You can replace a Subaru key fob battery yourself in under five minutes with no tools

Most Subaru key fobs use a CR2032 coin-cell battery that you can swap out at home. The fob splits open along a seam — no screwdriver needed — and the battery slides out. The whole job takes longer to find the replacement battery than to install it. A CR2032 costs between $3 and $8 at any pharmacy, grocery store, or big-box retailer.

Subaru fobs from 2003 onward follow the same basic design, though the exact seam location varies slightly by model year. If your fob is older or you own a specialty model like an STI, check your owner's manual for the battery type before you buy — most still use CR2032, but some use CR2025 instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Subaru key fobs use a CR2032 battery that you can replace without tools by prying the fob open along its seam.
  • The battery costs $3 to $8 and is sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and retailers like Target and Walmart.
  • The entire replacement takes under five minutes once you have the new battery in hand.
  • If your fob is damaged or the battery replacement does not restore function, a Subaru dealer can program a new fob for $200 to $400.

Finding the seam and opening the fob

Hold the fob with the buttons facing you. Look for a thin line running vertically down the side — that is the seam where the two plastic halves meet. On most Subaru fobs, this seam runs along the edge opposite the key ring attachment point. Run your fingernail along it to locate it if it is not when ready visible.

Once you find the seam, insert your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle into the gap and gently twist. The fob will pop open with light pressure — do not force it or you risk cracking the plastic. The two halves separate completely, and the battery will be visible in the center of one half, usually held in a small metal clip.

Removing and replacing the battery

The CR2032 battery sits in a metal holder with two small clips. Push the battery gently toward one clip to release it from the holder, then slide it out. The positive side (marked with a + symbol) faces upward in the holder.

Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive side facing up, then slide it back into the metal clips until it clicks into place. The battery should sit flush and not rattle. If it feels loose, remove it and reposition it — the clips should grip it firmly.

Closing the fob and testing

Align the two halves of the fob so the seam lines up evenly on all sides. Press them together firmly until you hear or feel a click. The fob should be solid with no gaps between the halves. Test the buttons — lock, unlock, and panic — to confirm they respond. If the fob does not work after replacement, remove the battery and check that it is seated correctly in the clips.

If the fob still does not work after you have reseated the battery twice, the problem is likely not the battery. A Subaru dealer can test the fob's internal circuitry and reprogram it if needed, though this typically costs $200 to $400 depending on your model year and location.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Amazon, and most grocery stores stock them in the pharmacy or electronics section. A single battery costs $3 to $8; multipacks of four or six cost less per unit if you want spares. Brand does not matter much — Energizer, Duracell, and store brands all perform the same in a key fob.

If you cannot find CR2032 locally, order online and it will arrive within two days on most platforms. Do not wait for delivery if your fob is dead — most Subaru dealers can loan you a spare fob while you replace the battery, or you can use the physical key inside the fob to unlock and start your car in the meantime.

What to do if the battery replacement does not work

If the fob buttons still do not respond after you have installed a fresh battery and reseated it twice, the problem is inside the fob itself — either a broken circuit board or a worn button contact. Replacing the internal parts is not practical for a consumer, and the fob is usually cheaper to replace than to repair.

A Subaru dealer can program a new OEM fob for $200 to $400, depending on your model year. Some independent locksmiths offer the same service for $100 to $200 less, though you will need to verify they work on your specific Subaru generation. If you want to avoid the dealer, search for "Subaru key fob programmer near me" and call ahead to confirm they service your model year.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. CR2032 and CR2025 are not interchangeable — they have different thicknesses and voltages. Using the wrong size can damage the fob's circuit board or cause the buttons to fail. Check your owner's manual to confirm which battery your fob uses, then buy the correct one.

How often do I need to replace the battery?

A CR2032 battery in a key fob typically lasts three to four years with normal use. If you use the fob heavily — pressing buttons dozens of times daily — it may last only two years. When the buttons start to feel sluggish or require multiple presses, the battery is dying and needs replacement.

Will opening the fob void my warranty?

No. Replacing the battery yourself is a normal maintenance task and does not void any Subaru warranty. The fob is designed to open this way, and Subaru expects owners to replace the battery themselves. If something inside the fob breaks during normal use, warranty coverage remains intact.

What if I lose the battery while opening the fob?

CR2032 batteries are tiny and straightforward to lose. If you drop it, search the floor carefully — it will not roll far. If you cannot find it, buy a new one; they cost only a few dollars. Keep the fob over a table or towel while you work to contain any small parts that might fall.