Experiencing unexpected battery drain in your 2021 Subaru Ascent key fob can be frustrating. While key fobs are designed for longevity, several factors can contribute to a shortened battery life. Understanding these reasons can help you troubleshoot the issue and ensure you’re not caught off guard. Let’s delve into the common culprits behind a quickly depleting key fob battery in your Subaru Ascent.
One primary factor often overlooked is the quality control of the CR2032 coin battery itself. Not all CR2032 batteries are manufactured to the same standards. Even within reputable brands, a faulty battery can occasionally slip through quality checks. If you have access to a battery tester, it’s a worthwhile step to check the voltage of a new battery before installing it in your key fob. This simple check can save you potential headaches down the road. For consistent performance, consider using batteries from well-known brands like Energizer or Duracell. While Panasonic batteries are also a good option, ensuring you’re purchasing genuine ones, especially online, is crucial to avoid counterfeits.
Another significant, yet often self-inflicted, cause of rapid battery drain is user habits. Do you find yourself repeatedly pressing the lock and unlock buttons on your key fob as you approach or leave your vehicle? This common habit, driven by impatience or simply wanting to be sure, significantly increases battery consumption. Each button press sends a signal, drawing power from the battery. To mitigate this, leverage the touch-sensitive locking and proximity unlocking features of your 2021 Subaru Ascent. These features minimize the need for excessive button pressing. If you have moments of doubt after walking away from your car, resist the urge to repeatedly press the fob buttons. Instead, use the MySubaru/Starlink app to confirm your vehicle’s lock status remotely.
Furthermore, the proximity of your key fob to your vehicle when not in use can also impact battery life. There’s growing evidence suggesting that keeping your smart fob too close to your Subaru Ascent can lead to a phenomenon known as “phantom drain.” In this scenario, the continuous communication attempts between the fob and the vehicle, even when parked, can drain both the car’s battery and the key fob battery prematurely. To prevent this, ensure you store your key fob far enough away from your vehicle when you are at home or parked for extended periods. Alternatively, consider using a Faraday cage or a signal-blocking valet tray to store your fob. These devices effectively block communication signals, allowing both your car and key fob to enter a true “sleep” state and conserve battery power.
In conclusion, if you’re experiencing frequent battery replacements in your 2021 Subaru Ascent key fob, consider the battery quality, your usage habits regarding button presses, and how you store your fob when not in use. Addressing these factors can significantly extend your key fob battery life and ensure reliable access to your vehicle. Remember to also familiarize yourself with your emergency key and the procedure for starting your Ascent with a dead key fob battery as a precautionary measure.
