Your Subaru key fob battery dies like any other battery, and you can replace it yourself in about two minutes

The small battery inside your Subaru key fob powers the transmitter that locks and unlocks your doors. When the fob stops working or the range shrinks, the battery is usually dead. You do not need a dealer or a technician — you can open the fob, swap out the old battery for a new one, and have it working again before you finish your coffee.

The whole process costs between $3 and $8 for the battery itself. Subaru key fobs use a CR2032 battery, which you can find at any pharmacy, grocery store, hardware store, or online retailer. The fob itself is designed to come apart by hand or with a coin.

Key Takeaways

  • Subaru key fobs use a CR2032 battery, a common coin-cell battery sold at drugstores and supermarkets for a few dollars.
  • You can open most Subaru fobs by sliding a coin into the seam on the edge and gently twisting, or by pressing a small release button on the back.
  • The battery sits in a metal holder inside the fob; note which side faces up before you remove it, then insert the new battery the same way.
  • After you close the fob, test the lock and unlock buttons to confirm the new battery is working.

Finding the seam and opening your fob

Look at the edge of your Subaru key fob. You will see a thin seam running around the perimeter where the two halves of the plastic case meet. This seam is where the fob opens.

Take a coin — a dime, penny, or quarter works — and slide it into the seam at the point where you see a small notch or flat spot. Gently twist the coin as if you were opening a battery compartment on a toy or remote control. The two halves will separate. Do not force it; if it is not moving, try a different spot along the seam.

Some newer Subaru fobs have a small button or lever on the back instead of a coin slot. Press or slide this release, and the case will pop open. Check your fob's back side before you reach for a coin.

Locating and removing the old battery

Once the fob is open, you will see the circuit board and a small metal holder or clip holding a round, flat battery. The battery looks like a large silver coin, about the size of a dime but thicker.

Before you touch anything, note which side of the battery faces up — the side marked with a plus sign (+) or the blank side. This matters because batteries only work when inserted the correct direction. Take a photo with your phone if you want to be certain.

Gently pry the battery out of its holder using a fingernail or the edge of a coin. It should come free with light pressure. Set the old battery aside.

Installing the new CR2032 battery

Take your new CR2032 battery and orient it the same way the old one was facing. If the plus side faced up before, the plus side faces up now. If the blank side faced up, the blank side faces up now.

Place the new battery into the metal holder. It should sit flat and snug. You may hear or feel a small click as it settles into place. Do not force it; if it does not sit flat, you may have it upside down.

Closing the fob and testing it

Align the two halves of the fob so the seam lines up evenly. Press them together firmly until you hear a click or feel them snap into place. If your fob has a coin slot, you can use the coin to twist it closed, or straightforward press until it seats.

Stand near your car and press the lock button on the fob. You should hear the doors lock. Press the unlock button and listen for the unlock sound. If both buttons work and the range feels normal, the battery replacement is complete.

If the fob still does not work, the battery may be installed upside down. Open the fob again, flip the battery, and close it. Test once more. If it still does not work after that, the fob itself may have a deeper problem, and a Subaru dealer can evaluate it.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are standard and widely available. You can find them at CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target, Walmart, grocery stores, hardware stores, and online at Amazon or eBay. They are usually shelved near the checkout counter or in the pharmacy section. A single battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and store.

You do not need a special Subaru battery — any CR2032 will work. Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, and store brands all function the same way. If you want to keep a spare on hand, buy two at once.

What to do if your fob still will not open

If the coin slot is not working or you cannot find a seam, your fob may be a different model than the standard design. Some Subaru fobs use a small Phillips-head screw instead of a coin slot. Look for a tiny screw on the back or edge of the fob. If you see one, use a small Phillips screwdriver to remove it, then gently pry the case open.

If you still cannot open the fob or if opening it damages the plastic, a Subaru dealer can replace the battery for you. The cost is usually $10 to $20 in labor, plus the battery itself. This is worth it if you are uncomfortable opening the fob or if the fob is damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a CR2032 battery last in a Subaru key fob?

Most CR2032 batteries last three to four years in a key fob, depending on how often you use the fob. Heavy use — pressing the buttons many times per day — drains the battery faster. If you use your fob once or twice a day, expect closer to four years.

Can I use a different battery size if I cannot find a CR2032?

No. The CR2032 is the only size that fits Subaru key fobs. Other battery sizes will not fit the holder or will not make proper contact. Always use a CR2032. If you cannot find one locally, order it online — it will arrive within a day or two.

What if the fob works for a few days and then stops again?

The battery may be installed upside down, or the metal contacts inside the fob may be dirty. Open the fob again and check that the battery is facing the correct direction. If it is, use a dry cotton swab to gently clean the metal contacts on both the battery and the holder, then reinstall the battery.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself, or should I go to a dealer?

It is safe to replace the battery yourself. The CR2032 is a low-voltage battery with no risk of shock or injury. The fob is designed to be opened by hand. A dealer will do the same thing you are doing, but you will pay labor costs for it.

Do I need to reprogram my fob after replacing the battery?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase any programming. Once the new battery is in and the fob is closed, it will work exactly as it did before. You do not need to do anything else.