Is your Subaru Forester key fob not working as reliably as it used to? You might be experiencing the common frustration of a dying key fob battery. Don’t worry, gaining access to your vehicle doesn’t have to be a hassle or require an expensive trip to the dealership. Replacing the battery in your Subaru Forester key fob is a straightforward process you can easily accomplish yourself. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can quickly and efficiently restore your key fob’s functionality.
Identifying Your Subaru Forester Key Fob Type & Battery
Subaru has utilized a few different key fob designs over the years, each requiring a slightly different battery. To ensure you use the correct replacement, it’s helpful to identify your key fob type. While your owner’s manual is the definitive source for this information, we’ve outlined the common types and their corresponding batteries to help you get started:
Bulging Rectangle Key Fob
This style is typically found in newer Subaru Forester models. It’s characterized by its rectangular shape with a noticeable bulge and usually includes a removable metal emergency key.
Battery Required: CR2032
Teardrop Shape Key Fob
The teardrop fob is an older design, easily recognizable by its rounded, teardrop-like shape. This version does not have a separate, removable emergency key.
Battery Required: CR2025
Exposed Metal Key with Buttons Key Fob
This is the oldest electronic key fob style. It features the metal key prominently displayed at all times, with buttons integrated into the fob casing. This fob has an interior casing within the main casing.
Battery Required: CR1620
Once you’ve identified your key fob and the battery it requires, you’re ready to proceed with the replacement.
Step-by-Step Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Replacement
Below are detailed instructions for replacing the battery in each type of Subaru Forester key fob. The process is similar for all types, with minor variations depending on the design.
Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle Subaru Key Fob (CR2032 Battery)
This is the most common type for recent Subaru Forester models. Follow these steps:
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab or button on the back of your key fob. Press and hold it to release and slide out the metal emergency key.
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Pry Open the Fob: Carefully examine the seam running around the edge of the key fob. This is where you’ll need to gently pry it open. You can use a flathead screwdriver or a thin plastic pry tool. Insert the tool into the seam and gently twist to separate the two halves of the fob casing. Work your way around the seam until the fob is open.
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Locate the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the internal components. The round, flat key fob battery will be visible. It might be positioned on top of or underneath the transmitter circuit board, depending on how the fob opens.
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Replace the Battery: Gently release the old battery. It might be held in place by small clips. Note the orientation of the battery (positive side up is usually marked with a “+” symbol). Insert the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the correct side is facing upwards. Try to avoid touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers as oils can reduce battery life.
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Reassemble the Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together. They should click securely into place. Re-insert the metal emergency key until it locks.
Replacing the Battery in a Teardrop Shape Subaru Key Fob (CR2025 Battery)
The process for the teardrop fob is almost identical to the bulging rectangle fob, but remember it uses a different battery and lacks the removable emergency key.
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Pry Open the Fob: Locate the seam on the teardrop-shaped fob. Use a flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool to carefully pry open the two halves of the fob casing, working around the seam.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Once open, identify the CR2025 battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR2025 battery, ensuring correct polarity (usually positive side up).
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Reassemble the Fob: Snap the two halves of the fob casing firmly back together until they are securely closed.
Replacing the Battery in an Exposed Metal Key with Buttons Subaru Key Fob (CR1620 Battery)
This older style fob has an extra step due to its double casing.
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Open the Exterior Casing: The process for opening the exterior casing is the same as the bulging rectangle and teardrop fobs. Pry open the two halves of the outer casing using a flathead screwdriver or plastic tool.
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Open the Interior Casing: Inside the exterior casing, you’ll find a second, smaller casing containing the battery. This interior casing usually has small tabs or clips holding it together. Carefully press on these tabs to release and open the interior casing.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: The CR1620 battery will be inside the interior casing. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR1620 battery, ensuring correct polarity.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the interior casing, ensuring it clicks shut. Then, place the interior casing back into the exterior casing and snap the two halves of the exterior casing back together until they are securely closed.
Alt text: Hands replacing a CR2032 battery in a rectangular Subaru key fob, highlighting the simple DIY process.
Key Fob Still Not Working? Troubleshooting and Next Steps
If you’ve replaced your Subaru Forester key fob battery and it’s still not functioning correctly, there are a few potential issues to consider:
- Incorrect Battery Installation: Double-check that you installed the new battery with the correct polarity (positive side up). Also, ensure the battery is properly seated in its compartment.
- Battery Compatibility: Verify you used the correct battery type (CR2032, CR2025, or CR1620) for your specific key fob model. Using the wrong battery type can prevent the fob from working.
- Key Fob Damage: If your key fob has been damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture, internal components might be malfunctioning.
- Key Fob Programming: In some cases, especially after battery replacement or for newer fobs, reprogramming might be necessary.
Subaru Forester Key Fob Programming (For Older Models)
While newer Subaru models typically require dealership programming, some older Subaru Forester key fobs can be programmed at home. Here are general steps; however, always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions for your vehicle year:
Note: These steps are a general guide and may not work for all models. Dealership programming is often required for newer vehicles.
- Access Transmitter ID: Open your key fob to expose the circuit board. Locate the two 8-digit numbers on the board. Note the first 8-digit number.
- Vehicle Preparation: Enter your Subaru Forester, close all doors and windows, and ensure the vehicle is turned off.
- Unlock Driver’s Door: Open and then close the driver’s side door.
- Unlock All Doors: Use the interior door lock switch to unlock all doors.
- Ignition Cycle: Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “Accessory” position (lights on, engine off). Repeat this “Accessory” cycle ten times in quick succession.
- Door Chime: If successful, the vehicle should chime. Open and close the driver’s door once more; the vehicle should chime again.
- Enter Transmitter ID: Within 45 seconds, use the door lock button to input the 8-digit number you recorded. For each digit, press the “lock” button that many times, followed by the “unlock” button. For example, if the first digit is ‘3’, press “lock” three times, then “unlock” once. Repeat for all eight digits.
- Confirmation Chime: A chime and door lock engagement indicate successful programming. Repeat the digit entry process to confirm if needed.
- Final Steps: Open and close the driver’s door, press the “lock” button on the fob. Remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle should chime one last time. Open and close the door again. After a few seconds, test your key fob.
If these programming steps are unsuccessful, or if you have a newer Subaru Forester, it’s best to contact your local Subaru dealership for professional key fob programming or replacement.
When to Seek Professional Help
While battery replacement is a DIY-friendly task, there are situations where professional assistance is recommended:
- Persistent Key Fob Issues: If battery replacement and home programming attempts fail, there may be a more complex issue with the key fob or your vehicle’s receiver.
- Newer Subaru Models: Programming for newer Subaru Forester key fobs typically requires specialized equipment and dealership access to security systems.
- Uncertainty or Discomfort: If you are uncomfortable performing the battery replacement or programming yourself, or if you are unsure about any step, it’s always best to seek help from qualified technicians.
Your local Subaru dealership, like [Subaru North Orlando – as mentioned in the original article, you can adapt this to your local dealership or general dealership reference], is equipped to handle all your key fob needs, from battery replacement to programming and providing new key fobs if necessary. They can ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently, giving you peace of mind and reliable access to your Subaru Forester. Consider scheduling service if you prefer professional assistance or encounter any difficulties.
