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Car Key Fob Battery Replacement

What you need

  1. Car Key Fob Battery Replacement, Key Fob Battery: step 1, image 1 of 3 Car Key Fob Battery Replacement, Key Fob Battery: step 1, image 2 of 3 Car Key Fob Battery Replacement, Key Fob Battery: step 1, image 3 of 3
    • Unscrew the single Phillips screw on the back of the key fob using a #1 Phillips screwdriver.

    • The two black plastic pieces should separate, revealing the control module. Lift out the control module from the rest of the key.

  2. Car Key Fob Battery Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 3 Car Key Fob Battery Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 3 Car Key Fob Battery Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • There are four plastic retaining clips that hold the control module intact.

    • Starting with the smallest retaining clip, insert the flat end of a spudger in between the black and white plastic pieces of the clip in order to release its hold.

    • Rotate the control module to the next retaining clip, taking care not to accidentally clamp down the previously-released clip. Repeat the same procedure in the previous bullet to release the other two retaining clips.

    • Once all four clips are released, separate the white plastic piece from the rest of the control module.

  3. Car Key Fob Battery Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 Car Key Fob Battery Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 Car Key Fob Battery Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • The CR1620 battery is held in place by metal contacts. Use the pointy end of the spudger to release the battery from the metal contacts.

    • Swap in a new CR1620 battery, and make sure it is securely held in place by the metal contacts.

  4. Car Key Fob Battery Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 2 Car Key Fob Battery Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 2
    • Optional: Use the pointy end of the spudger to remove some of the gunk/buildup within the key fob.

    • Insert the control module back into the key fob, making sure all the buttons line up with the holes.

    • Reattach the two halves of the key fob on the side opposite of the key first, then continue until the entire fob is back together in its original state.

    • Don't forget to put back the Phillips screw!

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

24 other people completed this guide.

19 Comments

All fine and good, except the identical looking key fob from my 2010 Outback uses a CR1620 battery. So much for the CR2025s I bought!

janetsutton - Reply

Nice, clear description of the process (which is very simple). My 2010 Outback also uses the CR1620 battery, not the CR2025 the instructions say. I would recommend disassembling your key fob and taking the old battery to the store to compare. You can still drive with the disassembled key fob; you just have to lock/unlock the door manually.

Mark Ray - Reply

Great instructions! However, just like Mark and Janet, my 2010 Legacy keys had a CR1620 battery. Also, there were 4 plastic clips on step 2. Thanks for the guide!

Steve Osgood - Reply

Apparently the instructions have been updated since the above comments, because they now call for the CR1620, which is what I bought, and they work perfectly!

The instructions and photos are very clear, easy to follow, and accurate. I was very pleased to find this site and realize that for about 15 bucks total I could replace the batteries in both our 2010 Outback keys - I had imagined we'd have to get new keys or at the least take them to the dealer for a highly pricey replacement. Thanks, ifixit!!

Gurukarm Khalsa - Reply

Question, I replaced mine but it still doesn't work. do I need to reset the system?

Jessica Fraley - Reply

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