Is your Subaru key fob acting up? Maybe it’s becoming less responsive, or perhaps the range has significantly diminished. A common culprit for these issues is a low or dead battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your Subaru key fob is a straightforward process that you can easily do yourself at home, saving you time and a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to change your Subaru key fob battery and offer some tips to maximize battery life.
Before you start, you’ll need a few items: a new CR2032 coin battery (these are readily available at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers), and a small flathead screwdriver or a similar tool to help open the key fob casing. It’s also a good idea to have a soft cloth handy to protect the key fob from scratches during the process.
Let’s get started with the battery replacement:
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Locate the small notch on your key fob. This notch is usually located on the side or bottom of the key fob casing.
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Use your flathead screwdriver (or a similar tool) to gently pry open the key fob. Insert the tip of the screwdriver into the notch and carefully twist to separate the two halves of the casing. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damage to the plastic.
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Once the casing is open, you’ll see the circuit board and the battery. The CR2032 battery is typically held in place by small clips.
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Carefully remove the old battery. You can usually do this by gently pushing the battery towards the positive terminal side (often marked with a “+”) and then lifting it out. Take note of the battery’s orientation (+ and – sides) before removing it.
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Insert the new CR2032 battery. Make sure the new battery is inserted with the correct polarity, matching the orientation of the old battery you just removed. The positive (+) side of the battery should usually face upwards.
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Reassemble the key fob casing. Carefully align the two halves of the casing and press them firmly together until they snap back into place. Ensure that the casing is securely closed.
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Test your key fob. Press the lock or unlock button to check if the new battery is working correctly. The LED indicator on your key fob should light up, and your Subaru should respond to the signal.
After successfully changing your Subaru key fob battery, you can take a few steps to prolong the battery life and avoid frequent replacements:
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Battery Quality Matters: Opt for reputable brands like Energizer or Duracell for your CR2032 batteries. While cheaper alternatives might be tempting, they may not offer the same longevity and reliability.
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Mind Your Button Presses: Avoid repeatedly pressing the lock/unlock buttons unnecessarily, especially when you are not in range of your vehicle. Each press consumes battery power. Utilize features like touch-enabled locking and proximity unlocking if your Subaru is equipped with them.
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Key Fob Proximity to Vehicle: Keep your key fob at a reasonable distance from your Subaru when you are at home. If the key fob is constantly in close proximity to the vehicle, it can lead to both the car battery and the key fob battery draining faster as they continuously communicate. Consider using a Faraday box or keeping your keys further away from your car when at home to prevent unnecessary signal transmission.
Changing your Subaru key fob battery is a simple maintenance task that can save you inconvenience and ensure your key fob operates reliably. By following these steps and adopting good practices, you can keep your key fob working smoothly for years to come.
