How to Open Subaru Key Fob

The Subaru key fob is an essential component of your vehicle, granting quick and secure access to your car with just the press of a button.

Whether you need to replace the battery, troubleshoot an issue, or simply learn how to operate it, understanding how to open the Subaru key fob is a useful skill. This guide provides clear and straightforward instructions of how to open subaru key fob.

Understanding Your Subaru Key Fob

The Subaru key fob is more than just a convenient tool for locking and unlocking your vehicle—it’s a small piece of advanced technology designed for functionality and ease of use. Most Subaru key fobs include features such as buttons for locking, unlocking, opening the trunk, and activating the panic alarm.

Some newer models may even include remote start functionality for added convenience. The key fob operates using a battery-powered system, which requires periodic battery replacement to ensure uninterrupted performance. Familiarizing yourself with the key fob’s features and design can help you make the most of this device and troubleshoot minor issues should they arise.

Types of Subaru Key Fobs

Subaru offers a variety of key fobs, tailored to different models and their specific features. The most common type is the standard key fob, which includes basic functions like locking, unlocking, and a panic alarm.

Advanced models feature remote start capabilities, allowing users to start their vehicles from a distance, which is particularly useful in extreme weather conditions. Additionally, some Subaru vehicles come with proximity key fobs, also known as Smart Keys, which enable keyless entry and push-button start.

These Smart Keys automatically unlock the doors when the key fob is near the vehicle, providing an added level of convenience and security. Understanding the type of key fob that comes with your Subaru model ensures you can fully utilize its functionality.

Tools Needed to Open a Subaru Key Fob

Opening a Subaru key fob typically requires only a few basic tools that are easy to find. Here is what you’ll need:

• Small Flathead Screwdriver: This is essential for prying open the key fob without damaging the casing.
• Soft Cloth or Towel: Use this to protect the surface of the key fob while working on it.
• Replacement Battery (if applicable): Ensure you have the correct battery type for your Subaru key fob model. Most commonly, it is a CR2032 or CR2025 battery.
• Plastic Pry Tool (Optional): A plastic pry tool can help safely open the casing without leaving scratches.

Having these tools ready beforehand will make the process smoother and help protect your key fob from unnecessary damage.

10 Methods How to Open Subaru Key Fob

1. Identify Your Subaru Key Fob Model Before Attempting to Open It

Before you begin, it’s crucial to identify the specific model and generation of your Subaru key fob. Subaru has used various styles over the years, ranging from simple rectangular key fobs to smart keyless entry systems with push-button start.

Knowing whether you have an older mechanical key fob or a newer smart key model helps you apply the correct technique when opening it. The design of the fob may differ slightly between models such as the Outback, Forester, Impreza, or Crosstrek, so checking your owner’s manual or searching your model year online can save time and prevent accidental damage to internal components.

2. Use the Manual Key to Begin the Opening Process

Most modern Subaru key fobs, especially those with push-button start, contain a hidden mechanical key inside. This key is not only for emergency door unlocking—it also plays a crucial role in opening the key fob.

Locate the small latch on the back of the key fob and slide it sideways to release the mechanical key. Once removed, you can use the tip of this key or a small flat-head screwdriver to access the key fob’s seam. Inserting the key into the seam and gently twisting it helps create the initial separation needed to open the housing.

3. Work Gently Along the Seam with a Flat Tool

Once the fob’s seam is slightly open, continue to work your way around the edges carefully. Use a flat-head screwdriver, plastic pry tool, or even a butter knife with a thin blade. Insert the tool into the seam and twist gently—do not force it, as the plastic clips inside are prone to snapping if too much pressure is applied.

Take your time and apply minimal pressure in different areas until the two halves of the fob start to separate evenly. If the plastic case feels stubborn, go back to the initial point and try to widen the gap further before proceeding.

4. Avoid Damaging the Internal Circuit Board and Battery

Subaru key fobs contain delicate electronics, so once you start opening the housing, do so slowly and with care. Inside the case, you’ll typically find a small lithium coin cell battery (usually CR2032), a circuit board, and rubber button pads. Sudden jerks or careless movements can dislodge the buttons or scratch the circuitry.

When opening, hold the fob with the buttons facing down so that internal parts stay in place. Lay a towel or soft cloth underneath your workspace to catch any parts that may fall and prevent static discharge from damaging electronic components.

5. Inspect the Battery for Replacement or Maintenance

If your reason for opening the key fob is to replace the battery, now is the time to check the type and condition of the existing battery. Most Subaru key fobs use a CR2032 battery, which is widely available at most hardware or electronic stores.

Check the battery label and make sure you insert the replacement with the correct polarity—typically the positive (+) side facing up. Avoid touching the battery terminals with bare fingers, as oil and moisture from your skin can reduce battery life or affect the contacts. Use tweezers or gloves if possible.

6. Clean the Internal Contacts and Button Pads If Necessary

Sometimes, Subaru key fobs stop functioning not because of a dead battery, but due to dust, grime, or oxidation on the internal contacts. After opening the case, inspect the small metal battery terminals and the rubber button pads for signs of wear or contamination.

Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (not water) to gently clean the contacts. Wipe down the button pads and any residue inside the case. Let everything dry completely before reassembly. This method often restores functionality to key fobs that have become intermittent or unresponsive.

7. Replace the Casing If It’s Cracked or Worn Out

Over time, the outer shell of the Subaru key fob may become cracked, scuffed, or broken—especially if dropped frequently. After opening the key fob, you can easily transfer the internal circuit board and battery into a new aftermarket shell or replacement case.

These are widely available online and often cost much less than replacing the entire fob. Make sure you purchase a compatible shell specific to your Subaru model and year. Carefully transfer each internal part and make sure it fits snugly in the new housing before snapping it closed.

8. Snap the Key Fob Halves Back Together Securely

After you’ve completed your battery replacement or internal cleaning, it’s time to reassemble the key fob. Line up both halves of the plastic housing, ensuring that all internal components are properly seated.

Press the two sides together evenly, working around the edges until you hear or feel each clip snap into place. Avoid forcing them if something feels misaligned—reopen the fob, adjust the circuit board and button pads, then try again. When reassembled properly, the fob should feel solid with no gaps between the plastic halves.

9. Test the Key Fob to Ensure It Works Properly

Once your Subaru key fob is back together, stand near your vehicle and test each function. Try locking and unlocking the doors, opening the trunk if applicable, and activating the panic alarm.

For smart key systems, check that the push-button start works and that the car recognizes the key presence. If the fob does not respond, open it again to double-check battery orientation and that the internal contacts are properly aligned. Occasionally, a hard reset by holding down all buttons for several seconds can help restore functionality after battery replacement.

10. Store Spare Batteries and Tools for Future Maintenance

To make future maintenance of your Subaru key fob easier, it’s wise to keep a couple of spare CR2032 batteries on hand along with a small screwdriver or pry tool. Store them in a drawer or glove compartment where you can access them easily in case the fob dies unexpectedly.

Periodic checks—perhaps once a year—can help you identify low battery symptoms before they become inconvenient. Knowing how to open and maintain your key fob not only saves you a trip to the dealership but also extends the life and reliability of this essential part of your vehicle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, proper maintenance and care of your key fob can help you avoid many common issues and ensure its longevity. By regularly cleaning the device, replacing the battery when needed, and consulting your vehicle’s user manual for troubleshooting, you can maintain its functionality efficiently.

For more serious problems, professional assistance is always a reliable option. Taking these simple steps will keep your key fob in optimal condition, saving you time and inconvenience.