Is your Subaru Forester key fob refusing to cooperate? Before you panic, the most likely culprit is a dead battery. Replacing the battery in your Forester key fob is a straightforward task you can easily handle at home, saving you time and a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you get your key fob back in action quickly.
Understanding Your Forester Key Fob
Subaru has utilized a few different key fob designs over the years. Knowing which type you have is the first step to a smooth battery replacement. While the core function remains the same, the battery type and the opening procedure can vary slightly. Let’s break down the common Forester key fob types you might encounter:
- Bulging Rectangle Shape (Newer Models): This fob is characterized by its rounded rectangular shape and usually requires a CR2032 battery. It features a small silver tab to release a mechanical emergency key.
- Teardrop Shape (Older Models): As the name suggests, this fob has a teardrop or oval shape. It typically uses a CR2025 battery and doesn’t have a separate release for an emergency key.
- Exposed Metal Key with Buttons (Older Models): This older style fob always displays the metal key. It’s unique because it contains two casings, an outer and an inner one. This type usually requires a CR1620 battery.
If you’re uncertain which key fob you own, your Subaru Forester owner’s manual is the best resource for identification. Once you’ve identified your fob type, you’re ready to proceed with the battery replacement.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Forester Key Fob Battery
Regardless of your Forester key fob type, the battery replacement process is generally simple. Here’s a detailed guide for each type:
Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle Forester Key Fob (CR2032 Battery)
This type of fob is common in newer Subaru Forester models. You’ll need a CR2032 battery and a small flathead screwdriver (optional, but helpful).
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab on the back of your key fob. Press and hold this tab to release and slide out the metal emergency key.
Alt text: Close-up of the silver release tab on a rectangular Subaru key fob, used to remove the emergency key.
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Pry Open the Fob: After removing the emergency key, you’ll see a seam running around the fob. Carefully insert a flathead screwdriver (or your fingernail if you have strong nails) into this seam. Gently twist or pry to separate the two halves of the fob. Be patient and avoid applying excessive force to prevent damage.
Alt text: Image showing a flathead screwdriver being used to carefully pry open the casing of a rectangular Subaru key fob along its seam.
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Locate the Battery: Once opened, you’ll see the internal components. The flat, round CR2032 battery will be visible, either on the top or underneath a circuit board depending on how the fob opened.
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Replace the Battery: Gently release the old battery. It might be held in place by small clips. Take note of the battery orientation (+ side up). Pop in the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the correct side (positive side +) is facing upwards. Minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers to avoid transferring oils.
Alt text: Hand inserting a new CR2032 battery into the battery compartment of an opened rectangular Subaru key fob, ensuring correct polarity.
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Reassemble the Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob back together. They should click securely into place. Re-insert the metal emergency key until it locks.
Replacing the Battery in a Teardrop Shape Forester Key Fob (CR2025 Battery)
The teardrop fob, common in older Foresters, follows a very similar process but uses a CR2025 battery and lacks the emergency key release step.
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Pry Open the Fob: Locate the seam on the teardrop-shaped fob. Use a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail to gently pry the two halves apart.
Alt text: Image of a flathead screwdriver carefully separating the two halves of a teardrop-shaped Subaru key fob along the seam.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Identify the CR2025 battery inside the fob. Remove the old battery, noting the orientation. Install the new CR2025 battery with the positive (+) side facing up.
Alt text: Close-up of replacing a CR2025 battery inside an opened teardrop Subaru key fob, showing correct battery placement.
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Reassemble the Fob: Press the two halves of the fob firmly back together until they snap closed.
Replacing the Battery in an Exposed Metal Key Forester Key Fob (CR1620 Battery)
This older style fob requires an extra step due to its inner casing and uses a smaller CR1620 battery.
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Open the Outer Casing: This step is identical to opening the bulging rectangle or teardrop fobs. Pry open the outer casing of the fob using a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail.
Alt text: Image illustrating the process of prying open the outer shell of an older Subaru key fob with an exposed metal key.
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Open the Inner Casing: Once the outer casing is open, you’ll see a second, smaller inner casing. Look for small tabs on this inner casing. Gently press these tabs to release and open the inner casing.
Alt text: Detailed view of opening the inner casing of an older Subaru key fob by pressing the release tabs.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Inside the inner casing, you’ll find the CR1620 battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR1620 battery, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing up.
Alt text: Replacing a CR1620 battery within the inner casing of an older style Subaru key fob, emphasizing correct battery orientation.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the inner casing first, ensuring it clicks shut. Then, place the inner casing back into the outer casing and snap the outer casing closed.
What if a New Battery Doesn’t Solve the Problem?
If you’ve replaced your Forester Key Fob Battery and it’s still not working, there might be a different issue. It’s possible the key fob itself is faulty or needs reprogramming, although reprogramming is less common after a simple battery change.
In some cases, especially with newer Subaru Forester models, the key fob might require professional programming at a dealership. For older models, a DIY programming method might be possible, but it’s often complex and not guaranteed to work.
For reliable service and to ensure your Subaru Forester key fob is functioning correctly, it’s best to consult with a certified Subaru service center like Keyfobx.com. Our expert technicians can diagnose the issue, replace your key fob if necessary, and program it to your vehicle.
Contact us today or schedule a service appointment online to get your key fob issues resolved quickly and professionally. We also offer service specials to help you save on your maintenance needs. Don’t let a malfunctioning key fob disrupt your day – let keyfobx.com get you back on the road with confidence!
