It’s a situation every Subaru owner will face eventually: your key fob stops working reliably. You might find yourself pressing the buttons multiple times to lock or unlock your doors, or perhaps the range has diminished significantly. Often, the culprit is a simple dead battery. Fortunately, changing the battery in your Subaru key fob is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can get your key fob back in working order quickly and efficiently.
Recognizing When to Replace Your Key Fob Battery
Before you embark on a battery replacement, it’s helpful to identify the signs that indicate a low battery in your Subaru key fob. While battery life can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the battery itself and usage habits, here are common indicators:
- Reduced Range: You need to be much closer to your Subaru than usual for the key fob to lock or unlock the doors.
- Intermittent Operation: The key fob works sometimes, but not others, requiring multiple button presses.
- Dashboard Warning Light: Some Subaru models display a low key fob battery warning light on the dashboard.
Understanding these signs can help you proactively replace your battery before it fails completely, potentially leaving you in a less convenient situation. Factors that can influence how often you need to change your key fob battery include the quality of the CR2032 coin battery used, and even your usage habits. For instance, repeatedly pressing the lock/unlock buttons unnecessarily can drain the battery faster. Utilizing features like touch-enabled locking and proximity unlocking, if your Subaru is equipped with them, can potentially help extend battery life. Additionally, storing your key fob too close to your vehicle when at home might also contribute to faster battery drain as the fob and car may continuously communicate. Keeping your fob further away from your Subaru or using a Faraday cage type container for storage can be beneficial in conserving battery life.
Gathering the Right Tools
Changing your Subaru key fob battery requires minimal tools. In most cases, you’ll only need:
- A new CR2032 battery: This is the standard coin battery for most Subaru key fobs. Energizer and Duracell are reputable brands known for their quality and consistency.
- A small flathead screwdriver or a thin pry tool: This will be used to carefully open the key fob casing. In some cases, a fingernail might suffice.
- A soft cloth (optional): To protect the key fob casing from scratches during the opening process.
Having these simple tools ready will ensure a smooth and hassle-free battery replacement.
Step-by-Step Guide to Battery Replacement
Now, let’s proceed with the battery replacement process. While slight variations might exist depending on your specific Subaru model and key fob design, the general steps remain consistent.
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Locate the Notch or Seam on Your Key Fob: Examine your key fob closely. You should find a small notch or seam, usually along the side or bottom edge of the fob. This is where you will begin to open the casing.
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Carefully Pry Open the Key Fob: Using your small flathead screwdriver or pry tool, gently insert the tip into the notch or seam. Apply slight twisting pressure to carefully separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Avoid using excessive force, as this could damage the plastic. If you’re using a screwdriver, wrap the tip with a soft cloth to prevent scratches. In some cases, you might be able to use your fingernail to start separating the casing.
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Identify the Battery Compartment: Once the key fob is open, you will see the circuit board and the battery compartment. The CR2032 battery is usually easily visible and held in place by small clips or a retainer.
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Remove the Old Battery: Take note of the battery’s orientation, specifically which side is facing up (+ or -). Gently pry the old battery out of its compartment. You can use your fingertip or the flathead screwdriver to carefully lift it out.
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Insert the New CR2032 Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the compartment, ensuring the correct polarity (the same orientation as the old battery). The positive (+) side of the battery should usually face upwards. Press down gently until the battery is securely in place.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them back together until they snap securely shut. Ensure there are no gaps and the casing is firmly closed.
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Test Your Key Fob: Press the lock and unlock buttons on your key fob to test if the new battery has resolved the issue. You should observe the car responding promptly to your commands.
Alt text: Hands demonstrating the step-by-step process of replacing a CR2032 battery in a Subaru key fob, showcasing the open fob, battery compartment, and new battery insertion.
Tips for Prolonging Key Fob Battery Life
While changing your Subaru key fob battery is simple, you can take steps to maximize the lifespan of each battery:
- Use Touch or Proximity Features: If your Subaru has touch-sensitive door handles or proximity unlocking, utilize these features instead of constantly pressing the buttons on your fob.
- Store Your Fob Away from the Vehicle: When at home, keep your key fob at a reasonable distance from your Subaru to prevent constant communication and battery drain.
- Consider a Faraday Cage: For optimal storage, especially if you keep your keys near your car, consider storing your key fob in a Faraday cage or signal-blocking pouch to minimize signal transmission.
- Purchase Quality Batteries: Opt for reputable brands like Energizer or Duracell for your CR2032 replacement batteries. While potentially slightly more expensive, they often offer better quality and longevity.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
In most cases, replacing the battery will resolve key fob issues. However, if you encounter problems after battery replacement, consider these troubleshooting steps:
- Double-Check Battery Polarity: Ensure the new battery is inserted with the correct positive (+) and negative (-) orientation.
- Verify Battery Type: Confirm you are using the correct CR2032 battery.
- Clean Battery Contacts: If the key fob still doesn’t work, carefully clean the battery contacts inside the fob with a cotton swab and a bit of rubbing alcohol.
- Seek Professional Assistance: If you’ve tried these steps and your key fob remains unresponsive, there might be a more complex issue. Consult your Subaru dealer or a qualified automotive locksmith for further diagnosis and repair.
Changing your Subaru key fob battery is a simple maintenance task that any owner can perform. By following these steps, you can ensure your key fob remains reliable and functional, providing you with convenient access to your vehicle.
