Is your 2019 Subaru Forester key fob acting up? Don’t get stranded! Often, the culprit is simply a dead battery. Replacing the battery in your Subaru Forester key fob is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you get back on the road quickly.
Understanding the frustration of a malfunctioning key fob is key to providing helpful content. Whether your 2019 Subaru Forester’s key fob is completely unresponsive or just working intermittently, a battery change is the first and most common fix. Forget the stress of dealership visits for minor issues – we’ll show you how to tackle this at home with minimal tools and effort.
Let’s dive into how to replace your 2019 Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery.
Identifying Your 2019 Subaru Forester Key Fob Type
For the 2019 Subaru Forester, you’ll most likely encounter the bulging rectangle shape key fob. This design is common for many newer Subaru models and is easily recognizable.
While there might be slight variations across Subaru models and years, for the 2019 Forester, the bulging rectangular fob is the standard. This type of fob requires a CR2032 battery. Knowing this upfront simplifies the process, allowing you to purchase the correct replacement battery before you even begin.
Alt text: Close-up of a bulging rectangular Subaru key fob, the standard type for the 2019 Forester, highlighting its shape and button layout.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2019 Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery
Replacing the battery in your 2019 Subaru Forester key fob is a simple process. Here’s how to do it:
Tools You’ll Need
- A new CR2032 battery. You can find these at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
- A small flathead screwdriver or a similar thin tool. A butter knife or even the emergency key from your fob can work in a pinch.
Battery Replacement Steps
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab on the back of your 2019 Subaru Forester key fob. Press and hold this tab to release and remove the metal emergency key. This key is a mechanical backup and needs to be removed to access the fob casing.
Alt text: Demonstration of removing the metal emergency key from the back of a Subaru key fob by pressing the silver release tab.
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Pry Open the Key Fob: Carefully insert your flathead screwdriver or chosen tool into the seam running along the side of the key fob. Gently twist or pry to separate the two halves of the fob casing. Take your time and avoid excessive force to prevent damage to the plastic.
Alt text: Using a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the seam of a Subaru key fob to access the battery compartment.
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Locate the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the internal components of your 2019 Subaru Forester key fob. The round, flat CR2032 battery will be visible, either directly accessible or positioned on the circuit board.
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Replace the Battery: Gently release the old CR2032 battery. Note the orientation of the battery before removing it – usually, the positive (+) side faces upwards. Pop the new CR2032 battery into place, ensuring the correct side is facing up. Handle the new battery by its edges as much as possible to avoid transferring oils from your fingers.
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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. Re-insert the metal emergency key until it clicks securely into place.
What If Replacing the Battery Doesn’t Work?
In most cases, replacing the battery will solve the issue with your 2019 Subaru Forester key fob. However, if you’ve installed a fresh CR2032 battery and your fob is still unresponsive, there might be other issues.
- Check Battery Orientation: Double-check that you inserted the new battery with the correct polarity (+ side up).
- Battery Quality: Ensure you are using a new, high-quality CR2032 battery. Expired or low-quality batteries might not provide enough power.
- Key Fob Programming: In rare cases, battery replacement might require reprogramming the key fob to your vehicle. While less common after a simple battery change, it’s a possibility. Refer to your owner’s manual for key fob programming instructions, or consult your Subaru dealer.
- Key Fob Damage: If your key fob has been damaged by water or impact, internal components might be faulty, requiring professional repair or replacement.
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and your 2019 Subaru Forester key fob remains problematic, it’s best to contact your local Subaru dealership. They can diagnose the issue, program a new key fob if needed, or address any underlying problems.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your 2019 Subaru Forester key fob is typically a quick and easy fix for common key fob issues. By following these simple steps, you can regain full functionality of your key fob and avoid unnecessary trips to the dealership. However, remember that if problems persist, seeking professional help from a Subaru service center is always a reliable option to ensure your vehicle’s security and convenience features operate flawlessly.
