Is your 2014 Subaru Forester key fob suddenly not working? Before you panic, the most common culprit is a dead battery. Replacing the battery in your 2014 Subaru Forester key fob is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself, saving you time and a trip to the dealership. This guide from the experts at Keyfobx.com will walk you through each step to get your key fob working like new again.
Identifying Your 2014 Subaru Forester Key Fob and Battery Type
For the 2014 Subaru Forester, you’ll likely encounter one of two key fob styles. Knowing which one you have is the first step to a smooth battery replacement.
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Bulging Rectangle Shape: This is a common style and requires a CR2032 battery. You can identify this fob by its rectangular shape with a slightly bulging center.
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Teardrop Shape: An older style, this fob is shaped like a teardrop and typically uses a CR2025 battery.
If you’re uncertain which fob you have or the correct battery, your 2014 Subaru Forester owner’s manual is your best resource. It will provide specific details about your key fob and the recommended battery. Once you’ve confirmed your key fob type and battery, you’re ready to begin the replacement process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2014 Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery
No matter which type of 2014 Subaru Forester key fob you have, the battery replacement process is quite similar. Follow the instructions below that correspond to your key fob style.
Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle 2014 Subaru Forester Key Fob (CR2032 Battery)
This type of key fob is designed for relatively easy battery access. Here’s how to replace the CR2032 battery:
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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.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Carefully inspect the fob casing. You’ll notice a seam running around the middle. This is where you need to gently pry it open. A flathead screwdriver or a thin pry tool can be helpful here. Insert the tool into the seam and gently twist to separate the two halves of the fob. Be careful not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
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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 CR2032 battery. The battery might be positioned either above or below the circuit board depending on how the fob opened. Gently release the old battery. It might be held in place by small clips.
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Insert the New CR2032 Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and carefully place it into the battery compartment. Ensure the positive (+) side of the battery is facing upwards. This is crucial for the key fob to function correctly. Try to avoid touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers as oils from your skin can reduce battery life.
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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. You should hear a click indicating they are properly closed.
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Re-insert the Emergency Key: Slide the metal emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into place.
Your battery replacement is now complete! Test your key fob to ensure it’s working correctly by locking and unlocking your 2014 Subaru Forester remotely.
Replacing the Battery in a Teardrop Shape 2014 Subaru Forester Key Fob (CR2025 Battery)
The teardrop key fob is slightly older, but the battery replacement process is very similar to the rectangular fob. The main difference is the battery type and the absence of a removable emergency key. You’ll need a CR2025 battery for this fob.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Similar to the rectangular fob, locate the seam around the teardrop-shaped casing. Use a flathead screwdriver or pry tool to gently open the fob by twisting in the seam. Work carefully to separate the two halves without damaging the plastic.
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Locate and Remove the Old Battery: Once open, you’ll find the circuit board and the CR2025 battery. Remove the old battery, noting its orientation.
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Insert the New CR2025 Battery: Place the new CR2025 battery into the compartment, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upwards.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Snap the two halves of the teardrop key fob back together until they are firmly closed.
Test your key fob to confirm the battery replacement was successful.
Replacing the Battery in an Exposed Metal Key with Buttons 2014 Subaru Forester Key Fob (CR1620 Battery)
While less common for a 2014 model, some older Subaru Foresters might use a key fob where the metal key is always visible. This fob uses a CR1620 battery and has a slightly different opening process involving an inner casing.
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Open the Outer Key Fob Casing: The initial step is the same as with the rectangular fob. Look for the seam and gently pry open the outer casing using a flathead screwdriver or pry tool.
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Open the Inner Casing: Inside the outer casing, you’ll find a second, smaller casing that houses the battery. This inner casing usually has small tabs or clips holding it together. Carefully press these tabs to open the inner casing and access the battery.
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Locate and Replace the CR1620 Battery: Remove the old CR1620 battery and replace it with a new one, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upwards.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the inner casing first, making sure it’s securely snapped shut. Then, place the inner casing back into the outer casing and snap the outer casing closed.
Test your key fob after reassembly.
What if Replacing the 2014 Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Doesn’t Work?
In the vast majority of cases, replacing the battery will solve the problem of a non-working 2014 Subaru Forester key fob. However, if you’ve replaced the battery and your fob is still unresponsive, there could be other issues:
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Key Fob Programming: Sometimes, after a battery change, or especially if the battery has been dead for a while, the key fob might need to be reprogrammed to your vehicle. While newer Subaru models often require dealership programming, older models may be programmable at home. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific programming instructions for your 2014 Subaru Forester. The original article provided some general steps for older models that might be helpful, but always consult your manual first.
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Key Fob Damage: If your key fob has been dropped, gotten wet, or experienced other damage, internal components could be faulty, requiring a replacement fob.
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Vehicle Receiver Issues: In rare cases, the problem might not be the key fob itself, but the receiver in your 2014 Subaru Forester that communicates with the fob.
If you’ve tried a new battery and programming (if applicable) and your 2014 Subaru Forester key fob still isn’t working, it’s best to consult with professionals.
Rely on Keyfobx.com for Your Key Fob Needs
If you’re still having trouble with your 2014 Subaru Forester key fob, or if you need a replacement key fob or battery, keyfobx.com is here to assist. We offer a wide range of key fob batteries, replacement fobs, and expert advice to get you back on the road quickly. Contact us today or explore our website for helpful resources and to find the right battery for your 2014 Subaru Forester key fob!
