Key Fob
How to Change a Subaru Key Fob Battery
Replacing the battery in your Subaru key fob is one of the easiest DIY tasks. In just a few simple steps, you can keep your remote, locking, unlocking, and push-button start features working smoothly. Most Subaru key fobs use inexpensive coin-cell batteries and are designed to open with just a small tool or even the built-in mechanical key. With a few minutes and a replacement battery, you can get your key fob back to full strength without needing to visit a dealership.
Learn more about Subaru key fob battery replacements below before stopping by Centennial Subaru in Las Vegas, NV. Our service team has the equipment and training to get you back on the Las Vegas, Paradise, Henderson, and North Las Vegas roads as soon as possible.
When to Replace Your Subaru Key Fob Battery
The battery in your Subaru key fob generally lasts between one and three years, depending on how often you use your vehicle, how frequently the key is kept close to the car, and your driving habits. Signs that the battery is weakening include reduced range, intermittent button response, or needing to press the lock/unlock buttons multiple times. If your Subaru has push-button start or keyless entry, you may also notice delays or the car failing to detect the key immediately. In some Subaru models, a low-battery warning will appear on the dashboard when the battery is nearing the end of its life.
You might also experience symptoms that feel like electrical issues, but are actually tied to the key fob battery. These can include difficulty starting the car, flickering interior lights, or the remote trunk release failing to respond. In many cases, a simple battery replacement solves these problems. Keeping an eye out for early signs of battery drain can prevent unexpected lockouts or key detection errors, especially in colder weather when batteries tend to weaken faster.
How to Reprogram A Subaru Key Fob Battery
The good news for Subaru owners is that most key fobs do not require reprogramming after a battery change. As long as you're only replacing the battery and not the entire Subaru key fob, the programming remains intact. Once the new battery is installed, the key fob should resume normal operation without any further action required. This makes Subaru one of the more user-friendly brands when it comes to DIY key fob maintenance.
If you are replacing the entire key fob rather than just the battery, programming becomes more complex. Unlike simple battery swaps, new or replacement key fobs must be programmed to the car’s security system. This process requires special equipment, so a Subaru dealership or qualified automotive locksmith is usually necessary. Some auto parts stores may help with programming, but Subaru security systems often require dealer-level tools to ensure the fob syncs properly and safely with your vehicle.
Costs & Considerations for Replacing a Subaru Key Fob Battery
Most Subaru key fob batteries cost under $10, with most models requiring the readily available CR2032 and CR1620 coin cell batteries. To replace the battery, remove the mechanical key by pressing the silver release button, then use the key or a small screwdriver to gently pry open the fob along the seam. Take out the old battery, insert the new one with the positive side facing up, snap the fob back together, and reinsert the mechanical key. Once reassembled, test your Subaru key fob to ensure everything is working properly. Additional considerations for changing a Subaru key fob battery include:
- Many Subaru dealerships offer free or low-cost battery swaps for customers.
- Auto parts stores may replace the battery on the spot for a small service fee.
- Some fobs open more easily by inserting the key into the side slot rather than prying the seam.
- Replacement batteries are widely available at convenience stores, pharmacies, and online retailers.
Why Choose Centennial Subaru?
Centennial Subaru, owned and managed by Ascent Automotive Group, is the newest Subaru retailer in Southern Nevada and ranks among the largest in the country. Our state-of-the-art, $40 million facility covers 5.49 acres in the rapidly expanding northwest Las Vegas Valley. We are committed to fostering long-lasting relationships with our customers, associates, and the local community, guided by our core values of integrity, service, and connection. Our dealership boasts an impressive 26,527-square-foot repair garage equipped with 44 EV-ready service bays, alongside a 7,809-square-foot parts warehouse. We also offer pet-friendly customer lounges, a dog park, a children’s play area, water bottle refill stations, and a 2,094-square-foot eco-conscious car wash designed to capture and recycle water. In keeping with Subaru brand’s tradition of community support, Centennial Subaru is proud to be a part of the Subaru Love Promise, an initiative aimed at enhancing lives and uplifting communities throughout Southern Nevada. Additional reasons to buy from us include:
- Experienced and friendly staff committed to personalized customer service
- Competitive pricing with a transparent and no-hassle buying experience
- Extensive selection of new and certified pre-owned Subaru models
- Convenient on-site amenities designed to make every visit comfortable and enjoyable
Subaru Key Fob Battery FAQs
You’ll notice weaker signal range, intermittent response, or needing to press buttons multiple times before your Subaru locks or unlocks. Some models also display a low-battery warning on the dashboard when the battery is close to dying.
Yes. Most Subaru models allow you to start the engine even with a dead key fob battery by holding the fob close to the start button or using the mechanical key hidden inside the fob.
Most Subaru key fobs use a CR2032 coin-cell battery, while some older or alternative fob styles use a CR1620. Always check your owner’s manual or the old battery to confirm the correct type.
A Subaru key fob battery typically lasts between one and three years, depending on how often the vehicle is used, your climate, and whether your fob stays close to the car (which drains power faster).
Yes. Subaru key fob batteries are very easy to replace at home. You only need the mechanical key or a small screwdriver to open the fob, swap the battery, and snap it back together.
No. Changing the battery does not affect your fob’s programming. Once the new battery is installed, the key should work normally without needing to be reprogrammed.
For battery replacements, no programming is required. For a full replacement key fob, Subaru models typically require professional programming using dealership-level tools, so DIY programming is not recommended.
Not for battery replacement. Most Subaru owners replace the battery themselves in minutes. Some dealerships or auto parts stores may offer free or low-cost battery installation as a courtesy.
The battery may be installed upside-down, the fob may not be fully snapped closed, or the internal circuitry could be damaged. In rare cases, the fob may need reprogramming or complete replacement.
A Subaru key fob battery replacement typically costs under $10 if you do it yourself. Dealerships or auto shops may charge $10 to $20, depending on the battery type and whether installation is included.