It’s a familiar scenario for many Subaru owners: you reach for your key fob to unlock your car, and nothing happens. Frustration mounts quickly when you realize you might be locked out of your vehicle. Before you panic, take a deep breath. Often, the solution is as simple as a Subaru key fob battery replacement. The good news is that changing the battery in your Subaru key fob is a straightforward process you can easily handle yourself.
But before you start, the crucial first step is to know: what kind of battery does your Subaru key fob use? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, as Subaru has utilized a few different key fob designs over the years, each requiring a specific battery type. This guide, brought to you by the experts at keyfobprog.com, will walk you through identifying your key fob, determining the correct battery, and completing the replacement process with ease.
Knowing the right battery and how to replace it is essential for maintaining the convenience and security of your Subaru. Let’s dive into the details and get your key fob working like new again.
Understanding Subaru Key Fob Batteries
Subaru key fobs, while varying in design, predominantly use coin cell batteries. These small, button-shaped batteries are common in various electronic devices, including key fobs due to their compact size and long-lasting power. The specific type of coin cell battery your Subaru key fob requires depends on the fob’s design, which generally correlates with the age of your Subaru vehicle.
There are three main types of Subaru key fobs you might encounter, and each uses a different battery:
-
Bulging Rectangle Shape Fob: Typically found in newer Subaru models, this fob design is characterized by its rectangular shape with a noticeable bulge. This type of fob uses a CR2032 battery.
-
Teardrop Shape Fob: This older, teardrop-shaped fob is less common in recent models but still prevalent. It requires a CR2025 battery.
-
Exposed Metal Key with Buttons Fob: The oldest of the electronic Subaru key fobs, this design features the metal key visibly integrated with the button casing. This fob uses a CR1620 battery.
To accurately determine what kind of battery your Subaru key fob uses, the best approach is to consult your Subaru owner’s manual. This manual contains specific information about your vehicle’s features, including the key fob and its battery requirements. If you don’t have your owner’s manual readily available, don’t worry! We’ll guide you through identifying your fob type and the corresponding battery in the next section.
Step-by-Step Guides for Replacing Subaru Key Fob Batteries
Once you’ve identified your Subaru key fob type, you’re ready to replace the battery. The process is similar for all types, with slight variations. Follow the step-by-step instructions below for your specific key fob design:
Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement – Bulging Rectangle Shape (CR2032 Battery)
This guide is for the bulging rectangle-shaped Subaru key fob, which requires a CR2032 battery.
-
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.
Alt text: Removing the silver emergency key from the back of a Subaru bulging rectangle key fob by pressing the release tab.
-
Pry Open the Fob: Carefully separate the two halves of the key fob casing. You can use a flathead screwdriver inserted into the seam to gently pry it open. Be cautious not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
Alt text: Using a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the seam of a Subaru bulging rectangle key fob to access the battery.
-
Locate and Remove the Old Battery: Once open, you’ll see the flat, round CR2032 battery. It may be positioned above or below the transmitter circuit board depending on how you opened the fob. Gently release the old battery from its housing. You might need to use the tip of a screwdriver or your fingernail to help lift it out.
-
Install the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment. Ensure the positive (+) side of the battery is facing upwards. Handle the new battery by its edges as much as possible to avoid transferring oils from your fingers, which can potentially reduce battery life.
-
Reassemble the Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together until they are securely closed. Re-insert the metal emergency key until it clicks into place.
Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement – Teardrop Shape (CR2025 Battery)
For the teardrop-shaped Subaru key fob, you’ll need a CR2025 battery. The process is almost identical to the rectangular fob, but note that the teardrop fob does not have an emergency key release.
-
Pry Open the Fob: As with the rectangular fob, carefully pry open the teardrop key fob casing using a flathead screwdriver or similar tool.
Alt text: Gently prying open the teardrop shaped Subaru key fob with a flathead screwdriver to prepare for battery replacement.
-
Locate and Replace the Battery: Open the fob to access the CR2025 battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR2025, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing up.
-
Reassemble the Fob: Snap the two halves of the teardrop key fob casing back together securely.
Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement – Exposed Metal Key With Buttons (CR1620 Battery)
This older Subaru key fob with an exposed metal key requires a CR1620 battery. It involves an extra step because of an inner casing.
-
Pry Open the Outer Casing: First, open the exterior casing of this fob, similar to how you opened the previous fob types, using a flathead screwdriver.
Alt text: Using a flat tool to pry open the outer shell of an older Subaru key fob with an exposed metal key.
-
Open the Inner Casing: Inside the outer casing, you’ll find a smaller, inner casing. This inner casing has small tabs that you need to press to open it. Carefully press these tabs to separate the inner casing halves.
Alt text: Pressing the small tabs on the inner casing of an older Subaru key fob to access the CR1620 battery compartment.
-
Replace the Battery: Once the inner casing is open, you can access and replace the CR1620 battery. Remove the old battery and install the new CR1620 battery with the positive (+) side facing upwards.
-
Reassemble Both Casings: Close the inner casing first, ensuring it snaps shut. Then, place the inner casing back into the outer casing and snap the outer casing closed as well.
What to Do If Battery Replacement Doesn’t Work
In most cases, replacing the Subaru key fob battery will solve the problem. However, if you’ve replaced the battery and your key fob still isn’t working, there might be another issue. It’s possible that the key fob itself needs to be reprogrammed or replaced entirely.
For newer Subaru models, key fob programming typically requires specialized equipment and must be done at a dealership. If you have an older Subaru, you might be able to attempt a DIY programming procedure, but this is not always successful and can be complex.
If you’re still experiencing issues after battery replacement, the best course of action is to contact a trusted Subaru dealership, like Subaru North Orlando. Our certified technicians can diagnose the problem, reprogram your existing fob if possible, or provide you with a new key fob and program it for you. While DIY battery replacement is convenient, for more complex issues, professional service ensures your Subaru’s key fob system functions reliably.
Replacing your Subaru key fob battery is usually a simple task. By identifying your key fob type and following the correct steps, you can quickly restore its functionality. Remember to use the correct battery type – CR2032, CR2025, or CR1620 – depending on your fob design. And if you encounter any difficulties, professional help is always available to ensure you’re never locked out of your Subaru for long.
