Is your 2020 Subaru Outback key fob not working as reliably as it used to? Before you panic, the most likely culprit is a low or dead battery. Replacing the battery in your Subaru Outback key fob is a straightforward process you can easily handle yourself, saving you time and a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can quickly regain full access to your vehicle.
Subaru utilizes a few different key fob designs, but for the 2020 Outback, you’ll typically encounter the bulging rectangle shape. While other shapes exist for different models and years, we’ll focus on the most common types and provide instructions for each to ensure you’re covered. Knowing your key fob type is helpful, but the battery replacement process is generally similar across models.
Let’s dive into how to replace your dead Subaru key fob battery and get you back on the road with a fully functional remote.
Step-by-Step: Replacing Your 2020 Subaru Outback Key Fob Battery
We’ll start with the most common key fob for the 2020 Subaru Outback: the bulging rectangle shape. This type is user-friendly and requires minimal tools.
Bulging Rectangle Key Fob (Most Common for 2020 Outback)
Battery Type Required: CR2032
This is the most probable key fob type for your 2020 Subaru Outback. Here’s how to replace its battery:
- Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small, silver tab on the rear of your key fob. Press and hold this tab to release and remove the metal emergency key. Set the key aside in a safe place.
Alt text: Releasing the emergency key from a Subaru key fob by pressing the silver tab on the back, preparing for battery replacement.
- Open the Key Fob Casing: Carefully pry open the key fob. A flathead screwdriver can be helpful here. Insert the screwdriver into the seam running along the edge of the fob, between the two halves. Gently twist the screwdriver to separate the casing. Be careful not to apply excessive force, as you could damage the plastic.
Alt text: Using a flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the casing of a Subaru key fob to access the battery compartment for replacement.
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Identify the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the internal components. The flat, round CR2032 battery will be visible, either on top of or underneath the transmitter circuit board, depending on how the fob halves separated.
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Replace the Old Battery: Gently release the old CR2032 battery from its housing. You might be able to pry it out with your fingertip or the flathead screwdriver if needed. Take the new CR2032 battery and carefully pop it into place. Ensure the positive (+) side of the battery is facing upwards. Try to minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers to avoid transferring oils.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together. They should click securely into place. Finally, re-insert the metal emergency key until it locks into its original position.
Your 2020 Subaru Outback key fob should now be powered by a fresh battery and ready to use. Test the lock and unlock buttons to confirm successful battery replacement.
Teardrop Shape Key Fob
Battery Type Required: CR2025
While less common for the 2020 Outback, some older or specific models might use a teardrop-shaped fob. The battery replacement process is very similar to the bulging rectangle type.
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Skip Emergency Key Removal: The teardrop fob doesn’t have a removable emergency key, so you’ll skip the first step from the previous instructions.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the teardrop-shaped fob casing, just as described in step 2 for the rectangular fob.
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Identify and Replace Battery: Locate the CR2025 battery inside. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR2025, ensuring correct polarity (+ side up).
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Reassemble: Snap the fob casing back together securely.
Exposed Metal Key with Buttons Key Fob
Battery Type Required: CR1620
This is the oldest style of electronic Subaru key fob, and it’s highly unlikely to be the one for your 2020 Outback. However, for completeness, here are the steps. This fob is distinguished by its permanently visible metal key and requires a slightly different approach due to an inner casing.
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Open the Outer Casing: Open the main, exterior casing of this fob just as you would for the bulging rectangle or teardrop fobs, using a flathead screwdriver to gently pry it apart.
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Open the Inner Casing: Inside the exterior casing, you’ll find a second, smaller casing. This inner casing will have small tabs. Press these tabs to release and open the inner casing.
Alt text: Pressing the tabs on a Subaru key fob’s inner casing to access the CR1620 battery for replacement in older models.
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Replace the Battery: The CR1620 battery will now be accessible. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR1620 battery, again making sure the positive (+) side is facing upwards.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the inner casing first, ensuring it clicks shut. Then, place the inner casing back inside the exterior casing and snap the exterior casing closed.
What If a New Battery Doesn’t Solve the Problem?
If you’ve replaced your 2020 Subaru Outback Key Fob Battery and it’s still not working, there might be another issue. In some cases, the key fob itself might be faulty, or it may need to be reprogrammed to your vehicle.
For newer Subaru models, like the 2020 Outback, key fob programming typically requires dealership intervention due to security protocols. If a battery replacement doesn’t fix the issue, contacting your local Subaru dealership, such as Subaru North Orlando, is the best next step.
While older Subaru key fobs could sometimes be reprogrammed at home using a specific sequence of steps involving the ignition and door locks, this method is not generally applicable to modern vehicles like the 2020 Outback. Attempting outdated programming procedures might not work and could potentially cause unintended issues.
Professional Help is Available
If you’re experiencing persistent issues with your 2020 Subaru Outback key fob, or if you prefer professional assistance, Subaru dealerships are equipped to diagnose and resolve any key fob related problems. They can provide new key fobs if needed and handle the necessary programming to ensure seamless functionality with your vehicle.
Don’t hesitate to schedule a service appointment with your trusted Subaru service center. They have the expertise and tools to get your key fob working perfectly, providing you with peace of mind and convenient access to your 2020 Subaru Outback.
