It’s a common scenario for Subaru owners: you reach for your key fob, only to find it’s not unlocking your car doors. Often, the culprit is a dead battery. While it might seem inconvenient, changing the battery in your Subaru key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself. This guide will walk you through why your key fob battery might be draining faster than expected and, more importantly, how to quickly and efficiently replace it.
Why Your Subaru Key Fob Battery Dies Quickly
Several factors can contribute to the lifespan of your Subaru key fob battery. Understanding these can help you anticipate battery changes and even extend the life of your key fob.
Battery Quality Matters
Not all CR2032 coin batteries, the type commonly used in Subaru key fobs, are created equal. Quality control can vary between brands, and occasionally, even a battery from a reputable manufacturer might be faulty. If you’re experiencing frequent battery changes, the quality of the battery itself could be the issue. Opting for well-known brands like Energizer or Duracell can often provide more consistent performance and longevity. While Panasonic batteries are also a good choice, ensure you are purchasing genuine ones, especially when ordering online. If you have a battery tester, it’s a worthwhile step to check a new battery’s charge before installing it in your key fob.
Usage Habits and Frequency
Just like any electronic device, the more you use your key fob, the faster the battery will drain. Do you find yourself repeatedly pressing the lock or unlock buttons as you approach or leave your Subaru? This habit, while common, can significantly reduce battery life. Subaru vehicles often come equipped with touch-sensitive door handles and proximity unlocking features. Utilizing these can minimize button presses and conserve battery power. For those moments when you’re unsure if you locked your car after walking away, instead of hitting the lock button again, consider using the MySubaru/Starlink app to check and control your vehicle remotely.
Proximity Drain: Key Fob and Vehicle
There’s increasing evidence suggesting that keeping your key fob too close to your Subaru when you’re at home can lead to a faster battery drain in both the fob and the car itself. When the key fob is in close proximity, it constantly communicates with the vehicle, preventing the car’s systems from fully going into “sleep” mode. This continuous communication drains both batteries over time. To mitigate this, store your key fob further away from your vehicle when you’re at home. Alternatively, you can invest in a Faraday cage or a “valet” box. These specially designed containers block electromagnetic fields, preventing the key fob from communicating with your car and effectively stopping the proximity drain.
Step-by-Step Guide: Changing Your Subaru Key Fob Battery
Changing your Subaru key fob battery is a simple DIY task that requires minimal tools and time. Here’s a general guide, but always refer to your Subaru owner’s manual for the most accurate instructions for your specific model.
1. Gather Your Tools
You’ll need just a few items:
- A new CR2032 battery. You can find these at most drugstores, supermarkets, and electronics stores.
- A small flathead screwdriver or a similar thin tool to help open the key fob. A plastic trim tool is ideal to avoid scratches, but a small screwdriver will work carefully.
- A soft cloth to protect the key fob from scratches.
2. Locate the Notch and Open the Key Fob
Examine your Subaru key fob closely. You’ll typically find a small notch or seam on the side or bottom of the fob. This is where you’ll need to gently pry it open.
Alt text: Close-up of a Subaru key fob showing the location of the notch used to open the case for battery replacement.
Using your small flathead screwdriver or trim tool, carefully insert it into the notch. Gently twist or pry to separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Be patient and avoid using excessive force, as you don’t want to damage the plastic. You might need to work your way around the seam to fully separate the case.
3. Access and Remove the Old Battery
Once the key fob is open, you’ll see the circuit board and the battery. The CR2032 battery is usually held in place by small clips or a retaining bracket.
Alt text: Interior view of an opened Subaru key fob showing the exposed CR2032 battery ready for removal and replacement.
Carefully note the orientation of the old battery – specifically, which side is facing up (+ or -). This is important for installing the new battery correctly. Use your fingertip or the tip of your tool to gently dislodge the old battery from its position.
4. Install the New Battery
Take your new CR2032 battery and install it in the key fob, ensuring the correct polarity matches the orientation you noted earlier. Typically, the positive (+) side of the battery should be facing upwards. Press the battery firmly into place until it’s securely held by the clips or bracket.
Alt text: Hand installing a new CR2032 battery into a Subaru key fob, ensuring correct positive polarity for proper function.
5. Reassemble the Key Fob
Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them back together until they snap securely into place. Ensure there are no gaps and the case is fully closed.
6. Test Your Key Fob
Press the buttons on your key fob to test if it’s working. Try locking and unlocking your Subaru remotely. If the car responds, you’ve successfully changed the battery!
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Key Fob Still Not Working? Double-check the battery polarity. Ensure the positive (+) side is facing correctly. Also, make sure the battery contacts in the key fob are clean. If needed, gently clean them with a cotton swab and a bit of isopropyl alcohol. If it still doesn’t work, you might need to consult your Subaru dealership or a locksmith, as there could be a different issue.
- Emergency Key: It’s always a good idea to check your physical emergency key to ensure it works in your car door lock. This mechanical key is a backup if your key fob battery dies completely, or in other unforeseen situations. Regularly testing it ensures you’re not caught off guard.
- Battery Life Extension: To prolong the life of your Subaru key fob battery, consider adopting the usage habits mentioned earlier: utilize touch/proximity features, avoid excessive button pressing, and store your fob away from your vehicle when at home.
Changing the battery in your Subaru key fob is a simple maintenance task that can save you time and potential frustration. By following these steps and understanding the factors affecting battery life, you can keep your key fob functioning reliably for years to come.
