Is your 2021 Subaru Forester key fob suddenly not working? Before you panic, the most likely culprit is a dead battery. Replacing the battery in your Subaru Forester key fob is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself, saving you time and a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through each step to get your key fob back in action quickly.
Understanding Your 2021 Subaru Forester Key Fob and Battery Needs
The 2021 Subaru Forester, like many modern Subaru vehicles, uses a key fob with a bulging rectangular shape. This design is user-friendly and relatively easy to open for a battery replacement.
For this specific key fob type, you’ll need a CR2032 battery. These batteries are widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, auto parts stores, and online retailers. It’s always a good idea to have a spare CR2032 battery on hand, just in case.
Alt text: Close-up of a rectangular 2021 Subaru Forester key fob highlighting the silver release tab for the emergency key.
Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing Your 2021 Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery
Replacing the battery in your 2021 Subaru Forester key fob is a simple process that should take only a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:
Tools You Will Need:
- A new CR2032 battery
- A small flathead screwdriver or your car’s emergency key (optional, for prying)
Steps:
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab on the back of your 2021 Subaru Forester key fob. Press and hold this tab to release and slide out the metal emergency key. Set the emergency key aside in a safe place.
Alt text: Demonstrating the removal of the metal emergency key from the back of a 2021 Subaru Forester key fob by pressing the silver release tab.
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Pry Open the Key Fob: Carefully inspect the seam running around the center of your key fob. This is where you need to gently pry it open. You can use your fingernail, the edge of the emergency key, or a small flathead screwdriver. Insert the flathead screwdriver or emergency key into the seam and gently twist to separate the two halves of the fob. Be careful not to apply excessive force, as you could damage the plastic casing.
Alt text: Using a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the two halves of a 2021 Subaru Forester key fob along the seam.
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Locate the Battery: Once the fob is open, you’ll see the internal components. The round, flat CR2032 battery will be visible, either on top of or underneath the transmitter circuit board depending on how the fob opens.
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Remove the Old Battery: Gently release the old CR2032 battery. Some fobs have a small clip holding the battery in place, while others rely on pressure. Note the orientation of the battery before removing it – usually, the positive (+) side faces upwards.
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Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and place it into the battery compartment, ensuring the correct side is facing up (positive side usually marked with a “+” symbol facing upwards). Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the battery with your fingers as much as possible; skin oils can reduce battery life.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob and press them firmly back together until they snap securely. You should hear a click or feel them lock into place.
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Re-insert the Emergency Key: Slide the metal emergency key back into its slot until it clicks and locks in place.
Alt text: Pressing the two halves of the 2021 Subaru Forester key fob back together after replacing the CR2032 battery.
Testing Your 2021 Subaru Forester Key Fob
After reassembling your key fob, test it to ensure the battery replacement was successful. Try locking and unlocking your 2021 Subaru Forester remotely, as well as using the panic button. If everything works as expected, you’ve successfully replaced your key fob battery!
What if the 2021 Subaru Forester Key Fob Still Doesn’t Work?
If you’ve replaced the battery and your 2021 Subaru Forester key fob is still not functioning, there might be another issue. Here are a few possibilities:
- Incorrect Battery Installation: Double-check that you inserted the new CR2032 battery with the correct polarity (positive side up).
- Battery Compatibility: Ensure you used the correct CR2032 battery. While other CR20XX batteries might fit, they may not provide the correct voltage.
- Key Fob Damage: If your key fob has been dropped or exposed to moisture, internal damage could be the problem.
- Synchronization Issues: In rare cases, the key fob might need to be reprogrammed to your vehicle, although battery replacement typically doesn’t cause this.
If you suspect a more serious issue or are uncomfortable troubleshooting further, it’s best to contact a professional.
Need Further Assistance? Contact Keyfobx.com Experts
While replacing your 2021 Subaru Forester key fob battery is usually a simple fix, keyfobx.com is here to help if you encounter any problems or prefer professional assistance. Our expert technicians can diagnose key fob issues, provide replacement fobs if needed, and handle any necessary programming. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for reliable and efficient service to get you back on the road with a fully functional key fob.
