It’s a common scenario for any car owner: you reach for your key fob to unlock your Subaru, and nothing happens. The frustration is immediate, and the first thought often jumps to “Is the battery dead?”. If you’re a Subaru owner, understanding what battery does your Subaru key fob use is the first step in preventing this minor inconvenience from turning into a major headache. But beyond just knowing the battery type, it’s equally important to understand factors that affect your key fob battery’s life and how to potentially extend it.
Decoding the Subaru Key Fob Battery: It’s Likely a CR2032
For most modern Subaru vehicles, the key fob battery is a CR2032 battery. This small, coin-shaped lithium battery is a standard in many electronic devices, including car key fobs. Its popularity stems from its compact size, reliable power output, and decent lifespan. While specific models and years might occasionally vary, the CR2032 is overwhelmingly the most common type you’ll find in Subaru key fobs.
Knowing this is helpful, but understanding why these batteries sometimes fail sooner than expected and how to maximize their lifespan is where the real value lies.
Shelf Life vs. Real Life: Why Key Fob Batteries Don’t Always Last as Long as Expected
Battery manufacturers often boast about a 10-year shelf life for batteries like the CR2032, especially when they are double-sealed in their original packaging. This extended shelf life is achievable under ideal, controlled conditions. However, the real-world experience with key fob batteries, particularly in devices we use daily and expose to varying environments, can be quite different.
Factors beyond just the passage of time come into play, significantly impacting how long your Subaru key fob battery will actually last.
Humidity: The Silent Killer of Key Fob Batteries
While it’s easy to assume that “air” itself might be the culprit behind battery degradation, the reality is more nuanced. Humidity, and fluctuations in humidity levels, are significant contributors to the premature discharge of batteries, including those in your Subaru key fob.
As highlighted in discussions about CR2032 batteries, humidity levels above 75% can accelerate self-discharge, corrosion, and transient shorts. These conditions are not uncommon, especially during humid summers or in climates with significant temperature swings. Consider the environment your key fob endures: from air-conditioned homes to hot cars parked in the sun, and exposure to rain or snow. These drastic changes in temperature and humidity are far from ideal for maintaining battery longevity.
Temperature Swings: Another Enemy of Battery Life
Just like humidity, temperature fluctuations also negatively impact battery performance. Extreme heat or cold can strain the battery, leading to faster discharge and reduced overall lifespan. Leaving your key fob in a hot car during summer or exposing it to freezing temperatures in winter can contribute to a quicker battery drain.
This is particularly relevant for car key fobs, as they are constantly subjected to the external environment and the internal climate of your vehicle, which can vary dramatically.
Packaging: Child Safety vs. Battery Longevity
Interestingly, the packaging of batteries also plays a role in this discussion, though not directly related to air exposure as initially thought. Modern battery packaging, especially for coin-cell batteries, is often designed with child-resistant features. This is primarily a safety measure to prevent accidental ingestion by children, driven by regulations and competitive market pressures.
While this child-resistant packaging is crucial for safety, it’s worth noting that older battery packaging, even without being hermetically sealed, could still offer a decent shelf life if stored in a stable environment. The focus shifted from purely maximizing shelf life to prioritizing safety in consumer packaging.
Extending Your Subaru Key Fob Battery Life: Practical Tips
While you can’t entirely control humidity or temperature, you can adopt some habits to potentially extend your Subaru key fob battery life:
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Try not to leave your key fob in direct sunlight or extremely cold environments for prolonged periods.
- Store Spare Fobs Properly: If you have a spare key fob, store it in a cool, dry place away from humidity.
- Consider Battery Expiration Dates: When purchasing replacement CR2032 batteries, check the expiration date to ensure you’re getting a fresh battery.
- Regularly Check Battery Strength: Pay attention to the range and responsiveness of your key fob. If you notice a decrease, consider replacing the battery proactively.
In Conclusion: CR2032 and Environmental Awareness
So, to answer the primary question: what battery does your Subaru key fob use? It’s almost certainly a CR2032 battery. Understanding this is just the beginning. To truly maximize the life of your key fob battery, be mindful of the environmental factors like humidity and temperature changes that play a significant role in battery drain. By taking simple precautions, you can help ensure your Subaru key fob remains reliable when you need it most, and avoid being caught off guard by a dead battery.
