Is your 2022 Subaru Forester key fob acting up? Don’t panic! One of the most common culprits is a dead battery. Fortunately, 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 can quickly regain full access to your vehicle without the hassle of a dealership visit for a simple battery change. Whether you’re experiencing decreased range or your key fob is completely unresponsive, a fresh battery is often the only fix needed. Let’s get started and show you how easy it is to replace your 2022 Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery.
Identifying Your Subaru Forester Key Fob Type
Subaru has utilized a few different key fob designs over the years. Knowing which type you have for your 2022 Forester is the first step to a smooth battery replacement. While the 2022 Subaru Forester primarily uses the “bulging rectangle shape” key fob, it’s always best to confirm. Here’s a quick overview of common Subaru key fob types to help you identify yours:
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Bulging Rectangle Shape: This is the most common style for newer Subaru models, including many 2022 Foresters. It’s characterized by its rectangular shape with a noticeable bulge and typically requires a CR2032 battery.
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Teardrop Shape: An older design, the teardrop fob is less common in 2022 models but might be relevant if you have an older Forester or a different Subaru vehicle. It’s shaped like a teardrop and usually takes a CR2025 battery.
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Exposed Metal Key with Buttons: This is the oldest electronic key fob style, featuring a permanently visible metal key alongside the buttons. This type uses a CR1620 battery and has a slightly different opening process.
For the 2022 Subaru Forester, you will most likely have the bulging rectangle shape fob. However, if you’re unsure, consulting your owner’s manual is always the best approach to confirm your key fob type and the correct battery it requires.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replace Your 2022 Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery
Once you’ve identified your key fob and confirmed it’s the bulging rectangle type (or another type), follow these simple steps to replace the battery. We’ll focus on the most common “bulging rectangle” fob for the 2022 Subaru Forester, which uses a 2032 battery.
Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle Subaru Forester Key Fob (2032 Battery)
This type of key fob is common for the 2022 Subaru Forester and is designed for relatively easy battery access.
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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. Set the metal key aside in a safe place.
Alt text: Back of a bulging rectangle Subaru Forester key fob showing the silver tab to release the emergency key.
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Pry Open the Key Fob: With the emergency key removed, you’ll see a seam running around the key fob. Carefully insert a flathead screwdriver or a thin pry tool into this seam. Gently twist or pry to separate the two halves of the key fob. Take your time to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
Alt text: Using a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the two halves of a Subaru Forester key fob along the seam.
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Locate the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the internal components. The flat, round key fob battery (CR2032 for this type) will be visible. It might be positioned on either side of the transmitter circuit board depending on how the fob opened.
Alt text: Interior view of an opened Subaru Forester key fob showing the location of the round CR2032 battery.
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Replace the Battery: Gently release the old battery. You might be able to pry it out with your fingernail or the tip of a screwdriver. Take the new CR2032 battery and pop it into place. Ensure the correct side (usually the positive side marked with a “+”) is facing upwards, as indicated by the markings in the battery compartment. Minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery to avoid transferring oils from your fingers.
Alt text: Hand placing a new CR2032 battery into the battery compartment of a Subaru Forester key fob, ensuring correct polarity.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob back together. They should click or snap securely. Re-insert the metal emergency key until it clicks into its locked position.
Alt text: Pressing the two halves of a Subaru Forester key fob back together to reassemble it after battery replacement.
Replacing the Battery in a Teardrop Shape Subaru Key Fob (2025 Battery)
If your 2022 Subaru Forester (or another Subaru model) uses the teardrop-shaped fob, the process is very similar, but you’ll use a 2025 battery. Skip step 1 (emergency key removal, as this fob doesn’t have one) and follow steps 2-5 above, remembering to use a CR2025 battery instead of a CR2032.
Replacing the Battery in an Exposed Metal Key Subaru Key Fob (CR1620 Battery)
For the oldest style with the exposed metal key, you’ll need a CR1620 battery. The key difference is that this fob has an inner casing.
- Open the exterior casing as described in step 2 for the bulging rectangle fob.
- Inside, you’ll find a second, smaller casing. Locate the small tabs on this inner casing and press them to open it.
- Replace the CR1620 battery, ensuring correct polarity.
- Close the inner casing, place it back into the exterior casing, and snap everything back together.
Troubleshooting and When to Seek Help
In most cases, replacing the battery will solve the issue of an unresponsive or weak key fob. However, if you’ve replaced the battery and your 2022 Subaru Forester key fob is still not working correctly, there might be another issue.
- Check Battery Type and Polarity: Double-check that you used the correct battery type (CR2032 for the bulging rectangle fob of a 2022 Forester) and that it’s installed with the correct polarity (+ side up).
- Key Fob Programming: In rare cases, especially after battery replacement, your key fob might need to be reprogrammed to your vehicle. While the original article mentions a DIY programming method, it’s often model-specific and can be complex.
If you’re still experiencing problems after replacing the battery and checking these points, it’s best to contact your local Subaru dealership. They can diagnose more complex issues, reprogram your key fob, or, if necessary, provide a replacement key fob.
Replacing your 2022 Subaru Forester key fob battery is generally a quick and easy DIY task. By following these steps, you can save time and money while ensuring your key fob is functioning perfectly.
