It’s a frustrating moment when your Subaru key fob stops working. Often, the culprit is a dead battery. The good news is, Subaru key fob battery replacement is a straightforward process you can easily handle yourself. No need to immediately schedule a service appointment; with a little know-how and the right battery, you’ll be back to effortlessly accessing your vehicle in no time.
Subaru uses a few different key fob designs depending on the model year of your vehicle. Knowing which type you have is the first step to a successful battery replacement. While the replacement procedure is quite similar across models, the kind of battery your Subaru key fob takes will vary.
To determine the exact battery you need, your owner’s manual is the best resource. However, this guide will walk you through the most common Subaru key fob types and the batteries they require, making the process even simpler.
Let’s dive into how to replace your Subaru key fob battery and identify the correct battery for your specific key fob.
Subaru Key Fob Battery Types and Replacement Steps
Subaru key fobs generally come in three main shapes. Let’s identify each type and the corresponding battery needed for replacement.
1. Bulging Rectangle Subaru Key Fob (2032 Battery)
Battery Type: CR2032 Battery
This modern, rectangular key fob is common in newer Subaru models. Here’s how to replace the battery:
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Remove the Emergency Key: On the back of the fob, locate a small silver tab. Press and hold this tab to release and remove the metal emergency key.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Carefully pry open the key fob casing. A flathead screwdriver inserted into the seam between the two halves can be helpful. Apply gentle pressure to separate the casing.
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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 the fob opens.
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Replace the Battery: Gently release the old CR2032 battery. Pop the new CR2032 battery into place, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upwards. Minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery to avoid transferring oils from your fingers.
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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.
2. Teardrop Shape Subaru Key Fob (2025 Battery)
Battery Type: CR2025 Battery
This teardrop-shaped fob is an older design. The battery replacement process is very similar to the rectangular fob, but it uses a different battery and lacks an emergency key release.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Similar to the rectangular fob, carefully pry open the teardrop-shaped key fob using a flathead screwdriver or a similar tool. Gently insert it into the seam and apply pressure to separate the two halves.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Inside, locate the round, flat battery. Remove the old CR2025 battery and replace it with a new CR2025, ensuring correct polarity (positive side up).
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Reassemble the Fob: Press the two halves of the fob firmly back together until they snap shut.
3. Exposed Metal Key Subaru Key Fob with Buttons (CR1620 Battery)
Battery Type: CR1620 Battery
This is the oldest type of electronic Subaru key fob, characterized by a permanently visible metal key. The battery replacement is slightly different as it involves an inner casing.
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Open the Outer Casing: The process for opening the outer casing is identical to the rectangular and teardrop fobs. Pry it open carefully using a flathead screwdriver.
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Open the Inner Casing: Inside the outer casing, you’ll find a second, smaller inner casing. This inner casing houses the battery. 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: Remove the old CR1620 battery and replace it with a new CR1620 battery, again ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upwards.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the inner casing first until it snaps shut. Then, place the inner casing back into the outer casing and snap the outer casing closed.
What If a New Battery Doesn’t Solve the Problem?
In some cases, replacing the battery might not resolve the issue with your Subaru key fob. If you’ve replaced the battery and your fob still isn’t working, the problem might be more complex, potentially requiring a key fob replacement or reprogramming.
For newer Subaru models, key fob programming typically needs to be done at a dealership. For older models, there is a possibility of programming the key fob yourself at home. The original article provides steps on how to potentially program older key fobs, but it’s crucial to understand that successful DIY programming can be uncertain and may not work for all models.
If you encounter issues, or prefer professional assistance, contacting a Subaru dealership like Subaru North Orlando is recommended. They can diagnose the problem, program a new key fob if necessary, and ensure your remote access is restored.
In Conclusion
Knowing what kind of battery your Subaru key fob takes is the first step to resolving a non-functional key fob. By identifying your key fob type and following the simple replacement steps outlined above, you can often quickly and easily solve the problem yourself. Remember to check your owner’s manual for the most accurate battery information for your specific Subaru model. If battery replacement doesn’t fix the issue, professional help from a Subaru dealership is readily available.
