Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement & Programming Guide

A Subaru key fob battery replacement can be easy, but there are several things to note. Read on and learn about when you can replace a Subaru key fob battery at home and when a dealership’s help is needed. See the steps, battery specs, and more, and contact the Quantrell Subaru team with any further questions.

Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement: Can It Be Done at Home?

The programming process can make a Subaru key fob battery replacement a non-DIY-friendly project. It’s an important step that makes it possible for the key fob to communicate with your vehicle and only your vehicle.

Programming a Subaru key fob is possible with older key fob designs, but the latest models will likely need an authorized Subaru service center to program their rectangular key fob.

Do not attempt to perform a Subaru key fob battery replacement on this key fob type at home, as the fob may be rendered unusable until you get a dealership to program it. Consult your owner’s manual for detailed info on programming.

With an easy-to-program Subaru key fob type, you can go ahead and get started with the steps listed below.

Changing Subaru Key Fob Battery: Step-By-Step Instructions

Before your Subaru key fob battery replacement, gather your key fob and the following:

• Rubber gloves
• Small flathead screwdriver
• New battery

The Subaru key fob battery type is a 2032 lithium battery in newer rectangular designs, a 2025 lithium battery in older teardrop designs, and a 1620 lithium battery in the older exposed-metal-key design.

Here are the Subaru key fob battery replacement steps:

Open the key fob

“How to open Subaru key fob” instructions vary with the key fob design. First, put on your gloves.

For the latest 2032-battery key fobs, press the small silver tab on the back of the fob. A metal key will be released; insert your screwdriver into the area it came from, then gently pry the fob apart using the gap in the casing.¹

For a 2025-battery key fob design, gently pry the fob apart from the seams on the side of the case using your screwdriver.¹

For the 1620-battery key fob design, the first step of the Subaru key fob battery replacement process is identical to the 2025-battery version, but a small indent near the key-ring hole will help guide your screwdriver.¹

Lastly, be sure to write down the first of the two eight-digit serial numbers found inside the case.

Remove the old battery and install the new battery

The next steps of the Subaru key fob battery replacement process are the same for older designs.

You’ll see the battery in its mounting slot once the case is opened. Take note of which polarity faces up, then gently lift the battery out with your screwdriver¹ while taking great care not to damage any electrical leads.

Gently install the new battery with the correct side of the battery facing up. To finish the Subaru key fob battery replacement, reassemble the Subaru key fob case.

Program the key

The 2025- and 1620-battery key fobs are typically programmable at home using the following Subaru key fob battery replacement steps:

• Sit in the driver’s seat with all doors and windows closed and the engine off – ready the first eight-digit serial number
• Open the driver’s side door
• Press the “door unlock” button in your vehicle
• Close the driver’s side door
• Turn the key to the “accessory” position, then turn the key back to the “off” position – do this 10 times quickly
• You should hear a chime noise
• Open and close the driver’s door – you should hear another chime and see the dome light flash
• Press the door lock button in your vehicle to input the first digit of the eight-digit serial number (i.e., three presses = “3”)
• Use the door unlock button to move to the next digit – enter the full serial number within 45 seconds of starting
• Another chime should sound; with the key still in the ignition, open and close the driver’s door, then press the lock button on your key fob
• Remove your key from the ignition – another chime should sound
• Open and close the driver’s door, then wait for five seconds
• Test the key fob from outside the vehicle

While the latest key fobs require our Subaru services for programming, you can use this technique at home on most older-generation Subaru vehicles. For further help or assistance with programming after a newer-model Subaru key fob battery replacement, contact the Quantrell Subaru service center and enjoy convenient, competitively priced Subaru maintenance and repair services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to change the battery in a Subaru key fob?

A Subaru key fob battery replacement for the newer rectangular key fob design should only be performed by an authorized Subaru service center. If you have a teardrop-shaped or other older Subaru key fob type, you can use our guide to learn how to replace the battery. It’s simple, but the programming process can be a bit more involved; contact us for help with programming a key fob.

What battery does a Subaru key fob use?

New Subaru vehicles use a 2032 lithium battery in their key fobs. Older model Subaru vehicles have varying key fob designs. The older teardrop type will typically use a 2025 lithium battery, and the key fob design with an exposed metal key typically uses a 1620 lithium battery. All three of these batteries can usually be found at your local grocery or hardware store.

What happens when a key fob battery is low?

A low key fob battery will cause issues like shortened range for door lock/unlock functions, inconsistent operation of these remote functions, and a key fob that simply does not work in any situation. The Subaru key fob battery life should be around three years, but climate conditions and usage frequency can cause the average life span of a key fob battery to vary.

¹This web page is not intended to replace this service that is to be performed at an official dealership. It is your sole responsibility for any injuries and damages incurred as a result of performing such actions contained in this webpage. Contact our dealership for complete details.