Is your 2021 Subaru Forester key fob acting up? Don’t get stranded or locked out! One of the most common culprits for a malfunctioning key fob is a dead battery. The good news is, replacing the battery in your Subaru key fob is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself. No need for a costly trip to the dealership right away. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to change the battery in your 2021 Subaru Forester key fob, saving you time and money.
Knowing how to replace your key fob battery is a valuable skill for any car owner. While this guide focuses on the 2021 Subaru Forester, the process is similar for many Subaru models. Let’s get started and get your key fob working like new again!
Identifying Your Subaru Key Fob Type and Battery
Subaru has used a few different key fob designs over the years. While the 2021 Forester typically uses the “bulging rectangle shape” key fob, it’s always a good idea to double-check your owner’s manual to confirm the exact type for your vehicle. Knowing your key fob type is crucial because it dictates the battery you’ll need.
Here are the common Subaru key fob types and the batteries they require:
- Bulging Rectangle Shape: This is the most common type for newer Subaru vehicles, including the 2021 Forester. It requires a CR2032 battery.
- Teardrop Shape: This older, teardrop-shaped fob is less common in newer models but might be found in some older Foresters. It uses a CR2025 battery.
- Exposed Metal Key with Buttons: The oldest electronic Subaru key fob design features the metal key visible at all times. This type uses a CR1620 battery.
Once you’ve identified your key fob type and the correct battery, you’re ready to proceed with the battery replacement. You’ll likely find the necessary battery at any drugstore, supermarket, or auto parts store.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Subaru Key Fob Battery
The battery replacement process is quite similar for all Subaru key fob types. Follow the steps below that correspond to your key fob style.
Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle Subaru Key Fob (2021 Forester)
This guide is specifically tailored for the key fob commonly used with the 2021 Subaru Forester. You will need 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. This key is a backup to manually unlock your car door if the key fob battery is completely dead.
- Open the Key Fob Casing: Carefully pry open the key fob casing. You can use your fingernail or a small flathead screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver into the seam running along the edge of the fob and gently twist to separate the two halves. Be careful not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
- Locate the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the internal components of the key fob. The flat, round CR2032 battery will be visible, either on top of or underneath the transmitter circuit board, depending on how you opened the fob.
- Remove and Replace the Old Battery: Gently release the old battery. It might be held in place by small clips. Note the orientation of the battery (which side is facing up) before removing it. Insert the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the correct side is facing upwards (usually the positive (+) side facing up, often indicated by markings in the battery compartment). Try to minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers to avoid transferring oils.
- Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together. Ensure they are firmly closed and that all edges are aligned. Finally, slide the metal emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into place.
Replacing the Battery in a Teardrop Shape Subaru Key Fob
For the teardrop-shaped fob, you’ll need a CR2025 battery. The process is almost identical to the bulging rectangle fob, but it lacks the emergency key removal step.
- Open the Key Fob Casing: Use your fingernail or a small flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the teardrop key fob casing, just like in step 2 above for the rectangular fob.
- Locate and Replace the Battery: Follow steps 3 and 4 from the bulging rectangle fob instructions to locate, remove, and replace the CR2025 battery.
- Reassemble the Key Fob: Snap the two halves of the teardrop key fob casing back together securely.
Replacing the Battery in an Exposed Metal Key Subaru Key Fob
This older style fob uses a smaller CR1620 battery and has a slightly different opening process due to its two-layer casing.
- Open the Outer Casing: Open the exterior casing of this key fob just as you would for the bulging rectangle or teardrop fobs, using your fingernail or a small flathead screwdriver to pry it apart.
- Open the Inner Casing: Inside the outer casing, you’ll find a second, smaller casing. This inner casing protects the circuit board and battery. Look for small tabs or clips on this inner casing. Gently press these tabs to release and open the inner casing.
- Locate and Replace the Battery: Once the inner casing is open, you can access the CR1620 battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one, making sure the correct side is facing up.
- Reassemble Both Casings: Close the inner casing first, ensuring it snaps shut properly. Then, place the inner casing back inside the outer casing and snap the two halves of the outer casing back together.
What to Do If Changing the Battery Doesn’t Solve the Problem
If you’ve replaced your Subaru key fob battery and it’s still not working, there might be a different issue. In some cases, the key fob itself might be faulty or require reprogramming.
For newer Subaru models, particularly those with the bulging rectangular key fob, key fob programming often needs to be done at a dealership for security reasons. If a battery replacement doesn’t fix the issue with your 2021 Subaru Forester key fob, it’s best to contact your local Subaru dealership, such as Subaru North Orlando, for assistance. They have the specialized equipment to diagnose key fob problems and program new fobs if necessary.
While older Subaru key fobs could sometimes be programmed at home, this process is generally not recommended for modern vehicles due to security complexities. Dealership service ensures your key fob is properly programmed and synced with your vehicle’s security system.
Get Back on the Road with a Working Key Fob
Changing your Subaru key fob battery is usually a quick and easy fix for common key fob issues. By following these steps, you can often restore your key fob’s functionality and avoid unnecessary dealership visits. However, if you encounter any difficulties or if a new battery doesn’t solve the problem, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a certified Subaru service center. They can provide expert diagnosis and repair to ensure your key fob and vehicle security system are working correctly.
