Is your Subaru Forester key fob failing to unlock your doors or start your engine reliably? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. A dead or dying key fob battery is a common issue, but thankfully, replacing it is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself. This guide will walk you through the process of changing your Subaru Forester key fob battery, saving you time and a trip to the dealership.
Knowing how to replace your key fob battery is not only convenient but also empowering. Whether you’re preparing for a road trip or simply want to avoid being stranded, understanding this simple maintenance task is a valuable skill for any Subaru Forester owner. Let’s dive into the steps to get your key fob working like new again.
Identifying Your Subaru Forester Key Fob Type
Subaru has used a few different key fob designs over the years. Before you start, it’s important to identify which type of key fob you have for your Subaru Forester. This will ensure you follow the correct steps and use the right replacement battery. Typically, Subaru Forester key fobs fall into one of three categories:
- Bulging Rectangle Shape: This is common in newer Subaru Forester models. It’s characterized by its rectangular shape with a slight bulge and usually includes a separate, removable metal emergency key.
- Teardrop Shape: This older style key fob is shaped like a teardrop and lacks a separate, removable emergency key.
- Exposed Metal Key with Buttons: This is the earliest type of electronic key fob, where the metal key is always visible and integrated into the fob casing with buttons on the side.
If you’re unsure which key fob you have, your Subaru Forester owner’s manual is the best resource for identification. Once you’ve identified your key fob type, you can proceed with the corresponding battery replacement instructions below.
Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Replacement – Bulging Rectangle Shape
Battery Type Required: CR2032 Battery
This type of key fob is common in recent Subaru Forester models and is relatively easy to open. Here’s how to replace the battery:
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab or button on the back side of your key fob. Press and hold this tab to release and remove the metal emergency key.
Alt text: Removing metal emergency key from back of Subaru Forester bulging rectangle key fob, pressing silver release tab.
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Pry Open the Fob: After removing the emergency key, you’ll notice a seam running around the edge of the fob. Carefully insert a flathead screwdriver or a thin pry tool into this seam. Gently twist or pry to separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Take your time to avoid damaging the plastic.
Alt text: Using flathead screwdriver to pry open seam of bulging rectangle Subaru Forester key fob to access battery compartment.
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Locate the Battery: Once the fob is open, you’ll see the circuit board and the round, flat key fob battery. The battery might be positioned either on top of or underneath the circuit board, depending on how the fob halves separated.
Alt text: Internal view of opened Subaru Forester bulging rectangle key fob, displaying circuit board and round CR2032 battery.
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Replace the Battery: Carefully remove the old CR2032 battery. You might need to gently pry it out of its holder. Take the new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upwards. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the battery as much as possible; handle it by the edges to prevent oil transfer.
Alt text: Installing new CR2032 battery into battery holder inside Subaru Forester key fob, positive side facing up.
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Reassemble the Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together. Ensure they are firmly closed and all edges are aligned. Finally, slide the metal emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into place.
Your Subaru Forester key fob with the bulging rectangle shape should now be powered by a fresh battery and ready to use.
Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Replacement – Teardrop Shape
Battery Type Required: CR2025 Battery
The teardrop-shaped Subaru Forester key fob is an older design but still relatively simple to service. The battery replacement process is very similar to the bulging rectangle type, but it uses a different battery and lacks the removable emergency key step.
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Pry Open the Fob: Locate the seam around the teardrop key fob. Using a flathead screwdriver or pry tool, carefully insert it into the seam and gently pry to separate the two halves of the fob casing.
Alt text: Opening teardrop shaped Subaru Forester key fob with flathead screwdriver to replace CR2025 battery.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Once open, identify the round CR2025 battery inside. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR2025 battery, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upwards.
Alt text: Replacing CR2025 battery in open teardrop shaped Subaru Forester key fob, ensuring correct polarity.
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Reassemble the Fob: Snap the two halves of the teardrop key fob casing back together, ensuring they are securely closed.
Your teardrop Subaru Forester key fob should now be functioning properly with a new CR2025 battery.
Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Replacement – Exposed Metal Key With Buttons
Battery Type Required: CR1620 Battery
This older style Subaru Forester key fob with an exposed metal key requires a slightly different approach because it has an inner casing in addition to the outer one.
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Open the Outer Casing: The process for opening the outer casing is similar to the bulging rectangle and teardrop fobs. Locate the seam and use a flathead screwdriver or pry tool to gently pry apart the two halves of the outer casing.
Alt text: Prying open outer shell of Subaru Forester exposed metal key fob to access inner battery casing.
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Open the Inner Casing: Inside the outer casing, you’ll find a second, smaller inner casing. This inner casing usually has small tabs or clips holding it together. Carefully press these tabs to release and open the inner casing.
Alt text: Opening inner casing of Subaru Forester exposed metal key fob by pressing release tabs to access CR1620 battery.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Once the inner casing is open, you’ll see the CR1620 battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR1620 battery, making sure the positive (+) side is facing upwards.
Alt text: Replacing CR1620 battery inside inner casing of Subaru Forester exposed metal key fob, positive side up.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the inner casing first, ensuring it snaps shut securely. Then, place the inner casing back into the outer casing and snap the two halves of the outer casing together.
With a new CR1620 battery, your exposed metal key Subaru Forester key fob should now be working correctly.
What if Replacing the Battery Doesn’t Work?
In most cases, replacing the battery will solve key fob issues. However, if you’ve replaced the battery and your Subaru Forester key fob still isn’t working, there might be other issues. Here are a few possibilities:
- Incorrect Battery Type: Double-check that you used the correct battery type (CR2032, CR2025, or CR1620) for your specific key fob.
- Battery Polarity: Ensure the battery is installed with the positive (+) side facing upwards.
- Key Fob Damage: If your key fob has been dropped or damaged, internal components might be broken.
- Programming Issues: In rare cases, the key fob might need to be reprogrammed to your Subaru Forester, especially if it’s an older model.
If you suspect a programming issue or other more complex problem, it’s best to contact a Subaru dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith. For newer Subaru Forester models, key fob programming often requires specialized equipment and is typically handled by dealerships.
For older models, there might be DIY programming procedures available, but these can be complex and are not always reliable. Consult your Subaru Forester owner’s manual or search online resources specific to your model year for potential DIY programming steps. However, always proceed with caution and be aware that incorrect programming attempts can sometimes cause further issues.
Rely on Keyfobx.com for Your Key Fob Needs
Changing your Subaru Forester key fob battery is usually a simple and cost-effective solution to common key fob problems. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can likely restore your key fob’s functionality and avoid unnecessary dealership visits.
If you encounter persistent issues or need further assistance with your Subaru Forester key fob, remember that keyfobx.com is your trusted resource for key fob information, troubleshooting, and potential replacement options. We are dedicated to providing helpful guides and resources to keep you on the road.
