While using a Subaru key fob is pretty easy and convenient, what happens if your buttons stop working? How do you perform a Subaru Forester key fob battery replacement? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Do you want to learn how to program a Subaru key fob? Or do you simply want information on how to change the dead battery? You’re in the right place. Keep reading. This article will walk you through each step.
A Little About Subaru
The Forester has been around since way back in 1997, and it’s still being made today. This long-running crossover SUV has used four different key fobs over the years. On this page, I cover all of these devices.
I’ll show you how to open each Subaru Forester key fob to replace its internal battery. Scroll down to see which device you have and click the video to watch an easy-to-follow tutorial.
For other Subaru models, see our Subaru key fob battery page.
MODEL FOB YEARS BATTERY BUY BATTERY
Forester Fixed Key 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 CR1620 Check on Amazon
Forester Silver Sides 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 CR2032 Check on Amazon
Forester Teardrop 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 CR2025 Check on Amazon
Forester Simple 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 CR2032 Check on Amazon
Step-By-Step Guides For Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Replacement
I’ll show you how to open each Subaru Forester key fob to replace its internal battery. Scroll down to see which device you have and read the step-by-step guides or click the video to watch an easy-to-follow Subaru Forester key fob battery replacement DIY.
How to Replace the Subaru Forester “Fixed Key” Key Fob Battery (2014-2021)
Read these instructions or watch the video below to learn the step-by-step guides on how to change the battery in your Subaru key fob easily at home.
What you will need:
- 1x CR1620 battery
- Flat-head screwdriver
How to replace the battery in a Subaru Forester key fob remote control
Total Time: 4 minutes
1. Locate indentation, twist with screwdriver
Hold your key fob and look to the top corner. You will see a little indentation. While still holding the key fob on the sides, insert your flathead screwdriver into this slot and twist gently until you hear a crack.Â
2. Separate fob, set back cover
Now, continue twisting and working your way down until the two half of the key fob comes apart. Set the back cover to the side.Â
3. Remove device from fob cover
Next, dump the internal device from the second key fob cover and hold on to it. This is where the dead battery you want to replace is housed. To access it, you need to release the plastic locking mechanism. So how?
4. Lift device plastic with screwdriver
Hold the sides of the device with your fingers. Insert the corner of your screwdriver under each little piece of plastic and push it up.Â
While you won’t notice much difference after unlocking the first one, the device begins to loosen up on the second or third release. Now do this for all of the pieces to completely open up the device.
5. Lift battery with screwdriver
Now that we’ve got access to the dead battery, it’s time to get it out for a replacement. Hold the battery so that the metal component faces down. Now, come in from the left top side and insert the corner of your flathead screwdriver to lift up the battery and it will pop right out.
6. Insert new CR1620 battery
Next, replace the dead battery with your brand-new battery (CR1620). Push it into place while ensuring the positive side with the lettering goes in face down.Â
Note: It’s important that the new battery replacing the old one is exactly the same. You can find the link below.
7. Reassemble key fob parts. Done!
Finally, in reverse order, reassemble the key fob parts until everything is rightly in place. You’re done!
That wasn’t, so hard was it? Go ahead and test your new battery. Unlock and lock the doors of your car, if that works fine, then you did everything right and are good to go!
This is the battery you need for the Subaru Forester “Fixed Key” key fob:
How to Replace the Subaru Forester “Silver Sides” Key Fob Battery (2016-2021)
Watch the video below or read the step-by-step guide on how to change the battery in this version of your Subaru Forester key fob.
What you will need:
- 1x CR2032 battery
- Flat-head screwdriver
Step 1
The first step is to take out the physical key (also known as the mechanical key) from the key fob. To do this, locate the silver button at the back of the device, and press it down, while you pull out the mechanical key.
Step 2
The next step is to open up the key fob. You can either use your physical key for this or use a flathead screwdriver if your key fob is missing the key.
Now, insert the key or your flathead screwdriver into the slot parallel to the keyhole (where the key came out). Hold the device firmly while you twist the tool inside like a key. Once you hear a crack, the device has opened up and you can gently separate the covers with your fingers.
Step 3
Now dump out the circuit board housing the battery and hold on to it. Try not to touch the back of the circuit board (the part without the battery) to avoid damaging anything. There are some delicate parts to it.
Step 4
To remove the dead battery, get your flathead screwdriver and insert the corner in between the battery and the piece of plastic. Wiggle the screwdriver a little bit until the battery pops right out.
Step 5
Now that the old battery is out, It’s time to replace it with a new one exactly like it. To do that, slide and click in your new CR2032 battery with the positive side facing up.
Step 6
Return the circuit board to the cover. Ensure the battery goes in facing the battery image on the cover.
Step 7
The last thing is to reassemble the other parts of the key fob… and voila, you’re done!
Great job, there! Go ahead and test your key fob to ensure it’s working perfectly.
This is the battery you need for the Subaru Forester “Silver Sides” key fob:
How to Replace the Subaru Forester “Teardrop” Key Fob Battery (2005-2013)
This one’s pretty easy to open up. Watch the video below for a step-by-step tutorial on how to change the battery in your Subaru Forester key fob.
What you will need:
- 1x CR2025 battery
- Flat-head screwdriver
Step 1
The first thing is to locate the little slot at the bottom of the key fob. Can you see it? Good. Now insert a regular flathead screwdriver into this slot and gently twist. The cover will come apart easily.
Step 2
You should be looking at the battery now. Using the same tool, come in from the top left corner and carefully pry out the battery from its house.
Step 3
Now insert the new CR2025 battery in with the positive side facing down.
Step 4
Lastly, set the back cover on top of the new battery and click it together. That’s all it takes!
Remember to put the new battery to test. Press any buttons or simply lock and unlock your vehicle doors to confirm it works perfectly.
This is the battery you need for the Subaru Forester “Teardrop” key fob:
How to Replace the Subaru Forester “Simple” Key Fob Battery (2001-2004)
Keep reading or scroll down to watch the video below for a step-by-step tutorial on Subaru Forester key fob battery replacement
What you will need:
- 1x CR2032 battery
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Precision screwdriver
Step 1
Start by removing the two screws at the back of the key fob using your precision screwdriver. Once done, carefully set the screws aside so you don’t lose them.
Step 2
You can separate the covers with your fingers to access the battery. You don’t need a screwdriver to remove the battery in this key fob. All you have to do is slide it out with your thumb.
Step 3
Now that the old battery is out, click on a new CR2032 battery with the positive side facing up.
Step 4
Click the two covers back together and fix the two screws back into place using the same precision screwdriver. There you go, all done!
That was an easy Subaru Forester key fob battery replacement, wasn’t it?
This is the battery you need for the Subaru Forester key fob battery replacement (Simple):
These are the precision screwdrivers I used to open this key fob in the video:
How to Program Your Subaru Key Fob
Programming your Subaru Forester key fob is pretty straightforward. However, you must first know the type of key fob you’re using.
For instance, while you can easily program a teardrop-shaped fob, you will need the help of a professional or certified dealer to program a rectangular-shaped key type. This is why it’s essential to read the owner’s manual for the right information.
Once you discover that you can program your key fob yourself, then follow the steps below.
Step 1
Open up your key fob covers and locate the transmitter circuit board.
Step 2
Write down the 8-digit number you see. In a safe place.
Step 3
Now put together the key fob case.
Step 4
Open the driver’s seat of your Subaru and get in. Ensure you keep the door closed and the engine turned off.
Step 5
Next, open the driver’s door. Unlock all doors using the door button control. Now close the driver’s seat door again.
Step 6
Insert your key in the ignition. Now with the engine turned and the electrical system on, turn the key to the first position and turn it back to the off position. Repeat this process ten (10) times in a row.
Step 7
You will hear a chime coming from the instrument panel after the tenth trial
Step 8
Next is to open the driver’s seat door again and close it back. The chime and flashing of the dome lights are your confirmation.
Step 9
Now, while the chime sounds, you’ve got 45 seconds to input the 8-digit number you previously wrote down into the engine computer
Step 10
All you have to do now is program your Subaru key fob transmitter’s number.
Follow these steps to learn how.
- Locate the unlock or lock button on the driver’s door. You can find the buttons next to the window buttons.
- Notice the first figure of your transmitter number? Whatever it is, press the unlock/lock button the exact number of times. Do this for each digit you see.
If you’re a bit confused, here is an example that can help.
Assuming the numbers you see on the transmitter are 2345… The first digit is 2, so you’d press the unlock/button twice. The second number is 3, which means you will press the button three times, and so on.
- As soon as you’ve successfully entered the number, you will hear a chime sound outside the car. You need to enter this number one more time for confirmation. The vehicle’s locking system will click
- Now simply open the door and close it back. Then press the key fob unlock/lock button
- For the last time, open and close your door.
- Within 5 seconds, you should have a perfectly programmed working key fob!
Great job
Why Your Subaru Key Fob Still Doesn’t Work After Battery Replacement
While the most common reason for a non-working key fob is a dead battery, it’s not always the case.
Oftentimes, it’s not a battery change that can solve your key fob problem and make it work again. There are other reasons your key fob may not be working and these include.
Damaged key
Scratches or water are the common key fob-damaging factors to watch out for. If you notice your key fob stopped working after dropping it in water or stepping on it, that’s most likely the cause.
Worn out buttons
Constant pressing of the key fob buttons can lead to the buttons wearing out.
If only a few buttons are working or only work when pressed in a certain way, then that may be the reason your key fob has stopped working.
Reset Mode
It’s possible that the car remote has been reset while changing the battery. How do you know?
- Your car remote has completely stopped working.
- The spare remotes won’t work
Conclusion
A non-functioning key fob especially after a battery change can cause frustration. Perhaps. It’s time to reach out to professionals like a car dealer or locksmith to examine it and provide the right solutions.
FAQs About Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement
What types of batteries are used in the Subaru key fob?
A Subaru key fob may use CR2032, CR2025, or CR1620 battery. It’s important to check your owner’s manual or handbook to confirm the right battery type your key fob uses. Using the wrong battery type as a replacement will prevent the key fob from working.
Why is my Subaru Forester key fob not working?
Oftentimes, when your Subaru key fob fails to lock or unlock your car door or does not work at all. the issue lies with the battery. This means you need to replace the old battery with a brand new one of the same type.
Scroll up to find the most suitable guide for your Subaru Forester key fob battery replacement.
What are the signs that I need to replace my key fob battery?
There are so many symptoms to indicate a dying battery. Some of these common signs of a dying Subaru key fob battery are; Intermittent or delayed response, pressing the lock or unlock buttons several times before getting it to work, and of course, no response at all.
When is the right time to replace my key fob battery?
Your key fob’s lifespan is determined by how frequently you use it, the weather conditions, and the number of times it’s been replaced before. However, on average, a key fob should last you 2 to 3 years before a need for replacement.
Should I perform a Subaru Forester key fob battery replacement myself?
There is no one fixed answer to this. The cost of replacing the battery in a Subaru key fob DIY is less when compared to taking it to a professional locksmith.
So, if you’ve got some dime to spare, your dealership can handle it for you. But if you’re on a budget, it’s best to learn the right DIY tips on how to change your Subaru Forester key fob battery.
Find other Subaru models’ key fob battery replacement DIY guides here;
Subaru Crosstrek Key Fob Battery Remote Replacement
Subaru WRX Key Fob Battery Remote Replacement
Subaru Ascent Key Fob Battery Remote Replacement