Experiencing a non-responsive key fob can be more than a minor inconvenience—it can disrupt your entire day. If you drive a 2021 Subaru and your key fob is acting up, the most common culprit is a dead battery. The good news is that replacing the 2021 Subaru Key Fob Battery is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself, saving you time and a trip to the dealership for a simple fix.
Before you get started, it’s helpful to know that Subaru has used a few different key fob designs over the years. While the battery replacement process is similar across models, knowing your fob type will ensure you use the correct battery. This guide will walk you through replacing the battery in the three main types of Subaru key fobs, ensuring you get your 2021 Subaru key fob working like new again.
Identifying Your Subaru Key Fob Type for Battery Replacement
Subaru key fobs come in three primary shapes, and identifying yours is the first step to a smooth battery replacement. Knowing your key fob type not only helps you follow the correct steps but also ensures you purchase the right replacement battery. If you’re unsure which type you have, your Subaru owner’s manual is the best resource for quick identification.
Here’s a quick rundown of the common Subaru key fob types:
- Bulging Rectangle Shape: This is a common design for newer Subaru models, including many 2021 vehicles. It’s characterized by its rectangular shape with a noticeable bulge and typically requires a CR2032 battery.
- Teardrop Shape: An older design, the teardrop fob is, as the name suggests, shaped like a teardrop. This type usually requires a CR2025 battery.
- Exposed Metal Key with Buttons: This older style features the metal key visibly extending from the fob body with buttons on the side. This fob typically uses a CR1620 battery and has a slightly different opening process due to an inner casing.
Once you’ve identified your key fob type, you’re ready to proceed with the battery replacement. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guides for each type.
Step-by-Step Guide to 2021 Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement
No matter which 2021 Subaru model you drive, from the popular Forester to the adventurous Outback, the key fob battery replacement process is designed to be user-friendly. Below are detailed instructions for each key fob type, starting with the bulging rectangle fob, commonly associated with 2021 Subaru vehicles.
Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle Subaru Key Fob (CR2032 Battery)
This type of key fob, often used for 2021 Subaru models, is straightforward to open and requires a CR2032 battery. Here’s how to replace the 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 separate component and needs to be removed to access the fob casing.
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Pry Open the Fob: After removing the emergency key, you’ll see a seam running along the edge of the fob. Carefully insert a flathead screwdriver or a similar thin, flat tool into this seam. Gently twist or pry to separate the two halves of the fob casing. Take your time to avoid damaging the plastic.
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Locate the Battery: Once open, identify the round, flat CR2032 battery. Depending on how the fob opens, the battery might be visible immediately or located under the transmitter circuit board.
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Replace the Battery: Gently release the old battery. Note the orientation of the battery (positive side up) before removing it. Pop in the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the correct side is facing upwards. Minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery to avoid transferring oils from your fingers.
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Reassemble the Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together until they are securely closed. Re-insert the metal emergency key until it clicks into place. Your 2021 Subaru key fob battery replacement is now complete.
Replacing the Battery in a Teardrop Shape Subaru Key Fob (CR2025 Battery)
For older Subaru models using the teardrop-shaped fob, the battery replacement process is very similar. The main difference is the battery type required – CR2025 – and the absence of an emergency key release.
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Pry Open the Fob: Locate the seam on the teardrop-shaped fob. Insert a flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the seam and gently pry to separate the two halves of the fob casing.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Open the fob to reveal the CR2025 battery. Remove the old battery, noting its orientation. Install the new CR2025 battery with the correct side facing up.
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Reassemble the Fob: Snap the two halves of the fob back together, ensuring they close securely. The battery replacement is now complete.
Replacing the Battery in an Exposed Metal Key Subaru Key Fob (CR1620 Battery)
The oldest style of Subaru electronic key fob, featuring an exposed metal key, requires a slightly different approach due to its double casing design and uses a CR1620 battery.
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Open the Exterior Casing: This process is similar to the bulging rectangle fob. Locate the seam and gently pry open the exterior casing of the fob.
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Open the Interior Casing: Inside the exterior casing, you’ll find a second, smaller casing. This interior casing has small tabs that need to be pressed to open it. Carefully locate and press these tabs to separate the interior casing halves.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Once the interior casing is open, you’ll see the CR1620 battery. Remove the old battery, noting its orientation. Install the new CR1620 battery with the correct side facing up.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the interior casing first, ensuring it snaps shut. Then, place the interior casing back into the exterior casing and snap the exterior casing halves together until they are securely closed. Your battery replacement is complete.
What to Do If Replacing the 2021 Subaru Key Fob Battery Doesn’t Work
In the vast majority of cases, replacing the battery will solve the issue of a non-functioning 2021 Subaru key fob. However, if you’ve replaced the battery and your fob still isn’t working, the problem might be more complex.
One possibility is that the key fob needs to be reprogrammed. While some older Subaru models allow for DIY key fob programming, newer models, including many 2021 vehicles with the bulging rectangular fob, often require professional programming at a dealership due to security protocols.
Another possibility is that the key fob itself is faulty and needs to be replaced. If reprogramming doesn’t work, or if your fob is physically damaged, a replacement fob might be necessary. New key fobs typically need to be ordered and programmed by a Subaru dealership to ensure compatibility and security.
Need Further Assistance with Your 2021 Subaru Key Fob?
If you’re still experiencing issues with your 2021 Subaru key fob after battery replacement, or if you suspect you need a new fob or programming, the experts at Subaru North Orlando are here to help. Our trained technicians can quickly diagnose key fob issues, perform programming, and assist with key fob replacement if needed.
Don’t let key fob troubles disrupt your day. Contact us today or schedule your service appointment online, and let us take care of your Subaru key fob needs. We also offer service specials to make your visit even more valuable. We are conveniently located in Sanford and serve customers from Orlando and surrounding areas. Let Subaru North Orlando get you back on the road with a functioning key fob you can rely on.
