Subaru Car Key Fob Battery Replacement: Quick Guide

SUMMARY

• Your Subaru key fob battery typically lasts three years. Signs of a dying battery include reduced range and inconsistent remote functions requiring replacement.
• Different key fob styles need specific batteries: 2032 for rectangular fobs, 2025 for teardrop shapes, and CR 1620 for exposed key models.
• Newer key fobs require professional programming after battery replacement. Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas provides expert service ensuring your key fob works perfectly.

Also Read: Why a Subaru Maintenance Plan is Important for Your Car

Few things are more frustrating than when your Subaru key fob stops working right. If you’re noticing your key fob’s range is getting shorter when you lock or unlock your car, that’s usually a sign your battery is dying. The good news? You don’t need to rush to a mechanic. Changing your Subaru key battery is actually quick and easy, something you can do yourself in just a few minutes. Learning how to handle a Subaru car key fob battery replacement saves you time and keeps your car’s convenience and security features working smoothly. And if you ever need help or prefer professional assistance, our team at Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas is always ready to support you with expert Subaru service.

Pro tip: Whether you need key fob assistance, routine maintenance, or any other service for your Subaru, we’re here to help. Contact our service center or schedule an appointment online at your convenience. Our certified technicians at Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas are ready to keep your vehicle running smoothly and reliably, ensuring you can get back on the road with complete confidence.

Understanding Your Key Fob and When It Needs Attention

Your Subaru key fob is more than just a convenient gadget. It’s the small device that makes your daily routine easier by letting you lock and unlock your car with a simple button press, keeping your vehicle secure without fumbling for traditional keys.

Like your phone or any other electronic device, your key fob runs on a small battery that won’t last forever. Most Subaru key battery units last about three years, though yours might need replacing sooner or later depending on how often you use it and the weather conditions where you live.

When the battery is low, you’ll typically notice a few telltale problems. The range for locking or unlocking your doors shrinks significantly, sometimes to the point where you need to be right next to your car for it to work. Your remote functions might work inconsistently, responding sometimes but not others. In the worst cases, the key fob stops working entirely.

Preparing for Your Battery Replacement

Before you start, gather a small flathead screwdriver, a new battery, and rubber gloves if you want to keep oils from your fingers off the electronic components. These tools are easy to find around your house or at any local store.

You need to know which battery your specific key fob uses. Most Subaru key fobs fall into three main categories. If you have a newer rectangular key fob, you’ll need a 2032 lithium battery. The older teardrop shaped fobs typically use a 2025 lithium battery. And if your key fob has an exposed metal key with buttons, you’re looking for a CR 1620 lithium battery.

Step by Step Replacement Process

For newer rectangular key fobs using a 2032 battery, press the small silver tab on the back to pop out the metal key. You’ll notice a small gap where the key was sitting. Use the tip of your key or a flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the fob at this spot. Inside, you’ll find the round battery, which might be on the back of the circuit board. Carefully remove the old battery from its tabs and snap in your new 2032 battery, making sure it’s facing the right direction.

For older teardrop key fobs using a 2025 battery, look for the small notch in the seam around your key fob. Slip a small flathead screwdriver into this spot and gently twist to pop open the case. Remove the old battery, then place your new 2025 battery in the same position, being careful about which side faces up. Snap the two halves back together firmly.

For key fobs with exposed metal keys using a CR 1620 battery, find the indentation in the seam and use a flathead screwdriver to open it up. Pull out the smaller internal unit inside. You’ll see tiny tabs around this inner piece. Press these tabs to open it and reveal the battery. Swap out the old battery for your new CR 1620, making sure it’s positioned correctly. Snap the inner unit closed, tuck it back into the main casing, and press everything together.

Programming and Professional Help

Here’s something important: changing the battery is just part of the story. Your key fob needs to be programmed to talk to your specific vehicle. Older key fobs can sometimes be reprogrammed at home using your door locks and ignition, plus an eight digit code found inside the fob. However, this process can be complicated.

Newer rectangular key fobs typically require professional programming at an authorized Subaru service center. If you replace the battery yourself on one of these newer fobs, you might find it won’t work until a dealership reprograms it for you.

Our certified technicians at Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas have the right equipment and expertise to handle your Subaru key battery replacement and ensure everything is programmed correctly. They’ll make sure your key fob is working perfectly before you drive away.

Emergency Solutions and Final Thoughts

If your Subaru key battery dies when you’re away from home, don’t panic. Pull out the physical metal key from the back of your key fob and use it to unlock your driver’s side door. Yes, your car alarm will go off, but to turn it off, just start your vehicle. Hold your dead key fob directly against the push button start, then press the button. Even though the battery is dead, this close contact allows your car to recognize the fob and start up.

Taking care of your Subaru car key fob battery replacement is one of those small maintenance tasks that makes a big difference. If you have an older model, you might feel comfortable handling it yourself after checking your owner’s manual. But if you have a newer rectangular key fob or the process seems overwhelming, professional help is the smarter choice. Our team at Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas specializes in these situations, ensuring your battery replacement and programming are done right the first time. When you need expert Subaru service, you know exactly where to turn for peace of mind.

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