Is your Subaru Forester key fob acting up? Before you panic, the most common culprit is a dead battery. Luckily, replacing the Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can quickly regain access to your vehicle without the need for a mechanic for this simple fix. While we at Keyfobx.com are always ready to assist, changing your key fob battery is a great way to save time and money.
Identifying Your Subaru Forester Key Fob Type
Subaru has used a few different key fob designs over the years. Knowing which type you have is crucial for selecting the correct replacement battery. While your owner’s manual is the definitive guide, here’s a quick overview of the common Subaru key fob styles:
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Bulging Rectangle Shape: This is common in newer Subaru Forester models and requires a CR2032 battery.
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Teardrop Shape: An older design, this fob typically uses a CR2025 battery.
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Exposed Metal Key with Buttons: This older style features a visible metal key and utilizes a CR1620 battery. It also has an inner casing that needs to be opened.
Once you’ve identified your key fob type, you’ll know the correct battery you need for your Subaru Forester key fob battery replacement. Let’s get started with the replacement process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replace Your Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery
Below are detailed instructions for each type of Subaru key fob. Follow the steps relevant to your key fob style.
Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Replacement – Bulging Rectangle Shape (CR2032 Battery)
This type of Subaru Forester key fob requires a CR2032 battery. Here’s how to replace it:
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab on the back of your key fob. Press and hold this tab to release and remove the metal emergency key.
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Open the Fob Casing: Carefully pry open the key fob casing. A flathead screwdriver inserted into the seam can be helpful. Gently twist to separate the two halves of the fob.
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Locate the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the round, flat key fob battery. It might be positioned above or below the transmitter circuit board depending on how you opened the fob.
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Replace the Battery: Gently release the old battery and remove it. Insert the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upwards. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the new battery as much as possible.
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Reassemble the Fob: Snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together until they are securely closed. Re-insert the metal emergency key until it clicks into place.
Alt text: Opening a bulging rectangular Subaru key fob to replace the CR2032 battery.
Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Replacement – Teardrop Shape (CR2025 Battery)
For the teardrop-shaped Subaru Forester key fob, you’ll need a CR2025 battery. The process is very similar to the rectangular fob, but without the emergency key removal step:
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Open the Fob Casing: Carefully pry open the teardrop-shaped key fob. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently separate the two halves along the seam.
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Locate and Replace Battery: Identify the CR2025 battery inside. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upwards.
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Reassemble the Fob: Press the two halves of the key fob firmly back together until they snap shut.
Alt text: Replacing the CR2025 battery in a teardrop style Subaru key fob.
Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Replacement – Exposed Metal Key with Buttons (CR1620 Battery)
The older Subaru Forester key fob with an exposed metal key requires a CR1620 battery and has an additional inner casing. Here’s how to handle it:
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Open the Outer Casing: Pry open the main key fob casing as you would for the rectangular or teardrop fobs.
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Open the Inner Casing: Inside the outer casing, you’ll find a smaller, inner casing. Look for small tabs on this inner casing. Press these tabs to release and open the inner casing.
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Replace the Battery: The CR1620 battery will be inside the inner casing. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR1620 battery, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upwards.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the inner casing until it snaps shut. Then, place the inner casing back into the outer casing and press both halves of the outer casing together until they are securely closed.
Alt text: Step-by-step process of changing the CR1620 battery in an older Subaru key fob with an exposed metal key.
What to Do If Replacing the Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Doesn’t Work
If you’ve replaced your Subaru Forester key fob battery and it’s still not working, there might be another issue. In some cases, especially with newer Subaru Forester models, the key fob may need to be reprogrammed, especially after battery replacement or if the fob has completely lost its programming.
For older Subaru Forester key fobs, you might be able to attempt a DIY reprogramming process. While the exact steps can vary, it generally involves a sequence of actions inside your vehicle using the ignition and door locks. (The original article provided steps, which can be referenced for older models). However, reprogramming can be complex, and success isn’t always guaranteed.
For newer Subaru Forester models, or if DIY reprogramming fails, it’s best to seek professional help. Subaru dealerships like Keyfobx.com have the specialized equipment to accurately diagnose key fob issues and perform the necessary reprogramming or replacement. In many cases, especially with modern Subaru Foresters, key fob programming is a service that must be performed by a dealership for security reasons.
Keyfobx.com is Here to Help with Your Subaru Key Fob Needs
While replacing your Subaru Forester key fob battery is often a simple fix, Keyfobx.com is ready to assist you with any key fob issues. Whether you need help with reprogramming, require a new key fob, or prefer professional battery replacement, our expert technicians are here to provide reliable service. Don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule a service appointment online. We offer competitive service specials and are conveniently located near you. Let keyfobx.com take care of your Subaru Forester key fob needs, ensuring you’re back on the road with a fully functional key fob as quickly as possible.
