It’s a common scenario for Subaru Ascent owners: you approach your vehicle, reach for the door handle, and… nothing. Your key fob is unresponsive. More often than not, the culprit is a dead or dying key fob battery. Replacing the battery in your Subaru Ascent key fob is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself, saving time and a trip to the dealership. Understanding why your key fob battery might be draining faster than expected and knowing how to replace it are valuable skills for any Ascent owner.
Several factors can influence the lifespan of your Subaru Ascent key fob battery. Let’s delve into the primary reasons why you might find yourself needing a Subaru Ascent Key Fob Battery Replacement sooner than you anticipated.
One significant factor is the quality control of the 2032 coin batteries used in most key fobs. Not all 2032 batteries are created equal. Even from reputable brands, occasionally a faulty battery can slip through quality checks. If you happen to have a battery tester handy, it’s a worthwhile step to quickly test a new battery before installing it in your fob. This can save you potential frustration down the road. While you can still access your Subaru Ascent using the emergency key and start the vehicle even with a dead fob, it’s still an inconvenient experience. For reliable performance, sticking with reputable brands like Energizer or Duracell for your replacement battery is generally recommended.
key fob battery
Another common reason for shortened battery life is user habits. Do you find yourself repeatedly pressing the lock and unlock buttons on your key fob as you approach or leave your Ascent? This habit, while understandable, can significantly contribute to faster battery drain. Each button press consumes battery power. A simple solution to mitigate this is to utilize the touch-sensitive door lock feature and the proximity unlocking feature that your Subaru Ascent offers. For those moments of double-checking after walking away, the MySubaru or Starlink app provides a convenient way to confirm your vehicle is locked without unnecessarily using the key fob buttons.
Furthermore, anecdotal evidence across various car brands suggests that storing your key fob too close to your vehicle can also lead to premature battery depletion in both the fob and the car. When the key fob is in close proximity, it can maintain a constant communication with the vehicle, preventing both from fully entering a power-saving “sleep” mode. To avoid this, ensure you store your key fob far enough away from your Subaru Ascent when you are at home. Alternatively, consider using a Faraday cage or a valet box designed to block key fob signals. Storing your fob in such a container can effectively prevent unwanted signal transmission and potentially extend battery life.
Replacing the battery in your Subaru Ascent key fob is a simple process. You’ll typically need a small Phillips head screwdriver and a new CR2032 battery. Gently pry open the key fob casing, usually by locating a small notch and using the screwdriver or your fingernail. Once open, carefully remove the old battery, noting its orientation (+ side up). Install the new CR2032 battery in the same orientation, ensuring it’s securely in place. Finally, snap the key fob casing back together until it’s firmly closed. Test the fob to ensure it’s working correctly.
By understanding the factors affecting your Subaru Ascent key fob battery life and knowing how to perform a simple battery replacement, you can proactively manage this minor maintenance task and ensure you’re never caught off guard by an unresponsive key fob.
