Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement Guide- Easy DIY Videos, And More!

Did you that know almost every Subaru made after 2010 used keys or remote controls? Yes. These types have advanced security capabilities as they are integrated with keyless entry.

And of course, the Subaru key fob is powered by the battery. It’s no wonder these keys malfunction or completely stops working when the batteries go dead or become damaged. The question is, can you fix it yourself? Absolutely!

In this article, you will discover the basics and a few tips for replacing Subaru key fob batteries after they are dead.

To find out which device you have, what battery it takes, and how to open it—scroll down and select your Subaru model from the “Subaru Vehicle Models” list. If you click “Legacy,” for example, you will be taken to a page with video tutorials for every Subaru Legacy key fob used over the years.

Alternatively, you can stay on this page and scroll down to the bottom to see video tutorials for all possible Subaru key fobs. Just find the video that shows your device in the thumbnail and click to play.

Our video tutorials show you everything you need to know to replace your battery at home, without any special tools or experience!

Stay tuned! This is your one-stop shop for changing Subaru key fob batteries.

Subaru Vehicle Models

Click on your model below to see a guide. Each page shows you all of the key fobs used for that model and a tutorial on how to change your battery at home. Or, you can simply scroll down to see a chart with each key fob and its information.

PICTUREKEYYEARSBUY BATTERY
Silver Sides2014 – 2021Check on Amazon
Fixed Key2008 – 2021Check on Amazon
Teardrop2005 – 2014Check on Amazon
Rectangular2006 – 2008Check on Amazon
Simple1999 – 2006Check on Amazon

How to change the battery in the “Silver Sides” Subaru Impreza key fob (2015-2021)

This is a straightforward process as I will show you in the video below. You can also keep reading for the step-by-step guide.

What you will need:

  • CR2032 key fob battery
  • A small precision flathead screwdriver
Final Image Subaru Impreza Silver Sides

How to Replace the Battery in a Subaru Impreza “Silver Sides” Key Fob

Total Time: 4 minutes

1. Hold button, remove internal key

Subaru Impreza Silver Sides Hold button, remove internal key

Turn the device over to the back and hold down the silver button to remove the internal key.

2. Separate device by twisting screwdriver

Subaru Impreza Silver Sides Separate device by twisting screwdriver

The next thing is to separate the device. To do that, locate the little slot right above the keyhole. Insert your flathead screwdriver and twist it gently. When you hear a pop sound, the device is opened.

3. Separate device, remove battery board

Subaru Impreza Silver Sides Separate device, remove battery board

Continue to work your screwdriver through the opening until the back comes off or until you can separate it with your fingers. Remove the circuit board with the battery component while you set the parts aside. Make sure to hold it on the sides and be careful not to touch the back as there are delicate items there.

4. Insert screwdriver to remove battery

Subaru Impreza Silver Sides Insert screwdriver to remove battery

Between the Subaru key fob battery and the plastic housing, insert the corner of your screwdriver. Push it in, twist it, and apply a little pressure until it pops. Your battery is removed.

5. Replace old battery with new CR2032

Subaru Impreza Silver Sides Replace old battery with new CR2032

Get your new key fob battery and swap it with the old one. When you do this, ensure the positive side of the text is facing up. Also, push the battery down towards the bottom part and click the top in. Note that it will not click in if you do it the other way around (putting the top in first).

6. Place new battery in device

Subaru Impreza Silver Sides Place new battery in device

Pick up the back of the device and set the battery in (place it where you see the images) making sure the circuit board is facing up.

7. Reassemble device and internal key

Subaru Impreza Silver Sides Reassemble device and internal key

Place the other back of the device on it and gently click them together. Return the internal key by holding on to the silver button. That’s it, you’re good to go.

Ensure to test your new Subaru key fob battery by locking or unlocking doors with the device to confirm it’s working perfectly.

Want to watch the video instead? Click on my short YouTube tutorial below!

Subaru Impreza Key Fob Battery Replacement (2015 - 2021)

This is the battery you need for the Subaru “Silver Sides” key fob:

How to change the battery in the “Fixed Key” Subaru Forester key fob (2014-2021)

What you will need:

  • A new CR1620 battery
  • A regular flathead screwdriver

Step 1

Hold your hold so the keyring is facing up. Locate the slight indentation in the plastic and insert your flathead screwdriver into the area and twist gently. You should see the sides of the device opening up for separation. Continue twisting the screwdriver in until the back comes off. Hold on to the device while you set aside the two plastic components.

Step 2

On the device. you will notice some plastic locking mechanisms. Put the corner of your screwdriver under one of the plastics, pry and push it up. Repeat this process for all the other plastics until the device separates into two. Safely store the other side of the battery and hold on to the cover containing the battery.

Step 3

The next thing is to remove the battery. With the metal contacts facing down, look at the top left corner of the battery and gently insert the corner of your screwdriver, lift up the battery and watch it pop out easily.

Step 4

Reset and click each cover back together. You’re done. Enjoy your new Subaru key fob battery!

If you’d rather watch a video. Here is a short tutorial to check out.

Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Replacement (2014 - 2021)

This is the battery you need for the Subaru “Fixed Key” key fob:

How to change the battery in the “Teardrop” Subaru Forester key fob (2005 – 2013)

Here is a simple step-by-step Subaru key fob battery replacement guide for the Subaru Forester key fob.

What you will need:

  • A new CR2032 battery
  • A regular flathead screwdriver

Step 1

Locate the little slot on the device and insert your flathead screwdriver to separate and open it up into two parts.

Step 2

On the top left side (with the metal contacts facing down), push in the corner of the screwdriver and lift up the battery until it comes off.

Step 3

It’s time to replace the battery. Take a brand new CR2032 battery, put it in with the positive side of the text facing down, and click it in.

Step 4

Set the front part of the plastic cover on top of the battery and click it all back together. That’s it. Super easy!

Here is a video of the same guide below.

Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Replacement (2005 - 2013)

This is the battery you need for the Subaru “Teardrop” key fob:

How to change the battery in the “Rectangular” Subaru Legacy key fob (2006-2008)

Like the steps above, this one is also pretty straightforward.

What you will need:

  • A new CR1620
  • A flathead screwdriver
  • A smaller Philips head (or precision) screwdriver

Step 1

Using the Philips head screwdriver, remove the small screw on the device and carefully set it aside (careful not to lose it). Separate the device with your fingers. If that doesn’t work, insert the corner of the regular screwdriver in between the space below the device (where the key is). Push and wiggle the screwdriver until you can easily lift the piece off.

Step 2

Set the back cover aside. Push the three buttons on the front cover to remove the battery component.

Step 3

Locate the latch at the button of the device and insert your flathead screwdriver under, gently wiggle it in until the compartment separates. Do not allow the rubber component to come out so the buttons don’t fall off.

Step 4

At the top corner of the battery, gently use the corner of your screwdriver to lift it off until it pops out.

Step 5

Insert the new CR1260 with the positive side facing down and click it into place.

Step 6

The final step is to carefully reassemble the device until everything is secure and in the right place. Remember to put the screw back with your Philips head screwdriver.

Go ahead and start using your new Subaru key fob battery to lock and unlock the door.

I also made a short video for you on the same Subaru key fob battery replacement guide.

Subaru Legacy Key Fob Battery Replacement (2006 - 2008)

This is the battery you need for the Subaru “Rectangular” key fob:

These are the precision screwdrivers I used to open this key fob in the video:

How to change the battery in the “Simple” Subaru Impreza key fob (2001 – 2004)

What you will need:

  • A new CR2032
  • A Philips head screwdriver

Step 1

Start by removing the two back screws with your Philips head screwdriver. You can now easily remove the plastics.

Note: Carefully keep your screws so you don’t lose them.

Step 2

You will find the old Subaru key fob battery on one of the covers. Gently slide it up with your thumb to get it out.

Step 3

Put in the new CR2032 battery. You want to slide it down into place with its face up. Ensure it sits securely before you cover it with the other plastic.

Step 4

Fix the two screws back together (note that you don’t need to make them super tight).

Test your device by pressing the buttons for the light to come on. When this happens, it means you’ve successfully replaced your Subaru key fob battery.

Catch the same Subaru key fob battery replacement guide in this short video tutorial below.

Subaru Impreza Key Fob Battery Replacement (2001 - 2004)

This is the battery you need for the Subaru Impreza “Simple” key fob:

These are the precision screwdrivers I used to open this key fob in the video:

A Black Car with the Taillights Turned On

Subaru Key Fob —The Bottom Line

Note that changing the Subaru key fob battery doesn’t require recoding the key fob. Therefore, it is not necessary to do any special programming after replacing the key fob battery. The key fob should work as usual.

However, if you just bought a brand-new key fob, you will need to program it in order to start the car. You can do this by an automotive locksmith or a dealership.

Nevertheless, when you need to replace your Subaru key fob, don’t play the guessing game. This Subaru key fob battery replacement guide will help you find the best replacement and at a reasonable price.