Experiencing issues with your Subaru key fob can be frustrating, often stemming from a simple culprit: a dead battery. Fortunately, Subaru key fob battery replacement is a straightforward process you can easily handle yourself. While scheduling service is always an option, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently replace your Subaru key fob battery and understand the correct Subaru Key Fob Battery Type for your model.
To begin, it’s crucial to identify which of the three main Subaru key fob designs you own, as this dictates the specific battery you’ll need. Consulting your Subaru owner’s manual is the most reliable way to determine your key fob type and the corresponding Subaru key fob battery type. Once you’ve confirmed this information, follow the instructions below tailored to your fob.
Let’s dive into how to replace your dead Subaru key fob battery:
Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement: Bulging Rectangle Shape
Battery Type Required: CR2032 Battery
This modern, rectangular Subaru key fob design is common in newer models and utilizes a widely available CR2032 battery. Here’s how to replace it:
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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.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Carefully separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Inserting a flathead screwdriver into the seam can provide leverage to gently pry it open.
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Locate the Battery: After opening the fob, identify the flat, round key fob battery. Depending on the opening orientation, it might be positioned above or below the transmitter circuit board.
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Replace the Battery: Gently release the old battery and insert the new CR2032 battery. Ensure the positive (+) side of the battery faces upwards. Minimize touching the battery surface with your fingers to avoid transferring oils.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: 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.
Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement: Teardrop Shape
Battery Type Required: CR2025 Battery
The teardrop-shaped Subaru key fob is an older design. While it doesn’t feature a removable emergency key, the battery replacement process is very similar to the rectangular fob. The key difference is the Subaru key fob battery type: this fob requires a CR2025 battery.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Carefully pry open the teardrop-shaped key fob casing using a flathead screwdriver or similar tool inserted into the seam.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Identify the CR2025 battery inside. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR2025, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upwards.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Press the two halves of the fob casing firmly together until they snap closed securely.
Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement: Exposed Metal Key with Buttons
Battery Type Required: CR1620 Battery
This is the oldest style of electronic Subaru key fob, characterized by a permanently visible metal key. Replacing the battery in this fob is slightly different because it involves an inner casing in addition to the outer one. The specific Subaru key fob battery type for this model is a CR1620.
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Open the Outer Casing: Open the exterior casing of this fob in the same manner as described for the rectangular and teardrop fobs, by carefully prying it apart at the seam.
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Open the Inner Casing: Once the outer casing is open, you’ll find a second, smaller inner casing. Locate the small tabs on this inner casing and press them to open it.
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Replace the Battery: Inside the inner casing, you will find the CR1620 battery. Remove the old battery and insert a new CR1620 battery, again ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upwards.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the inner casing first, ensuring it snaps shut. Then, place the inner casing back into the outer casing and press both halves of the outer casing together until they are securely closed.
Subaru Key Fob Programming: When Battery Replacement Isn’t Enough
If replacing your Subaru key fob battery doesn’t resolve the issue, the problem might be more complex, potentially requiring a key fob replacement or reprogramming. For newer Subaru models with the bulging rectangular fob, programming typically needs to be done at a dealership for security reasons.
However, owners of older Subaru models might be able to program their key fobs at home. While the process can be intricate, here are general steps that might work for some older models:
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Open the Fob and Note the 8-Digit Number: Open your key fob to expose the transmitter circuit board. Locate and record the first of the two 8-digit numbers printed on the board. Reassemble the fob.
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Vehicle Preparation: Enter your Subaru, close all doors and windows, and ensure the vehicle is turned off. Open only the driver’s side door.
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Unlock Doors: Use the door switch to unlock all doors.
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Accessory Mode Cycling: Insert the key into the ignition and quickly turn it to the “accessory” position (lights on, engine off) and back to “off” ten times in rapid succession.
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Door Open/Close Sequence: Open and close the driver’s side door once. The vehicle should chime.
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Enter the 8-Digit Code: Within 45 seconds of the chime, use the lock and unlock buttons to input the 8-digit number you recorded. For each digit, press the lock button that number of times, followed by the unlock button. For example, for the digit ‘4’, press ‘lock’ four times, then ‘unlock’. Repeat for all eight digits.
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Confirmation: If the code entry is successful, the vehicle should chime again, and the door locks should engage.
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Final Steps: Open and close the driver’s side door, press the lock button on your fob, remove the key from the ignition, and open and close the door again. After a short delay, test your key fob.
Important Note: This home programming method is not guaranteed to work for all older Subaru models, and dealership programming is often necessary, especially for newer vehicles.
Subaru Service Experts Ready to Assist
If you encounter difficulties replacing your Subaru key fob battery type or if programming is required, the service professionals at Subaru North Orlando are here to help. Our technicians can quickly and efficiently handle battery replacements, key fob programming, and any other Subaru service needs. Contact us or schedule your service appointment online today! We also offer service specials to provide even more value for your Subaru maintenance. We are conveniently located in Sanford, near Orlando, ready to serve you.
