It’s frustrating when your Subaru key fob stops working. Often, the culprit is a dead battery. Knowing what kind of battery for your Subaru key fob is the first step to a quick and easy fix. Replacing the battery yourself is a simple task that can save you time and money compared to dealership service. This guide will walk you through identifying the correct battery for your Subaru key fob and how to replace it, ensuring you’re back on the road without delay.
Understanding Your Subaru Key Fob Battery Needs
Subaru key fobs aren’t one-size-fits-all, and neither are their batteries. The type of battery you need depends on the design of your key fob, which generally correlates with the age of your Subaru vehicle. There are three main types of Subaru key fobs, each requiring a specific battery:
- Bulging Rectangle Shape: Commonly found in newer Subaru models, this fob typically uses a CR2032 battery.
- Teardrop Shape: An older design, this teardrop-shaped fob usually requires a CR2025 battery.
- Exposed Metal Key with Buttons: The oldest style of electronic Subaru key fob, featuring a visible metal key, uses a CR1620 battery.
If you’re uncertain about your key fob type and the corresponding battery, your Subaru owner’s manual is the definitive resource. Locating your key fob type in the manual will clearly indicate the battery you need for a successful replacement. Once you know What Kind Of Battery For Subaru Key Fob you require, you can proceed with the replacement process.
Step-by-Step Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement Guide
No matter which type of Subaru key fob you have, the battery replacement process is straightforward. Here are detailed instructions for each fob style:
Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle Subaru Key Fob (CR2032 Battery)
This type of fob, requiring a CR2032 battery, is common in recent Subaru models. Follow these steps for a smooth battery replacement:
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Remove the Emergency Key: On the back of your key fob, locate a small silver tab. Press and hold this tab to release and remove the metal emergency key.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: After removing the emergency key, you’ll see a seam where the two halves of the fob casing join. Carefully pry open the fob at this seam. A flathead screwdriver can be helpful, but insert it gently to avoid damaging the plastic.
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Locate the Battery: Once opened, you’ll see the internal components of the key fob. The flat, round CR2032 battery will be visible, either on top of or beneath the transmitter circuit board, depending on how the fob opens.
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Replace the Old Battery: Gently release the old CR2032 battery from its housing. Note the orientation (which side is facing up) before removing it. Pop the new CR2032 battery into place, ensuring the correct side is facing upwards, just like the old one. Minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery to preserve its lifespan.
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Reassemble the Key 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. Your bulging rectangle Subaru key fob battery replacement is now complete.
Replacing the Battery in a Teardrop Shape Subaru Key Fob (CR2025 Battery)
For the teardrop-shaped Subaru key fob, which uses a CR2025 battery, the process is very similar, just without the emergency key removal step:
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Locate the seam on the teardrop-shaped fob. Carefully pry it open using your fingers or a flathead screwdriver, inserted gently into the seam.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Inside the fob, find the CR2025 battery. Remove the old battery, noting its orientation. Install the new CR2025 battery, ensuring it’s placed in the same orientation as the old one.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Press the two halves of the teardrop fob casing back together until they snap shut securely. Your teardrop Subaru key fob battery replacement is finished.
Replacing the Battery in an Exposed Metal Key Subaru Key Fob (CR1620 Battery)
This older Subaru key fob with an exposed metal key and buttons requires a slightly different approach due to its two-layer casing and uses a CR1620 battery:
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Open the Outer Casing: The process to open the outer casing of this fob is similar to the bulging rectangle fob. You may find a small indentation or seam to pry open the initial casing.
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Open the Inner Casing: Once the outer casing is open, you’ll see a second, smaller inner casing. This inner casing protects the circuit board and battery. Look for small tabs on this inner casing. Gently press these tabs to release and open the inner casing.
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Replace the Battery: Inside the inner casing, you’ll find the CR1620 battery. Remove the old battery and install a new CR1620 battery, paying close attention to the correct polarity (orientation).
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the inner casing, ensuring it clicks shut. Then, place the inner casing back into the outer casing and snap the outer casing closed. Your exposed metal key Subaru key fob battery is now replaced.
What If a New Battery Doesn’t Solve the Problem?
If you’ve replaced what kind of battery for Subaru key fob is required for your model, and your fob still isn’t working, the issue might be more complex. It’s possible that the key fob itself is faulty or needs reprogramming.
For newer Subaru models, key fob programming often requires dealership intervention due to security protocols. If you suspect your fob needs reprogramming or replacement, contacting your local Subaru dealership, like Subaru North Orlando, is recommended. They have the expertise and equipment to diagnose and fix more complex key fob issues.
For older Subaru models, there are some DIY programming methods that might work. However, these methods can be intricate and may not be successful for all vehicles. If you’re comfortable with a slightly technical procedure, you can research model-specific Subaru key fob programming guides online. However, if you’re unsure or prefer a guaranteed solution, professional programming at a dealership is the most reliable path.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Subaru Key Fob Powered Up
Knowing what kind of battery for Subaru key fob you need and how to replace it is a valuable skill for any Subaru owner. By following these simple steps, you can quickly resolve a dead key fob battery and regain access to your vehicle. Remember to consult your owner’s manual to confirm the correct battery type for your specific Subaru key fob. And if battery replacement doesn’t solve the problem, don’t hesitate to seek professional service from a certified Subaru technician to ensure your key fob is functioning correctly.
