Is your Subaru Forester key fob not working as reliably as it used to? Perhaps you’re experiencing a decreased range, or maybe it’s stopped working altogether. Before you panic or assume you need a costly replacement, the most common culprit is a dead battery. Replacing the battery in your Subaru Forester key fob is a straightforward task you can easily do at home in just a few minutes. This guide, brought to you by the auto experts at keyfobx.com, will walk you through each step, ensuring you get your key fob back in working order quickly and efficiently.
Understanding Your Subaru Key Fob Battery Needs
Subaru has utilized a few different key fob designs over the years, and while they look slightly different, the battery replacement process is quite similar for most models, including your Subaru Forester. The key is identifying which type of battery your specific key fob requires. Luckily, it’s usually printed inside the fob itself or detailed in your Subaru Forester owner’s manual.
Generally, Subaru key fobs use one of three types of coin cell batteries:
- CR2032 Battery: Often found in the more recent, bulging rectangular-shaped key fobs.
- CR2025 Battery: Typically used in the older, teardrop-shaped key fobs.
- CR1620 Battery: Common in the oldest style of electronic key fobs, which feature an exposed metal key with buttons on the side.
For your Subaru Forester, referencing your owner’s manual is the best way to confirm the exact battery type. However, once you open your key fob, you can also visually check the markings on the existing battery. Having the correct battery type ensures optimal performance and longevity for your key fob.
Step-by-Step Guide to Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement
No matter which Subaru Forester key fob you have, the battery replacement process is designed to be user-friendly. Here’s a breakdown of the steps for each common type:
Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement – Bulging Rectangle Shape (CR2032 Battery)
This type of fob is common in newer Subaru Forester models. You’ll need a CR2032 battery for this replacement.
- 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 backup to manually unlock your Subaru Forester door.
- Pry Open the Fob: Carefully inspect the seam running around the edge of the key fob. This is where you’ll need to gently pry it open. A flathead screwdriver or a thin pry tool can be helpful. Insert the tool into the seam and gently twist to separate the two halves of the fob. Be patient and avoid applying excessive force to prevent damage to the casing.
- Locate the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the internal components. The flat, round CR2032 battery will be visible, possibly sitting above or below a small circuit board.
- Replace the Battery: Gently release the old battery. It might be held in place by small clips. Take note of the battery’s orientation – which side is facing up (+ side). Install the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the correct side (usually the + side) is facing upwards, matching the orientation of the old battery. Try to minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers; handling it by the edges is preferable to prevent oil transfer.
- Reassemble the Fob: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob and press them firmly back together until they snap securely. Re-insert the metal emergency key until it clicks into place.
Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement – Teardrop Shape (CR2025 Battery)
This teardrop shape is an older Subaru key fob design, still found with some Subaru Forester models. It requires a CR2025 battery.
- Pry Open the Fob: Unlike the rectangular fob, the teardrop shape doesn’t have an emergency key release tab. Simply locate the seam around the fob and use a flathead screwdriver or pry tool to carefully open the casing, similar to step 2 above.
- Locate and Replace Battery: The remaining steps are identical to steps 3-5 for the rectangular fob. Locate the CR2025 battery, noting its orientation, remove the old battery, insert the new CR2025 battery with the correct orientation, and snap the fob halves back together.
Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement – Exposed Metal Key With Buttons (CR1620 Battery)
This is the oldest style of electronic Subaru key fob. It uses a CR1620 battery and has a slightly different internal structure.
- Open the Exterior Casing: This outer casing opens similarly to the teardrop fob. Use a pry tool to gently separate the two halves.
- Open the Interior Casing: Inside the exterior casing, you’ll find a second, smaller casing. This inner casing protects the circuit board and battery. Look for small tabs on this interior casing. Gently press these tabs to release and open the inner casing.
- Replace the Battery: Now you can access the CR1620 battery. Remove the old battery, noting its orientation. Install the new CR1620 battery with the correct side facing up.
- Reassemble Both Casings: Close the interior casing until it clicks shut. Then, place the interior casing back into the exterior casing and snap the two halves of the outer casing back together.
What If a New Battery Doesn’t Solve the Problem?
If you’ve replaced the battery in your Subaru Forester key fob and it’s still not working correctly, there might be a different issue. In some cases, the key fob itself might be faulty, or it could need reprogramming to communicate with your vehicle again.
While some older Subaru key fobs can be programmed at home (as described in the original article), newer models often require dealership programming due to security protocols. If a battery replacement doesn’t fix the issue, it’s best to consult with a Subaru specialist.
At keyfobx.com, we are experts in key fob solutions. If you’re still experiencing problems with your Subaru Forester key fob after replacing the battery, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can assist you with diagnostics, key fob programming, or even provide a replacement key fob if necessary. Get back to enjoying the convenience of your keyless entry system – let keyfobx.com help!
