Experiencing issues with your Subaru key fob? A common culprit is often a low or dead battery. Fortunately, changing the battery in your Subaru key fob is a straightforward process you can easily handle yourself. This guide will walk you through how to perform a Subaru Key Fob Battery Change and discuss factors that can affect your key fob battery life.
Step-by-Step Guide: Subaru Key Fob Battery Change
Changing your Subaru key fob battery is a simple task that requires minimal tools. Here’s how to do it:
-
Gather Your Materials: You’ll need a new CR2032 coin battery and a small flathead screwdriver or a similar tool to open the key fob casing. Ensure you have the correct battery type; CR2032 is the standard for most Subaru key fobs.
-
Open the Key Fob: Locate the small notch or seam on your Subaru key fob. Gently insert the flathead screwdriver into this opening and twist carefully to pry the two halves of the key fob casing apart. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damage to the casing.
-
Remove the Old Battery: Once the key fob is open, you’ll see the battery. Note the orientation of the battery (usually positive side up). Gently pry the old battery out of its housing. You may be able to use your fingertip or the flathead screwdriver to carefully lift it out.
-
Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment. Ensure the positive (+) side of the battery is facing upwards, matching the original orientation. Push down gently to secure it in place.
-
Close the Key Fob: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them firmly back together until they snap closed. Ensure there are no gaps and the casing is securely sealed.
-
Test Your Key Fob: After reassembling the key fob, test it to ensure it’s working correctly. Try locking and unlocking your Subaru remotely to confirm the new battery is functioning.
Factors Affecting Subaru Key Fob Battery Life
While performing a Subaru key fob battery change is easy, understanding what impacts battery life can help you avoid frequent replacements. Several factors can contribute to how long your key fob battery lasts:
-
Battery Quality: The quality and manufacturing of the CR2032 battery itself play a significant role. Not all batteries are created equal. Opt for reputable brands like Energizer, Duracell, or genuine Panasonic batteries for better consistency and longevity. Occasionally, even from well-known brands, a faulty battery can occur, leading to premature failure.
-
Usage Habits: Frequent and unnecessary use of your key fob buttons can drain the battery faster. If you habitually press the lock/unlock buttons multiple times, especially from a distance, you’re likely using more battery power than needed. Consider utilizing your Subaru’s touch-sensitive door handles or proximity unlocking features if your model is equipped with these to minimize battery usage.
-
Proximity to Vehicle: Keeping your key fob too close to your Subaru when not in use can also contribute to quicker battery depletion. There’s evidence suggesting that continuous communication between the key fob and the vehicle, even when idle, can drain both the car battery and the key fob battery. To mitigate this, store your key fob further away from your vehicle when at home. Alternatively, using a Faraday box or pouch can block signals and prevent unnecessary communication, preserving battery life.
Choosing the Right Replacement Battery
When performing a Subaru key fob battery change, selecting the correct and reliable replacement battery is crucial. Always use a CR2032 3V lithium coin battery. For optimal performance and longevity, consider using batteries from well-known brands such as:
- Energizer
- Duracell
- Panasonic (genuine Panasonic batteries are often considered high quality)
While generic batteries are available, investing in a quality brand can offer better reliability and potentially longer battery life for your Subaru key fob.
Don’t Forget Your Emergency Key
While addressing your Subaru key fob battery change, it’s also a good time to remember the mechanical emergency key housed within your key fob. Ensure that your emergency key works correctly to manually unlock your car door in situations where the key fob is completely dead or malfunctioning. Regularly check its functionality to avoid being locked out of your vehicle.
Conclusion
Changing the battery in your Subaru key fob is a simple maintenance task that any car owner can accomplish. By following these steps and being mindful of factors affecting battery life, you can ensure your key fob remains functional and reliable. Regularly checking your key fob’s operation and replacing the battery when needed is a small effort that can prevent inconvenience and keep you securely connected to your Subaru.
