Experiencing issues with your Subaru key fob? A common culprit is a dead or dying battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your Subaru key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself, saving you time and a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through the steps to replace your Subaru key fob battery and offer tips to maximize battery life.
Identifying When to Replace Your Key Fob Battery
Before diving into the replacement process, it’s helpful to recognize the signs that your Subaru key fob battery is getting weak. Common symptoms include:
- Reduced Range: You need to be closer to your Subaru than usual for the key fob to lock or unlock the doors.
- Inconsistent Operation: The buttons on your key fob become less responsive, requiring multiple presses.
- Dashboard Warning Light: Some Subaru models display a key fob battery warning light on the dashboard.
- Key Fob Not Working at All: In the most obvious case, your key fob might stop working altogether.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, replacing your key fob battery is likely the solution.
What You’ll Need to Replace Your Subaru Key Fob Battery
Replacing your Subaru key fob battery is a simple DIY task that requires minimal tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- New Battery: You’ll need a CR2032 3V coin cell battery. This is a widely available and inexpensive battery type that can be found at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
- Small Flathead Screwdriver or Pry Tool: This will be used to carefully open the key fob case. A small eyeglass screwdriver or a plastic trim removal tool works well to avoid scratching the fob.
- Your Subaru Key Fob: Of course, you’ll need the key fob you intend to replace the battery in.
- Soft Cloth (Optional): To protect the key fob surface from scratches while opening it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Subaru Key Fob Battery
Now, let’s get to the step-by-step process of replacing your Subaru key fob battery. While slight variations may exist between different Subaru models, the general procedure remains very similar.
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Locate the Notch or Seam on Your Key Fob: Examine your Subaru 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’ll need to insert your screwdriver or pry tool to open the case.
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Carefully Pry Open the Key Fob: Using your flathead screwdriver or pry tool, gently insert the tip into the notch or seam. Apply a small amount of pressure to carefully pry the two halves of the key fob case apart. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damage to the case. You might hear a click as the case begins to separate.
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Separate the Key Fob Halves: Once you’ve created a small opening, carefully separate the two halves of the key fob case. You may need to run the screwdriver or pry tool along the seam to fully detach the two pieces.
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Locate the Old Battery: With the key fob case open, you’ll see the circuit board and the battery. The CR2032 battery is usually held in place by small clips or a retaining bracket.
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Remove the Old Battery: Gently pry the old battery out of its housing. You can use your fingertip or the tip of your screwdriver to carefully lift it out. Take note of the battery’s orientation (+ side up or down) before removing it.
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Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment, ensuring that the polarity (+ and – sides) matches the orientation of the old battery. Usually, the positive (+) side of the battery faces upwards. Push the battery firmly into place until it is securely held by the clips or bracket.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob case and snap them back together. Press firmly around the edges of the fob to ensure that the case is completely closed and securely sealed. You should hear a click as the two halves lock back into place.
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Test Your Key Fob: Once reassembled, test your Subaru key fob to ensure that it is working correctly. Press the lock and unlock buttons to verify that they are functioning and that the range has improved.
Alt: Opening a Subaru key fob to access the battery compartment for battery replacement.
Tips to Extend Your Subaru Key Fob Battery Life
While replacing your key fob battery is a simple task, you can also take steps to prolong battery life and reduce the frequency of replacements. Here are some helpful tips:
- Use Touch-Enabled Locking and Proximity Unlocking: If your Subaru model is equipped with touch-sensitive door handles and proximity unlocking features, utilize them. This can reduce the need to press the buttons on your key fob frequently.
- Avoid Repeatedly Pressing Buttons: Refrain from habitually pressing the lock or unlock buttons multiple times, especially when you are already within range of your vehicle. Each button press consumes battery power.
- Store Your Key Fob Away From Your Vehicle: Keep your key fob at a distance from your Subaru when you are at home or parked for extended periods. Proximity to the vehicle can sometimes cause the fob and car to communicate unnecessarily, leading to battery drain in both the fob and the car.
- Consider a Faraday Cage Pouch: For optimal battery conservation, especially if you keep your keys near your car at home, consider storing your key fob in a Faraday cage pouch. These pouches block electromagnetic fields, preventing communication between the fob and the vehicle and minimizing battery drain.
- Check Battery Quality: When purchasing replacement batteries, opt for reputable brands like Energizer or Duracell. While generic batteries may be cheaper, they might not offer the same quality and longevity.
Conclusion
Replacing your Subaru key fob battery is an easy and cost-effective maintenance task that any Subaru owner can perform. By following these simple steps and adopting battery-saving habits, you can ensure your key fob remains reliable and functional for years to come, avoiding the inconvenience of a dead key fob at the most inopportune moments. Keep a spare CR2032 battery handy, and you’ll be well-prepared to handle a dead key fob battery whenever it happens.
