Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement & Programming Instructions

If you're having trouble with your key fob, it's likely that the battery needs to be replaced. Feeling as though you're unable to access your vehicle can be stressful, but Subaru key fob battery replacement is actually a quick and easy process. Schedule service if you'd like us to take care of it-or follow the steps below.

How to Replace a Dead Subaru Key Fob Battery

Depending on when your Subaru was made, you'll rely on one of three key fobs used by the brand. If your vehicle is newer, you'll follow the first set of steps below. The steps are nearly identical for older fobs; however, the type of battery that you need will vary.

If you're not sure what key fob you have, just check your owner's manual! Once you know what battery you need, you'll be able to follow the correct set of steps below.

Without further ado, here's how to replace a dead Subaru key fob battery:

Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement - Bulging Rectangle Shape

Requires a 2032 Battery

1. Locate the small silver tab on the back of the key, and press it in to remove the metal emergency key.
2. Carefully pry open the fob. It may be helpful to insert a flathead screwdriver into the seam between the two halves of the fob.
3. Depending on how you open the fob, the flat, round key fob battery may be either below or above the transmitter circuit board.
4. Release the battery and pop the new one into place, while taking care to ensure that the correct side is facing upward. Touch the new battery as little as possible.
5. Pop the two halves of your fob back together, and re-insert the metal key. Everything should snap back into place.

Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement - Teardrop Shape

Requires a 2025 Battery

The older, teardrop-shaped fob doesn't have an emergency key release, so you'll skip the first step seen above. However, the rest of the steps are identical. Just remember to use a 2025 battery instead of a 2032.

Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement - Exposed Metal Key With Buttons

Requires a CR 1620 Battery

The oldest electronic Subaru key fob displays the metal key at all times. The difference between this fob and the fobs we've already covered is that here, a second, smaller casing can be found inside the exterior fob casing. You'll need to pry open both the first and second casings in order to reach and replace the battery.

You've already seen how to open a Subaru key fob's exterior casing. (The process here is identical to the process described above.) The second, interior casing will have small tabs on it-and you'll need to press on these tabs to open it up.

Now you can remove the old CR 1620 battery and replace it with a new one. Once again, make sure that the correct side is facing up!

When you're finished, you can close the interior casing, put it back into the exterior casing, and snap everything back together.

How to Program a Subaru Key Fob

OK, let's say that changing your key fob battery didn't fix the problem. In this event, it's likely that your entire fob needs to be replaced. For security reasons, you can only order a new fob through a dealership like Subaru North Orlando-so contact us and let us know how we can help.

We'd be happy to program the new key fob for you-and in fact, if you drive a newer Subaru with a bulging rectangular fob, we'll have to complete these steps in house.

However, drivers with older key fob models can save money by learning how to program a Subaru key fob at home in Deltona or Altamonte Springs. Here's how it's done:

1. Pop open your key fob to reveal the transmitter circuit board.
2. Identify the first of the two 8-digit numbers that can be seen on the board. Write it down in a place where you'll be able to reference it quickly, then put the fob back together.
3. With the vehicle turned off, sit in the driver's seat and close all windows and doors.
4. Now, open the driver's side door.
5. Use the button on the door to unlock all your doors.
6. Put the key in the ignition.
7. Put your vehicle into accessory mode. (The lights should come on, but the engine should remain off.)
8. Repeat Step 7 ten times in a row, in quick succession.
9. If you've done everything right so far, the vehicle will chime.
10. Open and close the driver's side door once more. The vehicle should chime again.

At this point, you have 45 seconds to complete the next steps before you must start the process over again.

1. Find the eight-digit number that you wrote down earlier.
2. Press the lock button a number of times equal to each digit in the number, and press the unlock button in between each digit. So, if the first number of the digit is 4, you'll need to press the lock button four times, then press unlock. Then, repeat this process for the next number.
3. When you complete the sequence correctly, your vehicle should chime once more. The locks should engage as well.
4. You may wish to repeat this process several times in order to confirm that it has worked.
5. Open and close the driver's side door, then press the lock button on your fob.
6. Remove the key from the ignition. You should hear the vehicle chime one final time.
7. Open and close the door again. Roughly five seconds after the door is closed, your key fob should start to work again.
8. Test your results using your fob. If everything went as planned, you should be able to lock and unlock your doors with the press of a button.

Rely on Subaru North Orlando for Your Service Needs

If you run into trouble, just let us know! We'd be happy to replace your dead Subaru key fob battery or program a new fob on your behalf. Contact us today or schedule service online. We have rotating service specials that you won't want to miss, and our Sanford dealership is just a short drive from Orlando.