Replace the battery yourself in five minutes with a coin and the right battery type

Most Subaru keyless fobs use a coin-cell battery that you can swap out at home without tools or a trip to the dealer. The battery sits behind a removable back panel, and the whole job takes about five minutes. You need a CR2032 battery (the most common type across Subaru models from 2010 onward) or occasionally a CR2025, depending on your fob model. The fob will still work with a dying battery for a while, but range shrinks first — if you have to stand closer to your car to unlock it, the battery is fading.

Before you start, check your owner's manual or the back of your fob itself. Some Subaru fobs print the battery type right on the case. If you cannot find it, CR2032 is the safe bet for most recent models. You can buy these batteries at any pharmacy, supermarket, or hardware store for between two and five dollars, often cheaper than a single coffee.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Subaru fobs use a CR2032 coin-cell battery that you can replace at home with just a coin.
  • The battery sits in a removable back panel; slide or pry the panel off gently and the battery lifts straight out.
  • When you install the new battery, the flat side faces up and the domed side faces down into the fob.
  • If your fob still does not work after a fresh battery, the problem is likely a worn button contact or internal damage, not the battery itself.

Locate and open the battery compartment

Look at the back of your fob. Most Subaru fobs have a seam running horizontally across the back panel, usually near the bottom edge. This seam marks where the back panel slides or pries off. Some models have a small slot or notch on one side of this seam — that is where you insert a coin to start the separation.

Use a coin (a dime or penny works) and gently wedge it into the slot or seam. Do not force it. Rock the coin back and forth slightly to work the panel loose. The panel should slide off or pop free with light pressure. If it resists, you are probably pushing in the wrong spot — try the other end of the seam. Once the back panel is off, you will see the battery sitting in a small metal or plastic holder.

Remove the old battery and install the new one

The battery sits in a shallow cup or holder. Gently pry it out with your fingernail or the edge of the coin. It should come free with minimal effort. If it is stuck, a tiny dab of pressure on the edge usually releases it.

Before you insert the new battery, check its orientation. The flat side of the coin cell should face up (toward the back panel you just removed), and the domed side should face down (into the fob). This matters — the fob will not work if the battery is backward. Drop the new battery into the holder with the correct side facing down, and it should sit flush in the cup.

Snap the back panel closed and test the fob

Align the back panel with the fob body and press it down firmly until you hear or feel a click. The panel should sit flush with no gaps. Press the unlock button on the fob and walk toward your car. You should hear the familiar chirp and see the lights flash at normal range (usually 30 feet or more). If the fob works, you are done.

If the fob does not respond after the battery swap, remove the back panel again and check that the battery is seated correctly and facing the right direction. Reinstall it and test once more. If it still does not work, the battery was not the problem — the issue is likely worn button contacts inside the fob or internal circuitry damage, and the fob will need replacement or professional repair.

What battery type your Subaru model typically uses

The CR2032 is the standard across most Subaru models made in the last 15 years. It is a 3-volt lithium coin cell about the size of a dime but thicker. Some older Subaru fobs (pre-2010) or certain specialty models may use a CR2025, which is slightly thinner but the same diameter. A few rare models use a CR2016, which is even thinner.

If you are unsure which type your fob needs, check the back of the fob case itself — many models have the battery type printed there. Your owner's manual will also list it. When you buy the battery, bring a photo of your fob or the manual page with you, and the store staff can confirm you have the right type. Putting the wrong battery in will not damage the fob, but it may not work if the fit is too loose or the voltage is different.

When to replace the battery versus the whole fob

A fresh battery fixes most fob problems. If your fob worked normally until the range shrank, or if it stopped responding altogether, the battery is almost certainly the culprit. But if the fob worked intermittently even before the battery died, or if the buttons feel mushy or unresponsive, the problem is likely inside the fob — worn rubber button pads or corroded contacts — and a new battery will not help.

Subaru dealerships sell replacement fobs for between 150 and 300 dollars, depending on the model year and whether it includes a physical key blade. Some aftermarket fobs cost less but may have shorter lifespans or compatibility issues. If your fob is more than ten years old and the battery swap does not work, replacement is usually more practical than repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

CR2032 and CR2025 are close enough that either will usually work in a Subaru fob, though CR2032 is more common and more widely available. Do not use a CR2016 or any other type unless your manual specifically lists it — the voltage or fit may be wrong. If you cannot find the right battery locally, order it online; it costs just a few dollars and arrives within days.

How long does a Subaru fob battery last?

Most coin-cell batteries last between three and four years in a keyless fob, depending on how often you use it. Heavy use — pressing the button many times per day — drains the battery faster. If you use your fob only occasionally, it may last longer. There is no way to predict the exact lifespan, so replace it when the range shrinks or it stops working.

What if the back panel will not come off?

Do not force it. Try inserting the coin in the slot on the opposite end of the seam. If the fob has no visible slot, look for a small notch or indentation anywhere on the edge. Some Subaru models have the opening on the side rather than the bottom. If you still cannot open it, a Subaru dealer can do it for you, though the cost will be higher than doing it yourself.

Will the fob work right away after I put in the new battery?

Yes. Once the back panel is closed, the fob should work when ready. There is no pairing or programming needed — the fob was already paired to your car when it was first made. If it does not work, check that the battery is facing the right direction and seated fully in the holder.