Subaru Key Fob Not Working After Battery Change

Possible reasons why the Subaru key fob isn’t working even after a battery change:

Loose buttons
Damaged locks
Programming issues
Faulty keys
The battery connector terminal is broken
Electrical issues

Each of these issues regarding the Subaru key fob not working after battery change has its own specific solutions. Let’s see how to fix these problems in detail.

Key Takeaways

Possible reasons include loose buttons, damaged locks, programming issues, faulty keys, a battery connector terminal being broken, and electrical issues.
If the Subaru key fob not working after the battery is changed there are solutions to resolve the issues.
You can follow a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot key programming sequences.

Subaru Key Fob Not Working After Battery Change: Reasons & Fixes

Reasons	Symptoms	Quick fixes
Loose button	Buttons not working or working intermittently	Open the key fob and check for loose buttons or connections. Tighten any loose components or replace the buttons if necessary.
The battery connector terminal is Broken	The key fob not working after the battery replacement	Check the battery connector terminal.Replace if required.
Damaged Locks	Key fob not locking the door.Key fob not unlocking the door.	Inspect the door locks.Check the locks on the key fob. Replace any damaged locks or repair the key fob if necessary.
Programming issues	The key fob not working after battery replacement or reprogramming	Reprogram the key fob using the owner’s manual or take it to a dealership for professional programming.
Faulty Key	The key fob is completely not	Replace the key fob.Go to a dealership for repair.
Electrical Issues	The key fob absolutely not workingIntermittently working	Inspect the electrical circuit of the car as well as the key fob. Replace any damaged components or repair the key fob if necessary.

Reason 1: Loose Button

The Subaru key fob won’t work after replacing the battery can be due to a loose key. The following steps can help you fix it:

Solution:

Remove the key.
Search for loose or damaged key fob parts. If you find any, try to repair them or replace the key fob.
Reinsert the key into the key fob and make sure it is properly seated.
Try the key fob again. If it still does not work, you will need to reprogram the key fob.

Reason 2: Battery Connector Terminal Broken

If the battery connector terminal is broken, the key fob won’t work properly. In this scenario, you will have to replace it.

Solution:

To inspect the battery connector terminal you can try the following steps:

Remove the key fob from your car and locate the battery connector terminal. It is usually a small, metal tab on the back of the key fob.
Use a flashlight to inspect the battery connector terminal.
Check for cracks, corrosion, looseness or other signs of damage.
If the battery connector terminal is damaged, you must replace it.

A qualified mechanic or dealer can replace the battery connector terminal on your key fob. They will be able to diagnose the problem and replace the terminal for you.

If you are having Bluetooth pairing problems along with the key fob issues, you’d need to reset your car’s battery. By disconnecting the car’s battery you’d also have to reset your key.

Reason 3: Damaged Locks

If your Subaru key fob stops working after battery replacement, damaged locks can be a cause for it. In this case, the locks have to be repaired to receive the signal from the key fob.

Here are some of the possible damages to the locks that could prevent your key fob from working:

Broken tumblers:

The tumblers are small, spring-loaded pins inside the lock that must be in the correct position for the lock to open. If the tumblers are broken, they will not be able to align properly and the lock will not open.

Worn or damaged actuator:

The actuator is the component that moves the tumblers in the lock. If the actuator is worn or damaged, it will not be able to move the tumblers properly. Thus the lock will not open.

Rust or corrosion

Rust or corrosion can accumulate on the lock components. This causes difficulty to move and creates problems.

Damaged housing:

The housing is the outer shell of the lock. If the housing is damaged, it can prevent the lock from closing securely. If so the signal transmission to the lock of the key fob will be hampered.

Solution:

You can have the locks repaired by a qualified mechanic or dealer. They will be able to identify the cause of the problem and make the necessary repairs. Once the locks are repaired, you should be able to use your key fob to open and lock your car.

Here is a video to follow along for a visual guideline

Reason 4: Programming Issues

If the connection between the key fob and the car is lost, the key fob will need to be reprogrammed. Additionally, if the batteries in the key fob are replaced reprogramming is necessary. Doing so will allow it to communicate with your car again.

Solution:

If the key fob is not working properly due to programming issues, you will need to have it reprogrammed. This is a straightforward repair that can be handled by a qualified technician.

To reprogram a Subaru key fob, you will need the following:

The old key fob.
A new key fob.
The car’s owner’s manual.

Follow these steps to resolve any programming issues

Turn on the ignition of your car.
Apply pressure to the lock button on the old key fob for 5 seconds, or until the car acknowledges the command.
The car’s lights should flash once.
Release the lock button and press the unlock button.
The car’s lights should flash twice.
Now, take the new key and repeat steps 2-5.

The new key fob should be functional and able to lock and unlock your car after it has been programmed.

Reason 5: Faulty Keys

If the keys are faulty, the Subaru key fob won’t work after changing the battery. In that case, you need to get a new key fob. The keys may not be making good contact with the circuit board, even if the battery is new.

Solution:

You can have your Subaru key fob replaced by a qualified mechanic or dealer. The mechanic can diagnose the problem and replace the key fob for you.

Reason 7: Electrical Issues

If the electrical components of your key fob are damaged, you will need to replace the key fob. The keys may not be making good contact with the circuit board, even if the battery is new.

Solution:

Check the electrical system of the car for signs that might cause electrical issues

Inspect the wiring harness that connects the key fob to the car. Look for any cracks, chips, or dents in the key fob.
Test the voltage at the wiring harness connector. The voltage of the key fob battery should be between 12 and 14 volts. You can use a voltmeter or multimeter tester to check the voltage.

Product	Feature
Voltmeter Or Multimeter Tester	Easy to useCompact for convenience

If the voltage is low or absent, there is a problem with the electrical system.

Use a fuse tester to check the fuse. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage.
If the electrical system is still not working, you will need to consult a qualified mechanic for further diagnosis.

The radio controls on the steering wheel will also have issues if the fuse is blown.

Check the key fob for signs that might cause electrical issues

Inspect the key fob for any signs of damage, such as cracks, corrosion, or looseness.
Test the battery in the key fob. The battery should be between 3 and 3.6 volts. If the battery is low or absent, replace it.
If the key fob is still not working properly, you consult a qualified mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.

Troubleshooting Subaru Key Fob Problems: Step-by-step Guide

A key fob must be programmed into your vehicle so that it only be used to unlock your car. This is because each key fob has a unique signal that is only recognized by your car’s electrical system.

If the connection between the key fob and the car is lost, the key fob will need to be reprogrammed. This is done so that it can communicate with your car again.

Install the new battery correctly. The battery should be inserted with the negative (-) side facing down.
Press the buttons of the key fob. If the buttons do not light up or make a sound, the battery may be dead or inserted incorrectly.
If the key fob buttons work but not locking/unlocking you may need to reprogram the key fob.

To reprogram your key fob, here’s the instructions you should follow

Take a seat in your car and close the door.
Place the key into the ignition.
Turn the key to the “ON” position, but do not start the car.
Rotate the key back to the “OFF” position within 10 seconds.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 three/four times in a row.
After turning the key to the “OFF” position for the 5th time, let it be.
Keep the lock button on the key fob pressed for 5 seconds.
The car’s lights should flash to indicate that the key fob has been reprogrammed.
If the car’s lights do not flash, try repeating the steps above.

If you are still having trouble programming your key fob, you may need to take it to a Subaru dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How To Reset The Subaru Key Fob After Replacing The Battery?

Place the new battery in the key fob. Apply pressure to the lock button on the key fob for about 10 seconds until you hear a chime. The key fob is now reset and should be working properly.

Why Is My Subaru Key Not Turning?

The reason the Subaru key fob isn’t turning is a dead battery key, an improperly inserted key, etc. Try replacing the battery, if that doesn’t work you might have to replace the ignition switch.

Can I start my car if I lose my key fob?

Yes, Depending on your car you may be able to start it without the key fob. Some cars have a backup key slot located in the dashboard or center console. You can insert the backup key into this slot and turn it to start the car. Other cars have a push-button start system. To start these cars, insert the key into a special slot and then press the start button.

Bottom Line

To conclude, there are many possible reasons why your Subaru key fob might work after a battery change.

These reasons can range from loose buttons and damaged locks to programming issues and faulty keys. By taking the necessary steps to fix the issue, you can ensure that your key fob is functioning properly.