Replacing the Battery in Your Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement
Having a key fob that doesn’t work properly can be very frustrating. When your Subaru key fob starts behaving erratically, the cause is likely a low battery. Replacing the small coin cell battery inside the fob can often restore functionality. This guide will walk you through the key steps for safely swapping out a dead battery to get your Subaru key fob working again.
When to Replace the Subaru key fob Battery
The battery inside the Subaru key fob needs to be replaced every 2-3 years. Signs that the battery is running low and due for a swap include:
- Reduced operating range to lock/unlock doors
- Intermittent function or complete failure
- Warning light on the dashboard when the car starts
Replacing the small CR2032 or CR1620 coin cell battery as soon as these issues appear can get your key fob working properly again. Delaying changing out the battery will result in fully losing remote functionality.
Finding the Right Replacement Subaru key fob Battery
Nearly all Subaru key fobs take a standard CR2032 3-volt lithium coin cell battery. This type of battery can be found in any drugstore, grocery store, home improvement store or online in multipacks. If your fob model happens to use the slightly smaller CR1620 instead, this battery is also easily sourced. Just match the markings on the old battery before buying a replacement.
Opening the Key Fob Housing
With the right replacement battery in hand, you’re ready to open up the key fob housing to swap out the power cell.
- Examine the fob for a notch or small slot on the seam between the two outer pieces
- Insert a small flat screwdriver into this slot to pop the housing open
- Alternatively, place the tip of the blade into the seam and twist gently to separate the halves
- Once the two sides start to come apart, finish opening by hand
Be very careful when prying open the housing to avoid damaging any of the inner circuit board and electronics.
Removing the Old Subaru key fob Battery
After getting the key fob housing opened up, locating the battery will be obvious.
- Use a finger or non-metallic tool to lift the battery out of the clip
- Make a note of the polarity and orientation before fully removing
- Use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to gently clean the battery compartment
- This will remove any corrosion and help the new battery make good contact
Inserting the New Subaru key fob Battery
With prep work done, installing the fresh coin cell battery is very straightforward.
- Orient the battery with the positive “+” side facing up in the clip
- Gently press down to snap the battery into place under the retaining clip
- Avoid touching the contact surfaces to prevent transferring oils from the skin
- Ensure the battery is aligned evenly before closing up the housing
Reprogramming the Subaru key fob
Once secured with a new power source, the Subaru key fob needs to be reprogrammed to sync back up with the car. This process only takes a minute or two.
- Insert the key into the ignition and turn to the accessory position
- Open and close the driver’s door 3 times, ending with the door closed
- Turn the key back to the off position and remove
- Insert the key again and turn to the accessory position
- Once the security indicator light finishes rapid flashing, programming is complete.
Testing Operation
Before hitting the road, check that the key fob is working correctly after the battery swap.
- Test locking/unlocking doors with key fob buttons
- Ensure trunk release operates if equipped
- Verify panic alarm activates properly
- Check keyless entry feature if available
- Reprogram again if any functions are still problematic
Extending Battery Life
To maximize lifespan between battery changes:
- Avoid keeping key fobs close to sources of heat or moisture
- Prevent scratching or damaging the battery contact surfaces
- Consider turning in secondary fobs if multiple programmed
- Store vehicle in garage to limit extreme hot/cold exposure
Following these usage and storage guidelines can help extend the ~2 year average replacement interval.
Professional Replacement
While DIY battery replacement in the Subaru key fob is straightforward, some owners prefer having the work done professionally. Most locksmiths and dealerships offer quick key fob battery swaps for a nominal service fee. This option ensures proper resealing of the housing and reboot programming.
Replacing the small internal battery before your Subaru key fob completely stops working is the smart proactive approach. Sourcing an inexpensive CR2032 or CR1620 lithium coin cell battery and following the proper installation steps will have your keyless entry remote working again in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When to Replace the Subaru Key Fob Battery
It’s recommended to replace the battery every 2-3 years or when the key fob becomes unresponsive. Early warning signs include reduced key fob range or door locks not responding from normal distances.
How to change the battery in a Subaru key fob?
Use a flat-blade screwdriver to gently pry apart the two halves of the fob. Then, slide out the old battery from the clip and match the polarity when inserting the new battery. Reprogram the fob before testing the operation.
What battery does a Subaru key fob use?
Most Subaru key fobs use a standard CR2032 3-volt coin cell battery. Some older models instead use a CR1620 battery, which is slightly smaller but has the same voltage.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery on a Subaru key fob when it starts to show low power warning signs is crucial for maintaining the normal remote operating range. The process requires gently opening the fob, swapping out the CR2032 or CR1620 coin cell battery with proper polarity, and then reprogramming before testing the operation. Following basic precautions during battery replacement allows DIYers to easily revive a non-responsive Subaru key fob. Scheduling a fresh battery every 2-3 years ensures your key fob remote system stays in reliable working order.