It’s a familiar scenario for many Subaru owners: you reach for your key fob, press a button, and… nothing. A dead key fob battery can be a frustrating inconvenience, but thankfully, replacing it is a straightforward process you can easily handle yourself. This guide will walk you through how to change the battery in your Subaru key fob, ensuring you’re never caught off guard.
Before you start, understanding why your Subaru key fob battery might die is helpful. While battery quality and occasional manufacturing defects play a role, certain habits can also drain your battery faster. If you’re someone who frequently presses the lock/unlock buttons from a distance, or if you keep your key fob very close to your vehicle when at home, you might be shortening its lifespan. Subaru’s touch-enabled locking and proximity unlocking features are designed to minimize battery usage, and utilizing these can help extend the time between battery replacements. Storing your key fob further away from your Subaru or using a Faraday box can also prevent unnecessary battery drain caused by constant communication between the fob and the vehicle.
When it’s time to replace your Subaru key fob battery, you’ll be pleased to know it’s a task requiring minimal tools and time. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A new CR2032 battery: This is the standard battery for most Subaru key fobs. You can find these at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. Brands like Energizer or Duracell are reliable choices.
- A small flathead screwdriver or a similar tool: This will be used to gently pry open the key fob case.
Now, let’s get to the step-by-step process of changing your Subaru key fob battery:
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Locate the notch on your key fob: Most Subaru key fobs have a small notch or seam running along the edge. This is where you’ll insert your flathead screwdriver.
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Carefully pry open the fob: Insert the tip of your screwdriver into the notch and gently twist. The key fob case should begin to separate. Avoid using excessive force, as you could damage the plastic casing. You may need to work your way around the seam to fully open the fob.
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Open the key fob: Once you’ve gently pried along the notch, the key fob should split into two halves, revealing the battery compartment.
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Remove the old battery: Take note of the battery’s orientation (+ side up). You can usually pry the old battery out with your fingertip or the edge of the screwdriver if needed.
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Insert the new battery: Place the new CR2032 battery into the compartment, ensuring the + side is facing upwards, just like the old battery.
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Close the key fob: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob case and press them firmly back together until they snap securely shut. Ensure there are no gaps and the case is fully closed.
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Test your key fob: Press the buttons on your key fob to lock and unlock your Subaru and ensure it’s working correctly. The indicator light on the fob should illuminate when buttons are pressed.
Changing your Subaru key fob battery is a simple maintenance task that can save you from unexpected lockouts. By following these steps, you can quickly and efficiently replace your battery and get back on the road with a fully functional key fob. Remember to consider factors that can affect battery life to prolong the lifespan of your next battery and avoid future inconveniences.
