Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement

Have you ever been stuck with a dead key fob when you need your Subaru the most? We've been there, and it's no fun. Your key fob is crucial for both convenience and security, and a dead battery can be a major hassle. That's why we've created this simple guide to help you replace your Subaru key fob battery quickly and easily. At McGrath Evanston Subaru, we're committed to ensuring your driving experience is seamless. Let's dive into how to replace your Subaru key fob battery, ensuring you're never left stranded again.

Identifying When You Need a New Battery

A Close-Up Shot of a Car Key and an Electronic Handbrake by Daniel Andraski is licensed with Pexel License

Knowing when to replace your Subaru key fob battery is essential as it can save you from unexpected hassles. Look out for these signs to ensure your key fob is always ready to go.

Decreased Range: If you need to be closer to your car for the key fob to work, it's likely time to replace the battery.
Inconsistent Performance: If your key fob starts working intermittently, like sometimes unlocking the car and other times not, it's likely a sign that the battery is on its last legs.
Multiple Presses: Pressing the buttons multiple times to get a response is another clear indication that the battery is weak. A fully charged battery should respond promptly with a single press.
Dashboard Indicator: Many newer Subaru models have a dashboard indicator that notifies you when the key fob battery is low. You may refer to the owner's manual to see if your model has this feature and understand the specific warning indicators.

What You Will Need for the Battery Replacement

Depending on the age and model of your Subaru key fob, you'll require specific tools and battery types. The following details will help you identify the type of battery you need.

CR2032 Battery: This lithium coin battery works with newer Subaru key fobs that have a bulging rectangular shape.
CR2025 Battery: This battery works with the teardrop-shaped fobs that are found in older models that lack an emergency key release.
CR1620 Battery: This battery works with the oldest Subaru fobs that have an exposed metal key with buttons.

Ideally, you should refer to your owner's manual to identify the type of key fob and the corresponding battery required. This way, you will follow the correct steps for a successful battery replacement.

As far as tools are concerned, ensure that you have a plastic pry tool or a small flathead screwdriver handy. These tools are needed for safely opening the key fob without causing damage, making the battery replacement process smooth and efficient.

Easy Steps for Replacing Your Subaru Key Fob Battery

Changing the battery in your Subaru key fob is easy, but you must remember that the process varies depending on your model. Here's a detailed guide on how to change the battery for each type.

Newer Subaru Key Fob

Start by removing the metal key.
Press the small silver tab on the back of the key fob and pull out the key.
Insert a flathead screwdriver or the key into the gap between the fob's front and back, and gently twist to open it.
Inside, locate the flat round battery, typically positioned behind the transmitter circuit board.
Remove the old battery from its tabs and insert a new CR2032 battery, ensuring it's placed correctly.
Close the fob securely and reinsert the metal key.

Older Subaru Key Fob

Find the small groove between the two halves of the teardrop-shaped fob.
With a small flathead screwdriver, carefully pry open the fob.
Replace the old battery with a new CR2025 battery, ensuring proper alignment.
Snap the fob closed firmly.

Oldest Subaru Key

Locate the seam in the key's casing and carefully pry it open with a flathead screwdriver.
Press these tabs to open the unit and access the battery.
Replace the old battery with a new CR1620 battery, ensuring it's installed correctly.
Snap the unit closed and slide it back into the key casing, ensuring a secure fit.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your Subaru key fob isn't functioning correctly even after replacing the battery, here are some troubleshooting tips that might help:

Check Battery Contacts: Ensure the battery contacts inside the key fob are clean and free of any obstruction. Dirt or residue can sometimes prevent proper contact.
Verify Battery Installation: Double-check that the battery is seated correctly with the correct side facing up. A poorly placed battery can cause intermittency issues.
Reset the Key Fob: Resetting the key fob may occasionally resolve connectivity issues. Take out the battery, wait a few seconds, and then reinstall it. This reset process can help synchronize the key fob with the vehicle, ensuring proper functionality.

In case these steps still don't resolve persistent issues with your Subaru key fob, it may be necessary to replace the entire fob. The newer Subaru key fobs generally need professional help if they don't work after the replacement. At McGrath Evanston Subaru, we offer expert help in programming a new key fob tailored specifically for your car model to ensure smooth operation.

However, the older Subaru key fobs can be reprogrammed at home without professional assistance. Here are the steps that you must follow to get this done:

Open the key fob to access the transmitter circuit board.
Note down the first 8-digit number visible on the board.
Close the key fob and sit in the driver's seat with all doors closed.
Open and close the driver's side door using the door button.
Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the accessory mode (lights on, engine off).
Repeat unlocking and locking the doors with the door button ten times quickly.
If done correctly, the vehicle will chime.
Open and close the driver's side door again, followed by pressing the lock button on the key fob.
Remove the key from the ignition and let the vehicle chime once more.
Open and close the door again; your key fob should now be reset and operational.

Get Free Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement in Skokie, Illinois

If troubleshooting your Subaru key fob still doesn't fix the issue after changing the battery, it may be time to contact your dealership for help or consider a replacement. McGrath Evanston Subaru offers complimentary key fob battery replacements if you're in Skokie, Illinois. Book an appointment with our service department today and ensure your Subaru continues to operate without hiccups.

Schedule Service