It’s a common scenario: you approach your Subaru, reach for the door handle, and nothing happens. Your key fob is unresponsive. One of the most frequent culprits? A dead or dying key fob battery. While seemingly a minor inconvenience, a malfunctioning key fob can disrupt your day. Understanding why your Subaru key fob battery might be draining quickly and knowing how to Change Subaru Key Fob Battery is essential for every Subaru owner.
Several factors can influence the lifespan of your Subaru key fob battery. While quality control on the common CR2032 coin battery plays a role, other everyday habits and even your car’s technology can contribute to battery drain.
One factor to consider is the quality of the battery itself. Not all CR2032 batteries are created equal. Occasionally, even from reputable brands, a less-than-perfect battery might slip through quality control. If you’re experiencing frequent battery changes, it might be worthwhile to invest in a battery tester. A quick check before installing a new battery can save you potential headaches down the road. For reliable replacements, brands like Energizer or Duracell are widely available and generally offer good consistency. If you prefer Panasonic batteries, be sure to source genuine ones, especially when ordering online. It’s also always prudent to check your physical emergency key to ensure it works in the door lock, just in case you are caught out with a dead fob in an unexpected situation. Familiarizing yourself with how to start your Subaru with a dead fob, as demonstrated in various online videos, can also be beneficial for peace of mind.
Another often-overlooked aspect is user behavior. Do you find yourself repeatedly pressing the lock and unlock buttons on your key fob as you approach or leave your vehicle? This habit, while common, can significantly accelerate battery discharge. If you have a Subaru equipped with touch-enabled locking and proximity unlocking features, utilizing these can reduce unnecessary battery usage. For those moments when you might instinctively reach for the fob buttons after walking away, consider using the MySubaru/Starlink app to lock your vehicle instead.
Furthermore, there’s growing evidence suggesting that keeping your smart fob too close to your vehicle when at home can lead to premature battery drain in both the fob and the car itself. To mitigate this, try storing your key fob further away from your Subaru when you are at home, allowing both the car and fob to fully enter their respective “sleep” modes. Alternatively, consider using a Faraday cage or a “valet” box to store your fob at home. These devices block electromagnetic fields, preventing communication between the fob and the vehicle and minimizing battery drain.
By understanding these factors, you can not only extend the life of your Subaru key fob battery but also troubleshoot potential issues more effectively. When the time inevitably comes to change subaru key fob battery, knowing the right steps and choosing quality replacement batteries will ensure your key fob remains a reliable tool for accessing and operating your vehicle.
