It’s a common frustration for Subaru owners: a key fob battery that seems to die too quickly. While modern key fobs are incredibly convenient, they rely on battery power, and understanding why your Subaru key fob battery might need frequent replacing can save you from unexpected lockouts and keep you on the road. Several factors can contribute to the lifespan of your key fob battery.
One of the primary reasons your Subaru key fob battery might be draining faster than expected comes down to battery quality. Not all CR2032 coin batteries, the standard for most key fobs, are created equal. Manufacturing inconsistencies can lead to some batteries failing sooner than others. Even within reputable brands, a faulty battery can occasionally slip through quality control. If you’re experiencing rapid battery drain, and have a battery tester, it might be worthwhile to test a new battery before installing it in your fob to rule out a weak cell right from the start. It’s also crucial to ensure your emergency key is working correctly as a backup – a point highlighted in Subaru owner discussions regarding manual door unlocking issues. Being able to manually enter your vehicle is essential, especially when facing unexpected key fob battery issues.
Subaru key fob and a new CR2032 battery
Another, often overlooked, factor is user habits. Do you find yourself repeatedly pressing the lock and unlock buttons as you approach or leave your Subaru? This common behavior, often driven by impatience or habit, significantly increases battery usage. Each button press sends a signal, drawing power from the battery. A simple solution for this is to utilize Subaru’s touch-enabled locking and proximity unlocking features, if your model is equipped. These features reduce the need for excessive button pressing. For those moments when you’re unsure if you locked your car, instead of repeatedly pressing buttons, consider using the MySubaru/Starlink app to check and control your vehicle remotely.
Furthermore, proximity to the vehicle can also impact battery life. There’s evidence suggesting that keeping your key fob too close to your Subaru when at home or parked can lead to faster battery depletion in both the fob and potentially the car battery itself. To minimize this “parasitic drain,” store your key fob further away from your vehicle when you are at home. Alternatively, consider using a Faraday cage or a similar RF-blocking container to store your fob. This prevents constant communication attempts between the fob and the car, reducing unnecessary battery drain.
In conclusion, while replacing your Subaru key fob battery is a straightforward task, understanding the factors that influence battery life can help you prolong its usage and avoid inconvenient situations. By being mindful of battery quality, your usage habits, and how you store your fob, you can ensure your key fob remains reliably powered when you need it most.
