Experiencing issues with your Subaru key fob? A common culprit is a dead or dying battery. Fortunately, changing the battery in a Subaru key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself, saving time and money compared to dealership service. This guide will walk you through the steps to replace your Subaru key fob battery and provide tips to maximize its lifespan.
Understanding Your Subaru Key Fob Battery
Subaru key fobs, like those for many modern vehicles, rely on a small, replaceable coin battery to operate. The most common type is the CR2032 3V lithium battery. These batteries are widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. Knowing the type of battery your key fob uses is the first step in ensuring a smooth replacement.
Key fob battery life can vary depending on several factors. While many owners experience a battery lasting a year or more, certain conditions can lead to quicker depletion. Understanding these factors can help you proactively manage your key fob battery and avoid unexpected failures.
Factors Draining Your Subaru Key Fob Battery
Several elements can influence how long your Subaru key fob battery lasts. Being aware of these can help you extend battery life and troubleshoot issues.
Battery Quality and Manufacturing Defects
The quality of the CR2032 battery itself plays a significant role. Not all batteries are created equal. Lower quality batteries, or even those with manufacturing defects, will naturally have a shorter lifespan. It’s always recommended to use reputable brands like Energizer or Duracell for reliable performance. While Panasonic batteries are also a good option, ensure you are purchasing genuine ones, especially when ordering online.
If you suspect a faulty battery, using a battery tester to check its voltage before installation is a worthwhile step. This simple check can prevent frustration later, although even new batteries can occasionally be defective.
Excessive Button Pressing
Do you frequently press the lock and unlock buttons on your key fob, even when you’re not within range of your vehicle? This habit, common among those who like to ensure their car is locked, can significantly drain the battery. Each button press transmits a signal, consuming battery power.
Alt text: Close-up of a Subaru key fob showing the lock, unlock, trunk, and panic buttons.
Subaru vehicles offer convenient features like touch-enabled locking and proximity unlocking. Utilizing these features can reduce the need to press buttons frequently, conserving battery life. For example, using the touch sensor on the door handle to lock your Subaru when exiting, or allowing the proximity unlock feature to automatically unlock the doors as you approach can minimize battery drain caused by excessive button presses. If you’re prone to checking if your car is locked from a distance, consider using the MySubaru or Starlink app (if your vehicle is equipped) to remotely verify and control your vehicle’s locks, instead of repeatedly pressing the key fob buttons.
Proximity to Vehicle
Keeping your key fob too close to your Subaru vehicle when it’s parked can also lead to premature battery drain in both the fob and the car. Modern key fobs and vehicles are constantly communicating, especially with features like keyless entry and push-button start. When the fob is in close proximity, the system remains active, leading to a continuous, albeit low-level, drain on both batteries as they “talk” to each other.
To prevent this, store your key fob away from your vehicle when you are at home or parked for extended periods. Keeping the fob at a distance that allows the vehicle to fully “go to sleep” can significantly reduce unnecessary battery drain. Alternatively, consider using a Faraday cage or a signal-blocking pouch to store your key fob at home. These devices block the signals between the fob and the car, preventing constant communication and conserving battery power.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Subaru Key Fob Battery
Changing your Subaru key fob battery is a simple DIY task. Here’s a general guide; however, always refer to your Subaru owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.
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Gather Your Tools and Battery: You’ll need a new CR2032 battery and a small flathead screwdriver or a similar tool to gently pry open the key fob.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Locate the small notch or seam on your key fob casing. Using the flathead screwdriver, carefully pry open the casing. Some models may have a small release button or require sliding a part of the fob to access the battery compartment. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific opening instructions for your Subaru model.
Alt text: Hands using a small screwdriver to open the casing of a Subaru key fob to access the battery.
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Remove the Old Battery: Once the key fob is open, you’ll see the CR2032 battery. Note the orientation of the positive (+) and negative (-) sides. Gently remove the old battery. You may need to use the tip of the screwdriver to help nudge it out.
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Insert the New Battery: Place the new CR2032 battery into the compartment, ensuring the correct polarity (+ side facing up, if that was the original orientation). The battery should snap or fit snugly into place.
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Close the Key Fob Casing: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them firmly together until they snap back into place. Ensure the casing is completely closed and secure.
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Test Your Key Fob: Test the key fob buttons to ensure they are working correctly. Lock and unlock your doors, and try starting your vehicle to confirm the new battery is functioning.
Tips to Extend Subaru Key Fob Battery Life
Beyond understanding the draining factors, here are some proactive tips to extend the life of your Subaru key fob battery:
- Use Quality Batteries: Opt for reputable brands like Energizer or Duracell for longer-lasting performance.
- Reduce Button Presses: Utilize touch-enabled locking and proximity unlocking features to minimize button usage. Use the MySubaru/Starlink app for remote checks when possible.
- Store Fob Away from Vehicle: Keep your key fob at a distance from your car when parked at home to prevent constant signal exchange. Consider a Faraday cage for optimal storage.
- Check Emergency Key: Regularly check your physical emergency key to ensure it mechanically unlocks your door. This is crucial in case of key fob battery failure in situations where electronic entry is not possible.
- Be Mindful of Extreme Temperatures: Extreme heat or cold can affect battery performance. Avoid leaving your key fob in direct sunlight or freezing temperatures for extended periods.
Conclusion
Changing the battery in your Subaru key fob is a simple maintenance task that can prevent unexpected inconveniences. By understanding the factors that affect battery life and following these steps and tips, you can ensure your key fob remains reliable and functional for years to come. Regularly checking your key fob’s performance and being mindful of usage habits will contribute to a longer battery lifespan and a smoother Subaru ownership experience.
