Changing The Battery In A Subaru Key Fob

So, you're a proud Subaru owner, cruising around in your Forester or Outback, feeling the love for your reliable ride. But hey, have you ever found yourself in a pickle, standing outside your car, staring at the key fob in your hand, wondering why it's not unlocking your doors? Yeah, been there, buddy. It's probably just the battery crying for a change.

First Things First: Let's Get You Unlocked

Before we dive into the fun world of battery changes, let's get you back into your car. If you've got a spare key, now's the time to use it. If not, don't worry, Subaru's got your back. There's a little-known trick to unlock your doors using the key fob's panic button. Here's how:

Press and hold the panic button for about 10 seconds. No, we're not kidding. It's like a magic trick, but with less rabbits and more car unlocking. After a few seconds, you should hear your car's locks click open. Ta-da! You're back in business.

Now, Let's Get That Battery Changed

Alright, with the car doors open and the engine off, we're ready to tackle this battery change. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds. In fact, it's about as difficult as changing a lightbulb. Well, maybe a slightly more awkward lightbulb that's hidden inside a tiny plastic fortress.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

You'll need a small flathead screwdriver, a coin (a quarter works great), and a new CR2032 battery. If you don't have a CR2032, don't panic. They're super common and you can find them at most electronics stores or online. Just make sure it's the 3V version, not the 2V. We don't want our key fob napping on the job.

Step 2: Open the Key Fob

Alright, let's get this party started. Turn the key fob over so the Subaru logo is facing down. You'll see a small hole. Grab your flathead screwdriver or coin and insert it into the hole. Give it a little twist, like you're opening a bottle of champagne, but less celebratory. You should feel the back of the key fob pop open.

If it's being stubborn, don't force it. Just give it a little wiggle and it should come loose. If not, take a break, have a snack, and come back to it. Sometimes, patience is key. (See what we did there?)

How To Replace Subaru Key Battery

Step 3: Remove the Old Battery

With the back of the key fob open, you'll see the battery. It's the small, circular thing that looks like a coin. To remove it, gently pry it out using your fingernail or the edge of your screwdriver. If it's stuck, don't worry. Batteries can be a bit clingy. Just be patient and keep gently prying.

Once it's out, you'll see a little metal tab on the back. That's the battery's negative terminal. Make a mental note of where it is, because we'll need to put the new battery in the same way.

Step 4: Insert the New Battery

Now, take your new CR2032 battery and place it in the key fob with the positive side (the side with the plus sign) facing up. Remember that metal tab we saw earlier? Make sure the positive side of the new battery is facing the same way.

Gently press the battery into place until it clicks. If it's not clicking, don't force it. Just make sure it's lined up correctly and try again. Once it's in, you should hear a little click, like a satisfying puzzle piece snapping into place.

Step 5: Close the Key Fob

With the new battery in place, it's time to close up the key fob. Line up the back cover with the front and press down firmly but gently. You should hear it click back into place. If it's not clicking, don't worry. Just give it another try. It's like a puzzle, but with less pieces and more tiny plastic bits.

Car Key Fob Battery Replacement Subaru at Jack Radcliffe blog

Test It Out

Alright, the moment of truth. Press the lock or unlock button on your key fob. If everything went well, you should hear your car's locks click. If not, don't panic. Just double-check that the battery is in the right way and try again.

If it's still not working, it might be time to call in the professionals. But hey, at least you gave it your best shot, right?

Congratulations, You're a Battery Changing Pro!

And there you have it, folks. You've just changed the battery in your Subaru key fob. You're officially a car maintenance rockstar. So, the next time you find yourself standing outside your car, staring at your key fob, you'll know exactly what to do.

Just remember, changing a battery is like a dance. It takes a little practice to get it right. So, keep trying, keep smiling, and before you know it, you'll be unlocking your car like a pro.

Now, go forth and conquer those battery changes. And remember, if all else fails, there's always the panic button trick. Happy unlocking!