Your Subaru Outback key fob is a small but mighty tool, giving you effortless access and security for your vehicle. When it stops working, it can be a major inconvenience. You might notice you have to press the buttons multiple times, or the range is significantly reduced.
This is almost always a sign of a dying battery. Before you head to the dealership and pay a premium for a simple service, you should know that this is a task you can easily handle yourself in just a few minutes. This guide will provide clear, beginner-friendly instructions on how to change battery in subaru outback key fob, saving you time and money.
Replacing the battery in your Subaru Outback key fob is a straightforward process that requires minimal tools and only a few minutes of your time. By learning how to do it yourself, you can avoid unnecessary trips to the dealership and save money on what is essentially a simple maintenance task. With this guide, you’ll gain the confidence to tackle the battery replacement quickly and efficiently, ensuring your key fob is back to working perfectly.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Change Battery in Subaru Outback Key Fob
Step 1: Get the Correct Replacement Battery
Before you take anything apart, the first step is to get the right replacement battery. Most modern Subaru Outback key fobs use a CR2032 3-volt coin cell battery. This is a very common type of battery that you can find at most grocery stores, drugstores, or online retailers. To be absolutely certain, you can check your owner’s manual or wait until you have the old battery out to confirm the number printed on it. Having the new battery ready to go will make the entire process quick and seamless, getting you back on the road without any delay.
Step 2: Release the Internal Mechanical Key
Your smart key fob contains a hidden physical key for emergency use. You will need to remove this key to open the fob case. Look for a small silver button on the back of the key fob. Press and hold this button firmly. While holding it down, pull on the metal key ring portion of the fob. The internal mechanical key will slide right out. This key is not only for unlocking your door manually but also acts as a tool in the next step, showcasing a clever bit of engineering from Subaru.
Step 3: Pry Open the Fob Case
With the mechanical key removed, you will now see a small slot or indentation in the plastic where the key used to be. This is the pry point for opening the fob’s case. Insert the tip of a small flathead screwdriver or, even better, the tip of the mechanical key you just removed into this slot. Be gentle but firm as you twist the key or screwdriver. This will create a small gap between the two halves of the plastic case. You should hear a slight popping sound as the internal clips begin to release.
Step 4: Separate the Two Halves of the Key Fob
Once you have created an initial opening, you can work your way around the seam of the key fob to fully separate the two halves. You can use your fingernail or the flathead screwdriver to carefully continue prying along the edge. The case is held together by small plastic clips, so apply gentle and consistent pressure to avoid breaking them. Work slowly around the perimeter until the two halves of the fob come apart completely. Inside, you will see the green circuit board and the round, coin-style battery that you need to replace.
Step 5: Remove the Old Battery
The old battery is held in place by a small plastic housing. You will need to carefully pry it out. Use a very small screwdriver or a similar pointed, non-metallic tool to gently pop the battery out of its compartment. Pay close attention to which side of the battery is facing up. In most cases, the positive (+) side, which has the writing on it, will be facing you. Remembering this orientation is crucial for installing the new battery correctly. Avoid using a metal tool if possible to prevent any risk of shorting the circuit board.
Step 6: Install the New Battery
Now it’s time to install the fresh CR2032 battery. Make sure you are installing it in the correct orientation. As noted in the previous step, the positive (+) side should almost always be facing up, just like the old battery was. Gently slide the new battery into the compartment, pressing it down until it clicks securely into place. A proper fit ensures a solid electrical connection, which is necessary for the fob to function. Handling the new battery by its edges can help prevent oils from your fingers from getting on the contact surfaces.
Step 7: Reassemble the Key Fob Case
With the new battery securely in place, you are ready to put everything back together. Align the two halves of the key fob case and press them firmly together. You should hear a series of clicks as the internal clips re-engage and lock into place. Squeeze around the entire seam of the fob to ensure it is completely sealed and there are no gaps. A tight seal is important to keep dust and moisture out, protecting the delicate electronics inside. Give it a gentle twist to make sure it feels solid.
Step 8: Test Your Key Fob
The final step is to make sure your work was successful. Take the reassembled key fob to your Subaru Outback and test all the functions. Try locking and unlocking the doors, opening the rear gate, and activating the panic alarm.
If everything works as it should, you have successfully completed the task. If it doesn’t work, the most likely issues are that the battery was inserted upside down or it isn’t seated properly. Re-open the case and double-check your installation. Once it’s working, slide the mechanical key back into its slot until it clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Are the Signs of a Dying Subaru Key Fob Battery?
The most common signs that your key fob battery is failing are a significantly reduced signal range and inconsistent performance. You might have to be much closer to your car for the buttons to work, or you may need to press a button multiple times before it registers. Some newer Outback models may also display a “Key Fob Battery Low” warning message on the dashboard’s multi-information display.
What Kind of Battery Does My Subaru Outback Key Fob Use?
Most modern Subaru Outback key fobs, especially those from around 2015 onwards, use a CR2032 3-volt lithium coin cell battery. This is a very common battery type. For older models or different key styles, the battery might be a CR1620 or CR2025. The best way to be certain is to open the fob and check the number printed on the old battery.
Do I Need to Reprogram My Key Fob After Changing the Battery?
No, you should not need to reprogram your key fob after a battery change. The fob’s unique identification code is stored in non-volatile memory, meaning it is not erased when the power is lost. As soon as you install the new battery, the key fob should work with your car immediately. If it doesn’t, the issue is likely with the battery installation, not the programming.
Can I Use a Different Battery Type, Like a CR2025 Instead of a CR2032?
While a CR2025 has the same diameter and voltage as a CR2032, it is physically thinner (2.5mm vs. 3.2mm). Using a thinner battery may result in a loose connection, causing the key fob to work intermittently or not at all. It is always best to use the exact battery type specified for your key fob to ensure a reliable and secure fit.
How Much Does It Cost to Have the Dealership Change My Key Fob Battery?
Having a dealership change your key fob battery can be surprisingly expensive for such a simple task. While prices vary, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $75 or more for the service. By doing it yourself, your only cost is the price of the battery itself, which is typically just a few dollars, saving you a significant amount of money.
Conclusion
Changing the battery in your Subaru Outback key fob is a quick, easy, and inexpensive task that any owner can perform. There is no need for a costly trip to the dealership. By following a few simple steps—getting the right battery, carefully opening the case, and swapping the old battery for the new one—you can restore your key fob to perfect working order in minutes.
This guide has shown you exactly how to change battery in subaru outback key fob, empowering you to handle this basic maintenance task with confidence and save money in the process.