Is your Subaru key fob not working as reliably as it used to? Perhaps you’re finding yourself pressing the buttons multiple times to lock or unlock your car, or maybe the range has significantly decreased. One of the most common culprits for these issues is a low or dead battery in your key fob. Fortunately, replacing the battery in a Subaru key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself, saving you time and money compared to visiting a dealership.
This guide will walk you through the simple steps to replace your Subaru key fob battery and offer expert tips to ensure optimal battery life and key fob performance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Subaru Key Fob Battery
Replacing the battery in your Subaru key fob is a quick and easy task that requires minimal tools. Here’s a general guide, though specific steps might slightly vary depending on your Subaru model and key fob type. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the most accurate instructions for your vehicle.
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Identify Your Key Fob Type and Battery: Subaru key fobs generally use a CR2032 coin cell battery. However, it’s always best to confirm the specific battery type required for your fob. You can usually find this information in your Subaru owner’s manual or by visually inspecting the battery compartment once you open the fob.
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Gather Necessary Tools: You will likely need a small flathead screwdriver or a similar thin tool to open the key fob case. A soft cloth or plastic pry tool can also be helpful to avoid scratching the fob casing. Of course, you’ll also need the correct replacement CR2032 battery.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Locate the small notch or seam on your key fob. This is usually where the two halves of the casing join. Carefully insert your flathead screwdriver or pry tool into this notch and gently twist or pry to separate the two halves of the fob. Some fobs may have a small release button or slide mechanism that needs to be activated before you can open the case.
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Remove the Old Battery: Once the fob is open, you’ll see the battery. Note the orientation of the battery (positive side up or down) before removing it – this is crucial for correct installation of the new battery. The battery is usually held in place by a small clip or bracket. Gently pry the battery out of its compartment.
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Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment, ensuring you match the correct polarity (positive side in the correct orientation, as noted in step 4). The battery should snap or slide into place securely.
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Close the Key Fob Casing: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them firmly together until they snap back into place. Ensure the casing is completely closed and there are no gaps.
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Test Your Key Fob: Test the buttons on your key fob to ensure they are working correctly. Try locking and unlocking your car, activating the panic alarm, and any other functions your key fob offers.
Alt text: Close-up of tools needed to replace a Subaru key fob battery, including a new CR2032 battery, a small flathead screwdriver, and a Subaru key fob.
Why Does Your Subaru Key Fob Battery Drain Quickly?
While CR2032 batteries are designed to last for a reasonable period, several factors can contribute to a shorter lifespan in your Subaru key fob. Understanding these factors can help you optimize battery life and prevent unexpected key fob failures.
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Battery Quality: The quality and manufacturing consistency of CR2032 batteries can vary significantly between brands and even within the same brand. Lower quality batteries may have a shorter lifespan and be more prone to premature failure. It’s generally recommended to use reputable brands like Energizer or Duracell for reliable performance.
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Frequent Button Presses: Habitually pressing the lock/unlock buttons repeatedly, especially from a distance or out of habit, can unnecessarily drain the battery. Each button press activates the key fob’s transmitter, consuming battery power.
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Proximity to the Vehicle: Storing your key fob too close to your Subaru vehicle when not in use can also contribute to battery drain. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that continuous communication attempts between the fob and the vehicle, even when the vehicle is off, can lead to faster battery depletion in both the fob and the car’s battery. This is potentially due to the keyless entry system constantly polling for the key fob’s presence.
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“Always On” Features: Modern key fobs with features like proximity unlocking and touch-sensitive locking, while convenient, can also draw more power compared to basic fobs. If you utilize these features extensively, it might contribute to a slightly shorter battery life.
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Environmental Factors: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect battery performance and lifespan. Leaving your key fob in direct sunlight or in freezing temperatures for extended periods might negatively impact the battery.
Alt text: Interior view of an opened Subaru key fob, highlighting the battery compartment and the location of the CR2032 battery.
Choosing the Right Replacement Battery for Your Subaru Key Fob
When replacing your Subaru key fob battery, selecting the correct type and a quality brand is essential for optimal performance and longevity.
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Battery Type: As mentioned earlier, most Subaru key fobs utilize a CR2032 3V lithium coin cell battery. Always double-check your owner’s manual or the markings on the old battery to confirm this is the correct type for your specific key fob model. Using an incorrect battery type might lead to malfunction or damage.
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Battery Brand and Quality: Opt for reputable brands like Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, or Sony. These brands are known for their quality and consistency in battery manufacturing. While generic or less expensive batteries might seem appealing, they could be less reliable and have a shorter lifespan, potentially leading to more frequent replacements and inconvenience.
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Genuine Panasonic Batteries: If you specifically want Panasonic batteries, which are often cited as original equipment in some key fobs, be cautious when purchasing online. Ensure you are buying from a reputable source to avoid counterfeit batteries.
Tips to Extend Your Subaru Key Fob Battery Life
Here are some practical tips to help extend the battery life of your Subaru key fob and minimize the need for frequent replacements:
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Use Touch and Proximity Features Wisely: If your Subaru has touch-sensitive locking and proximity unlocking, utilize these features instead of constantly pressing the buttons on the fob. This can reduce unnecessary battery drain from button presses.
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Avoid Unnecessary Button Presses: Be mindful of your button presses. Avoid repeatedly pressing buttons out of habit or from a distance where the fob might not be in range.
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Store Your Fob Away from the Vehicle: When at home, store your key fob at a reasonable distance from your Subaru vehicle. This can help prevent continuous signal exchange and potential battery drain in both the fob and the car. Consider placing it in a drawer or on a key hook away from the car.
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Faraday Cage for Key Fob Storage (Optional): For maximum protection against signal transmission and potential “relay attacks” (though primarily for vehicle security, it can also minimize battery drain), you can use a Faraday cage or a signal-blocking pouch to store your key fob at home. These devices block electromagnetic fields, preventing the fob from communicating with the vehicle.
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Check Battery Expiration Date: When purchasing replacement batteries, check the expiration date printed on the packaging. Choose batteries with a date well into the future to ensure freshness and optimal performance.
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Consider a Battery Tester: If you want to be extra cautious about battery quality, consider purchasing a battery tester. This allows you to check the voltage of a new battery before installing it in your key fob, ensuring it’s within the expected range.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your Subaru key fob is a simple maintenance task that any Subaru owner can perform. By following these steps and understanding the factors that affect battery life, you can keep your key fob working reliably and avoid the inconvenience of a dead battery. Regularly checking your key fob’s performance and being proactive about battery replacement will ensure you always have seamless access to your Subaru vehicle. Remember to consult your Subaru owner’s manual for any specific instructions related to your vehicle model and key fob.
