It’s a common frustration for Subaru owners: the nagging feeling that your key fob battery is always on the verge of dying. If you’ve been wondering why you seem to be replacing your Subaru key fob battery more often than you’d like, you’re not alone. Several factors can contribute to this, and understanding them can not only save you headaches but also potentially extend your battery life. Let’s dive into the primary culprits behind a quickly draining Subaru key fob battery and what you can do about it, including how to easily Replace Battery Subaru Key Fob yourself.
One significant factor boils down to the quality control of the CR2032 coin battery itself. Not all batteries are created equal. While brands like Energizer and Duracell generally offer reasonable quality and consistency, even within reputable brands, a faulty battery can occasionally slip through. If you’re experiencing frequent battery changes, it might be worth considering investing in a battery tester. A quick check before installing a new battery can save you from the frustration of installing a dud. Speaking of preparedness, it’s also a good idea to locate and test your physical emergency key now. This ensures you’re not caught off guard should your fob become completely unresponsive, a situation that can be unsettling if you’re unprepared.
Subaru key fob and emergency key
Another common, often overlooked, reason for rapid battery depletion is user behavior. Are you someone who habitually presses the lock/unlock button multiple times as you approach or leave your Subaru? This repeated button pressing, while perhaps satisfying for some, significantly increases battery drain. The solution? Embrace the convenience of your Subaru’s touch-enabled locking and proximity unlocking features. These features are designed to minimize battery usage. And if you find yourself second-guessing whether you locked your car after walking away, resist the urge to mash the key fob buttons from afar. Instead, utilize the MySubaru/Starlink app to confirm and control your vehicle’s lock status remotely.
Finally, a less obvious but increasingly recognized factor is the proximity of your key fob to your vehicle when at home. Anecdotal evidence across various car brands suggests that storing your smart fob too close to your Subaru can lead to a faster drain on both the car’s battery and the fob’s battery. The constant communication between the fob and the vehicle, even when parked, seems to contribute to this drain. To mitigate this, try storing your key fob further away from your vehicle when you’re at home, allowing your Subaru to fully enter its “sleep” mode. Alternatively, consider purchasing a Faraday cage or a signal-blocking valet tray to store your fob. These devices effectively block the signal transmission, preventing unnecessary battery drain.
In conclusion, while replacing your Subaru key fob battery is a straightforward process, understanding the reasons behind frequent battery changes can help you optimize battery life. By considering battery quality, adjusting usage habits, and managing key fob proximity to your vehicle, you can minimize the hassle of frequent replacements and ensure your key fob is ready when you need it. Remember to check your emergency key and explore your Subaru’s smart features to further enhance your keyless entry experience.
