When your Subaru key fob stops working, replacing the battery is usually the first and most effective solution. This guide will show you how to carefully open your key fob, swap out the old battery for a new one, and then reassemble it correctly without damaging the delicate plastic clips that hold it together.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Gathering the right supplies beforehand makes the process smoother and helps prevent accidental damage. Most Subaru key fobs require a single CR2032 3-volt lithium coin battery. You can often find the battery type printed on the back of the old battery, or confirm it in your Subaru’s owner’s manual. To open the fob, your fingernails might suffice, but a small, non-metallic prying tool like a plastic trim tool or even a guitar pick is highly recommended. Using a metal screwdriver increases the risk of scratching or breaking the plastic housing.

How to Open Your Subaru Key Fob

Subaru key fobs are typically designed to be opened along a seam that encircles the device.

1. Locate the Seam and Notch: Examine your key fob for a visible seam. Many models have a small notch or slot, often located near the emergency key blade release or on the side opposite the buttons. This notch is the best starting point for prying.

2. Insert Your Prying Tool: Carefully insert the tip of your plastic trim tool, guitar pick, or even a sturdy fingernail into the notch.

3. Gently Pry Apart: Apply steady, gentle pressure to twist or lift the tool. Work your way around the seam, applying incremental pressure to release the internal clips. Avoid forcing the tool or applying excessive leverage, as this can crack the plastic. The goal is to feel the clips disengage one by one.

4. Separate the Halves: Once the clips have released, you should be able to pull the two halves of the fob apart. Be cautious as you do this; the circuit board and battery might be loose inside.

Swapping Out the Old Battery

With the key fob housing open, you’ll see the coin battery.

1. Observe Battery Placement: Note the orientation of the old battery. The positive (+) side is usually facing upwards, but it’s best to confirm.

2. Remove the Old Battery: You can often lift the old battery out using your fingernail or the edge of your prying tool. Some fobs have a small tab or clip holding the battery in place; gently ease this back if necessary.

3. Install the New Battery: Place the new CR2032 battery into the compartment, ensuring it’s oriented correctly, with the positive (+) side facing up, matching the original. The battery should sit flush and secure.

Reassembling the Key Fob Without Breaking Clips

This step requires careful alignment and even pressure to avoid damaging the fob.

1. Align the Fob Halves: Position the two halves of the key fob together. Make sure the circuit board, buttons, and any other internal components are seated correctly and not preventing the halves from joining.

2. Press Firmly and Evenly: Begin pressing the two halves together along the seam. Start at one end and work your way around, applying consistent, firm pressure. You should feel and hear the internal clips snapping back into place.

3. Check the Seam: Once the fob feels closed, run your finger around the entire seam to ensure it’s flush and there are no visible gaps. If you find a gap, gently press that specific area again until it seals completely. Resist the urge to force it; if it doesn’t close easily, recheck internal component alignment.

Confirming the Key Fob Works

After reassembly, test the key fob to ensure the battery replacement was successful.

1. Test Basic Functions: Stand near your Subaru and press the lock and unlock buttons on the key fob. Your vehicle should respond immediately.

2. Verify Other Buttons: If your fob has additional buttons like the panic alarm or trunk release, test these as well to confirm they are operational.

3. Observe Indicator Light: Some Subaru fobs have a small LED that lights up when a button is pressed. If this light now illuminates, it’s a strong indicator that the battery is correctly installed and functioning.

If the key fob still doesn’t work, double-check that the battery is the correct type and is inserted with the proper orientation. If the problem persists, the key fob itself may have an internal issue, or there could be a communication problem with your vehicle, in which case consulting your owner’s manual or contacting a Subaru dealership would be the next step.