Is your Subaru key fob acting up? Perhaps it’s not unlocking your doors as reliably as it used to, or maybe you’re getting a warning light on your dashboard. One of the most common culprits for these issues is a low or dead battery in your key fob. Fortunately, changing the battery in a Subaru key fob is a straightforward process that you can easily do yourself in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through the simple steps on How To Change The Battery In A Subaru Key Fob, saving you time and potentially a trip to the dealership.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools:
- A new CR2032 battery. This is the standard coin battery for most Subaru key fobs and readily available at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
- A small flathead screwdriver or a coin. This will be used to gently pry open the key fob case.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Subaru Key Fob Battery
Follow these easy steps to replace your Subaru key fob battery:
-
Locate the Notch to Open the Fob: Examine your Subaru key fob. You should find a small notch or indentation on the side of the fob casing. This is where you’ll insert your flathead screwdriver or coin to begin opening the case.
-
Carefully Pry Open the Key Fob: Insert the tip of your flathead screwdriver or the edge of your coin into the notch. Gently twist or pry to separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Be careful not to apply excessive force, as you could damage the plastic casing. The case should pop open relatively easily.
-
Identify the 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 retainer.
-
Remove the Old Battery: Take note of the orientation of the old battery – specifically which side is facing up (+ side). Gently pry the old battery out of its housing. You can use your fingernail or the tip of the screwdriver to carefully lift it out.
-
Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment, ensuring the correct orientation (the + side should be facing the same way as the positive side of the old battery you just removed). Push down gently until the battery is securely in place.
-
Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them back together until they snap securely shut. You should hear a click indicating that the case is properly closed.
-
Test Your Key Fob: Press the buttons on your key fob to test if it’s working correctly. Try locking and unlocking your car doors, and if your Subaru has remote start, test that function as well. If everything works as expected, you’ve successfully changed the battery in your Subaru key fob!
Tips for Battery Life and Longevity
While changing your Subaru key fob battery is simple, here are a few tips to help extend battery life and avoid frequent replacements:
- Battery Quality Matters: Opt for reputable brands like Energizer or Duracell for your CR2032 replacement battery. While cheaper batteries might be tempting, they may not last as long or perform as reliably.
- Avoid Excessive Button Pressing: Habitually pressing the lock/unlock buttons repeatedly, especially when you’re already close to the vehicle, can drain the battery faster. Utilize the touch-sensitive door handles and proximity unlocking features if your Subaru is equipped with them.
- Key Fob Proximity to Vehicle: Storing your key fob too close to your Subaru when at home might keep the vehicle systems active, potentially draining both the car battery and the key fob battery over time. Try to store your key fob further away from your vehicle when you’re not using it. Consider using a Faraday box for key fob storage to block signals if you suspect this is an issue.
Conclusion
Changing the battery in your Subaru key fob is a quick and easy maintenance task that any Subaru owner can handle. By following these simple steps, you can restore the functionality of your key fob and avoid the inconvenience of a dead battery. Keep a spare CR2032 battery on hand, and you’ll be prepared to tackle this simple fix whenever needed, ensuring you’re never caught off guard by a non-responsive key fob.
