It’s a familiar scenario for many Subaru Outback owners: you reach for your key fob, press a button, and… nothing. The doors remain stubbornly locked, and panic starts to set in. Before you assume the worst, take a deep breath. For your 2010 Subaru Outback, the most likely culprit is simply a dead key fob battery. Replacing it is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself, saving you time and money compared to a dealership visit.
This guide, brought to you by the auto experts at keyfobx.com, will walk you through each step of replacing the battery in your 2010 Subaru Outback key fob. We’ll cover identifying your specific fob type, the tools you’ll need, and clear, easy-to-follow instructions to get you back on the road quickly. Let’s get started and restore the convenience of your remote keyless entry.
Identifying Your 2010 Subaru Outback Key Fob and Battery Type
Subaru has used a few different key fob designs over the years. For the 2010 Subaru Outback, you’ll likely encounter one of two main types. Knowing which one you have is crucial because it dictates the battery you’ll need.
1. Bulging Rectangle Shape: This is a common style and uses a CR2032 battery. It’s characterized by its rectangular shape with a noticeable bulge, and it usually has a small silver tab on the back for releasing a mechanical emergency key.
2. Teardrop Shape: An older design, the teardrop fob also exists for some 2010 models and uses a CR2025 battery. As the name suggests, it’s shaped like a teardrop and lacks the emergency key release tab found on the rectangular fob.
If you’re unsure which key fob you have for your 2010 Subaru Outback, your owner’s manual is the definitive guide. It will specify the exact type of key fob and battery your vehicle uses. Once you’ve confirmed your fob type and battery, you’re ready to proceed with the replacement.
Step-by-Step Battery Replacement for Your 2010 Subaru Outback Key Fob
No matter which type of key fob your 2010 Subaru Outback uses, the battery replacement process is remarkably similar. Here’s a detailed walkthrough for each type:
Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle Subaru Key Fob (CR2032 Battery)
This guide applies to the more common bulging rectangular key fob used for the 2010 Subaru Outback. You’ll need a CR2032 battery and a small flathead screwdriver.
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab on the back of your 2010 Subaru Outback key fob. Press and hold this tab to release and slide out the metal emergency key. Set the key aside in a safe place.
Alt text: Removing the emergency key from a bulging rectangular Subaru key fob.
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Pry Open the Key Fob Casing: Carefully inspect the seam running around the edge of your key fob. This is where you’ll gently pry it open. Insert the tip of your flathead screwdriver into this seam. Apply gentle twisting pressure to separate the two halves of the fob. Work your way around the seam slowly to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
Alt text: Using a flathead screwdriver to pry open the casing of a Subaru key fob.
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Locate and Remove the Old Battery: Once the fob is open, you’ll see the circuit board and the round, flat key fob battery. The battery might be positioned on top of or underneath the circuit board depending on how the fob opened. Gently note the orientation of the battery (+ side up or down). You may need to use the tip of your screwdriver to carefully nudge the old battery out of its holder.
Alt text: Close up view of the inside of a Subaru key fob showing the battery and circuit board.
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Install the New CR2032 Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment. Ensure the correct polarity (usually the positive side marked with a “+” faces upwards). Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers as much as possible; handle it by the edges to prevent transferring oils that can shorten battery life.
Alt text: Installing a new CR2032 battery into a Subaru key fob, ensuring correct polarity.
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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 into place. Re-insert the metal emergency key until it clicks and locks.
Alt text: Pressing the two halves of a Subaru key fob back together after battery replacement.
Replacing the Battery in a Teardrop Subaru Key Fob (CR2025 Battery)
If your 2010 Subaru Outback uses the teardrop-shaped key fob, the process is almost identical to the rectangular fob. The main difference is that you’ll be using a CR2025 battery and there’s no emergency key to remove.
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Pry Open the Key Fob Casing: Just like with the rectangular fob, locate the seam around the edge of the teardrop fob. Use your flathead screwdriver to gently pry the two halves of the casing apart.
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Locate and Remove the Old Battery: Open the fob and identify the battery. Note its orientation before carefully removing the old CR2025 battery.
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Install the New CR2025 Battery: Insert the new CR2025 battery into the compartment, ensuring correct polarity (+ side up). Handle the battery by its edges.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Snap the two halves of the teardrop key fob casing back together until they are firmly closed.
Replacing the Battery in an Older Subaru Key Fob with Exposed Metal Key (CR1620 Battery)
While less common for a 2010 Subaru Outback, some older models might use a fob with a permanently exposed metal key and buttons on the side. This type requires a CR1620 battery and involves an extra step of opening an inner casing.
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Open the Outer Casing: This process is similar to opening the rectangular fob. Pry open the main exterior casing of the key fob using a flathead screwdriver.
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Open the Inner Casing: Inside the outer casing, you’ll find a smaller, secondary casing. This inner casing usually has small tabs that you need to press to release it and open it up. Carefully examine the inner casing and identify these tabs. Use your screwdriver or fingernail to gently press the tabs and separate the two halves of the inner casing.
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Locate and Replace the CR1620 Battery: Once the inner casing is open, you’ll find the CR1620 battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one, ensuring correct polarity.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the inner casing first, making sure it snaps shut. Then, place the inner casing back into the outer casing and snap the outer casing closed.
Testing Your 2010 Subaru Outback Key Fob
After reassembling your key fob, test it immediately. Press the lock and unlock buttons to ensure they are now functioning correctly. If your 2010 Subaru Outback responds as expected, congratulations! You’ve successfully replaced your key fob battery and saved yourself a trip to the mechanic.
What if the New Battery Doesn’t Work?
In rare cases, replacing the battery might not solve the problem. If your 2010 Subaru Outback key fob still isn’t working after a battery replacement, here are a few possibilities:
- Incorrect Battery Type: Double-check that you used the correct battery type (CR2032, CR2025, or CR1620) as specified for your key fob.
- Battery Polarity: Ensure the battery is installed with the correct polarity (+ side up).
- Key Fob Damage: If the fob has been dropped or damaged, internal components might be broken.
- Programming Issue: In very rare instances, the key fob might need to be reprogrammed, although this is less common after a simple battery change.
If you suspect a more complex issue, or if you’re uncomfortable with any of these steps, it’s always best to consult with a qualified Subaru technician. You can contact your local Subaru dealership, like Subaru North Orlando, for assistance. They can diagnose the problem and offer solutions, including key fob programming or replacement if needed.
For 2010 Subaru Outback Key Fob Battery replacement and other service needs, trust the experts at keyfobx.com and your local Subaru service center.
