# 🔋 How To Change The Battery In A Subaru Key Fob – Complete Guide
Is your Subaru key fob acting up? Maybe the doors don’t unlock on the first press, or the range is suddenly terrible. In most cases, the problem is simple: your key fob battery is running low.
The good news? You can replace it yourself in just a few minutes—with no special tools or dealership visit required.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn:
– ✅ Which battery your Subaru key fob uses
– ✅ How to open different Subaru key fob styles
– ✅ Step-by-step battery replacement instructions
– ✅ What to do after changing the battery
– ✅ Tips to extend the life of your new battery
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## 🧰 What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather a few simple tools and materials:
– **New battery** (usually a CR2032 or CR1620 coin cell – details below)
– **Small flathead screwdriver** or plastic pry tool
– **Your Subaru key fob**
– *(Optional)* A small cloth or tape to protect plastic from scratches
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## 🔍 Step 1: Identify Your Subaru Key Fob Type
Subaru has used a few different key fob designs over the years. The process is similar for all of them, but the style will determine the exact steps and battery type.
### 1. Standard Keyless Entry Fob (Most Common)
– Buttons: **Lock, Unlock, Trunk, Panic**
– Shape: **Rounded rectangular**, plastic body
– Often used on: Outback, Forester, Impreza, Crosstrek, Legacy across many model years
**Typical battery:** CR2032 (always check your specific fob to confirm)
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### 2. Smart Key / Push-Button Start Fob
– Used with: Vehicles that have **push-button start**
– Buttons: Lock, Unlock, Trunk, Panic (on the side or front)
– Often a more compact, sleek rectangular design
**Typical battery:** CR2032
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### 3. Integrated Key + Fob (Flip or Fixed Key)
– Metal key blade built into the fob body
– Sometimes called a **“switchblade” key** or integrated key
**Typical battery:** CR1620 or CR2032 (depends on model)
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📌 **Tip:**
If you’re unsure which type you have, check:
– Your **owner’s manual**
– The **back cover** of your fob (some list the battery type)
– The **battery itself** once you open the fob
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## 🔋 Step 2: Choose the Correct Replacement Battery
Most Subaru key fobs use **lithium coin cell batteries**. The most common sizes are:
– **CR2032** – 3V lithium coin battery
– **CR1620** – 3V lithium coin battery
You can buy these at:
– Auto parts stores
– Supermarkets
– Electronics stores
– Online (Amazon, etc.)
### How to Confirm the Battery Type
1. Open your key fob (instructions below).
2. Look at the **markings on the old battery** – you’ll see something like “CR2032 3V.”
3. Match that number exactly when buying a new one.
⚠️ **Important:**
Do not substitute a different size or voltage. Even if it seems similar, the wrong battery can cause poor performance or damage the fob.
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## 🧿 Step 3: How To Open Your Subaru Key Fob
The opening method depends on your fob style. Below are the most common designs and how to open them.
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### A. Smart Key Fob (Push-Button Start Models)
This is the fob used on many newer Subaru vehicles with a **Start/Stop button**.
#### 1. Remove the Mechanical Key
1. Look for a **small release button** or slider on the back or side of the fob.
2. Press or slide it while **pulling out** the metal key.
3. Set the key aside—you’ll use the opening where the key came from to help pry open the fob.
#### 2. Separate the Fob Halves
1. Look at the **key slot area** you just exposed.
2. Insert a small **flathead screwdriver** or plastic pry tool into the gap.
3. Gently **twist the tool** to start separating the two halves of the fob.
4. Work your way around the edges, carefully prying until the fob opens.
💡 **Tip:**
Wrap a bit of tape or cloth around your screwdriver tip to avoid scratching the plastic.
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### B. Standard Keyless Entry Fob (No Push Button Start)
For traditional turn-key ignition Subarus with a simple key fob, the process is similar.
1. Look for a **small notch or groove** along the edge of the fob.
2. Insert the tip of a small flathead screwdriver into the notch.
3. Gently twist to **separate the two halves** of the fob.
4. Work your way around, prying open the case evenly.
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### C. Integrated Key + Fob
If the metal key and fob are combined:
1. Fold any **flip key blade** into the body (if applicable).
2. Locate a **seam line** or notch around the body of the fob.
3. Insert your pry tool or screwdriver into that seam.
4. Twist gently to open the case.
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## 🪫 Step 4: Remove the Old Battery
Once the fob is open, you’ll see the small **circuit board** and the round **coin cell battery**.
1. Take note of the **battery orientation**:
– The side with the writing (e.g. “CR2032”) is usually the **positive (+) side**.
– In most Subaru fobs, this **faces up**.
2. Use your fingernail or a small flat tool to **lift the battery out** of its holder.
3. Avoid touching other components of the circuit board as much as possible.
⚠️ **Avoid Metal-on-Metal Pressure:**
Do not forcefully pry the battery against the fragile plastic housing or circuit board. Be gentle to avoid damage.
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## ➕ Step 5: Insert the New Battery Correctly
1. Match the **new battery** type to the old one (e.g. CR2032 with CR2032).
2. Make sure you understand the **correct orientation**:
– Positive side (+) usually faces up.
– Double-check against how the old battery was positioned.
3. Slide or press the new battery into the holder until it **clicks or sits firmly** in place.
💡 **Tip:**
Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the battery with bare fingers too much; oils from your skin can slightly reduce conductivity. If you do, you can gently wipe it with a clean, dry cloth.
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## 🧱 Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob
1. Align the **two halves** of the fob carefully.
2. Press firmly around the edges until you hear or feel **all clips snap back into place**.
3. For smart key fobs, slide the **mechanical key** back into its slot until it locks.
Visually inspect the fob:
– No gaps around the edges
– Buttons are still aligned and move normally
– Nothing is loose or rattling inside
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## ✅ Step 7: Test Your Subaru Key Fob
Now it’s time to confirm that everything works:
1. Stand a few feet away from your Subaru.
2. Press the **Lock** button:
– Doors should lock, and lights should flash.
3. Press **Unlock**:
– Doors should unlock.
4. Test other buttons:
– Trunk release
– Panic alarm
If your Subaru uses **push-button start**, try:
– Getting into the car
– Pressing the brake and the **Start/Stop** button
– The car should recognize the fob and start normally
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## 🧩 Troubleshooting: If Your Key Fob Still Doesn’t Work
If your key fob fails to work after replacing the battery, consider the following:
### 1. Double-Check Battery Orientation
– Make sure the **positive (+) and negative (-)** sides are correctly positioned.
– Compare with your owner’s manual or diagrams online if you’re unsure.
### 2. Confirm the Battery Type & Quality
– Verify you used the **correct model** (CR2032 vs CR1620, etc.).
– Use a **reputable brand** (Energizer, Panasonic, Duracell, Sony, etc.).
– Very cheap batteries may arrive partially discharged or be unreliable.
### 3. Check for Loose Contacts or Damage
– Open the fob again and inspect:
– Is the battery **seated flat and snug** in the holder?
– Are any **metal contacts bent** or out of place?
– Is the circuit board cracked or corroded?
### 4. Try a Second New Battery
– Occasionally, a new battery can be defective.
– Swap in another fresh battery to rule this out.
### 5. Reprogramming or Dealer Visit
If the battery is good and correctly installed but the fob **still doesn’t respond**:
– Your key fob may need to be **reprogrammed** to the vehicle.
– In rare cases, the fob itself can fail and require replacement.
– Visit a **Subaru dealer** or a qualified automotive locksmith for diagnosis.
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## 🕒 How Often Should You Replace a Subaru Key Fob Battery?
Most Subaru key fob batteries last **2–4 years**, depending on:
– How often you use the fob
– Whether you keep it near devices that cause interference
– Temperature and storage conditions
### Common Signs Your Battery Is Dying
– You need to press buttons **multiple times**
– The range is significantly reduced
– The car intermittently doesn’t detect the fob
– A **“Key Fob Battery Low”** warning appears on your dash (on newer models)
When you first notice these signs, it’s smart to **replace the battery soon** rather than wait for it to die completely.
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## 🛡️ Tips To Extend the Life of Your Key Fob Battery
Use these simple habits to get the most from each new battery:
– **Avoid button pressure in your pocket or bag**
– Constant accidental pressing drains the battery quickly.
– **Store the fob away from extreme heat or cold**
– Don’t leave it in a hot car or in freezing conditions for long periods.
– **Keep it away from high-interference electronics**
– Devices that constantly search for signals (Wi‑Fi routers, certain smart devices) can sometimes affect fob performance and battery life.
– **Have a spare fob ready**
– If you have a second Subaru key fob, use them **interchangeably** so the batteries wear evenly.
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## 🧠 Frequently Asked Questions About Subaru Key Fob Batteries
### Q1: Can I use a different coin battery if it fits?
No. Even if another battery *seems* to fit, you must use the **exact specified type** (e.g. CR2032). Using the wrong type can cause:
– Poor connection
– Incorrect voltage
– Damage to the fob’s internal electronics
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### Q2: Do I need to reprogram my Subaru key fob after changing the battery?
In most cases, **no**. Subaru key fobs **retain their programming**, and once the new battery is installed, they work immediately.
If the fob still doesn’t work:
– Double-check the install
– Try another new battery
– If it still fails, contact a dealer or locksmith—there may be a deeper electronic issue.
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### Q3: How much does a Subaru key fob battery cost?
Generally:
– **$2–$8** per battery, depending on brand and where you buy it.
– Multi-packs can reduce the cost per battery.
Compare that to a **dealership service charge**, which may cost significantly more for a simple battery replacement you can easily do yourself.
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### Q4: What if I lose the tiny mechanical key?
The small mechanical key in smart fobs is used for:
– Manually unlocking the door if the battery dies
– Certain emergency situations
If you lose it:
– A dealer or locksmith can cut and program a new one.
– Keep it safe and consider **labeling or storing it** separate from the fob when needed.
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## 🧾 Quick Summary: Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement Steps
1. **Identify** your key fob type and battery model (CR2032 or CR1620).
2. **Remove** the mechanical key (for smart fobs).
3. **Open** the fob case using a small flathead screwdriver or pry tool.
4. **Take out** the old battery, noting its orientation.
5. **Insert** the new battery in the same orientation (usually + side up).
6. **Snap** the fob halves back together securely.
7. **Test** all buttons and, if applicable, the push-button start.
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## 🔧 Final Thoughts
Replacing the battery in your Subaru key fob is a **simple DIY task** that:
– Takes just a few minutes
– Costs only a few dollars
– Saves you a trip to the dealership
By following the detailed steps above and using the right battery, you’ll keep your Subaru’s keyless entry and start system working reliably—so you’re never stuck outside your car with a dead fob.
If you’re unsure about your exact fob model or want personalized help, always refer to your **Subaru owner’s manual** or consult a trusted **automotive professional**.
