove the Old Battery
With the key fob open, you’ll see the CR2032 battery. Note the orientation of the battery (positive side up or down) before removing it – usually, the positive (+) side is facing upwards. You might be able to gently pry the battery out with your fingertip. If it’s snug, use the very tip of your flathead screwdriver to carefully lift the edge of the battery and remove it from its compartment. Be careful not to damage the battery contacts.
Alt text: A hand carefully removing the old CR2032 battery from the opened Subaru Ascent key fob, showing the battery compartment and electronic components.
Step 4: Insert the New Battery
Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment, ensuring it is placed in the correct orientation (matching the orientation you noted in Step 3). Push down gently until the battery is securely seated in place.
Alt text: Image demonstrating the insertion of a new CR2032 battery into the Subaru Ascent key fob, ensuring correct polarity and secure placement within the compartment.
Step 5: Close the Key Fob Casing
Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them firmly back together until they snap securely shut. Ensure there are no gaps and the case is fully closed.
Alt text: Reassembling the Subaru Ascent key fob by pressing the two halves of the casing back together after the battery replacement, ensuring a secure closure.
Step 6: Test Your Key Fob
Test your key fob by pressing the lock, unlock, and panic buttons to ensure they are working correctly. If your Subaru Ascent has push-button start, also test starting the vehicle with the key fob. If everything is functioning as expected, you’ve successfully changed your Subaru Ascent key fob battery!
Tips to Extend Your Subaru Key Fob Battery Life
While CR2032 batteries are generally long-lasting, here are a few factors that can affect their lifespan and some tips to maximize it:
- Battery Quality: Not all CR2032 batteries are created equal. Investing in reputable brands like Energizer or Duracell can ensure better quality control and potentially longer battery life compared to generic or less known brands. Occasionally, even with good brands, a faulty battery can occur. If you have a battery tester, it’s a good idea to check the new battery before installation.
- Usage Habits: Frequent and unnecessary button presses can drain the battery faster. Avoid repeatedly pressing the lock/unlock buttons when approaching or leaving your vehicle if it’s not needed. Utilize your Subaru Ascent’s touch-sensitive door handles and proximity unlocking features if equipped; this can reduce button usage. For example, using the touch-enabled locking and proximity unlocking feature can minimize battery drain caused by excessive button pressing.
- Proximity to Vehicle: Keeping your key fob too close to your Subaru Ascent when at home may contribute to quicker battery drain for both the fob and the car itself. Maintain some distance between your key fob and your vehicle when parked at home. Consider storing your key fob further away from your car or using a Faraday box or pouch to block signals when at home, especially if you suspect this might be contributing to rapid battery drain.
By following these steps, you can confidently change your Subaru Ascent key fob battery and keep your key fob functioning reliably. For more helpful guides and automotive tips, visit keyfobprog.com!
