---
title: "2014-2018 Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery"
description: "The 2014-2018 Subaru Forester key fob takes a CR1620 (flip-key remotes on base/Premium); CR2032 on push-button-start Limited/Touring/XT smart keys. Check which key your trim uses coin cell. How to open the fob without breaking it, and which substitutions actually work."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/key-fob-battery"
updated: "2026-08-21"
---

# 2014-2018 Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Type and Replacement

The 2014-2018 Subaru Forester key fob takes a CR1620 (flip-key remotes on base/Premium); CR2032 on push-button-start Limited/Touring/XT smart keys. Check which key your trim uses coin cell. How to open the fob without breaking it, and which substitutions actually work.

**Quick answer**: The 2014-2018 Subaru Forester key fob takes a CR1620 (flip-key remotes on base/Premium); CR2032 on push-button-start Limited/Touring/XT smart keys. Check which key your trim uses coin-cell battery, available at any pharmacy, hardware store, or online for a few dollars.

## Replacing the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester key fob battery

- Pry the fob open gently at the seam with a small flathead screwdriver or a coin, working around the edge. Many fobs have a hidden release slot near the key ring or emergency-key blade.
- Note the battery orientation (usually positive side up) before removing the old cell.
- Avoid touching the new battery's faces with bare fingers; skin oils can shorten its life.
- If the fob doesn't work after replacement, check that the battery is seated fully and the contacts weren't bent. Most vehicles do not need re-pairing after a battery change.

## Which Subaru Forester model years does this cover?

These key fob battery specifications apply to every Subaru Forester built from 2014 through 2018, the SJ (4th generation), compact crossover suv. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years.

- [2014 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014)
- [2015 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2015)
- [2016 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2016)
- [2017 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2017)
- [2018 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2018)

## What changed during the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2014 | Full redesign: all-new SGP-adjacent platform, FA20DIT turbo replaces the EJ25 turbo and moves to the CVT, first EyeSight availability on Forester |
| 2015 | Standard rearview camera added across all trims; 18-in wheels become available on the 2.5i |
| 2016 | New touchscreen-based infotainment interface across the lineup, with a standard 6.2-in touchscreen on the base 2.5i trim |
| 2017 | Facelift: revised front/rear styling, updated infotainment, LED headlight option on Touring |
| 2018 | Final year of this generation |

## 2014-2018 Subaru Forester key fob battery: common questions

### What battery does the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester key fob take?

A single CR1620 (flip-key remotes on base/Premium); CR2032 on push-button-start Limited/Touring/XT smart keys. Check which key your trim uses coin cell.

### Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2025 in a 2014-2018 Subaru Forester key fob?

This fob takes a CR1620 (flip-key remotes on base/Premium); CR2032 on push-button-start Limited/Touring/XT smart keys. Check which key your trim uses, so start there. The two cells share a 20 mm diameter but differ in thickness, and the thicker one does not always seat in a housing built for the thinner.

### How do you open a 2014-2018 Subaru Forester key fob?

Slide out the mechanical emergency key first, which usually releases a catch, then part the halves with a plastic pry tool or a coin wrapped in tape. A screwdriver will mark the case and can crack the seam.

## Sources

- [Wikipedia, Subaru Forester generations (SJ)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Forester)
- [subaruforester.org, 2017 Forester engine oil capacity thread (5.1 qt, FB25)](https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/2017-engine-oil-capacity.832865/)
- [AMSOIL lookup, 2016 Forester 2.0L FA20F Turbo oil spec/capacity](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2016/subaru/forester/2-0l-4-cyl-engine-code-fa20f-3-turbo/)
- [MotorWeek, 2014 Subaru Forester review (2.0XT: 250 hp / 258 lb-ft, ~23/28 mpg)](https://motorweek.org/road_tests/2014_subaru_forester/)
- [subaruforester.org, 2014 Forester 2.0XT HP and torque discussion](https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/2014-forester-2-0xt-hp-and-torque.134114/)
- [turbochargersdirect.com, Subaru banjo bolt oil feed line/cylinder head connection explainer](https://turbochargersdirect.com/subaru-tsb-banjo-bolt-at-oil-feed-line-and-cylinder-head-connection/)
- [NHTSA, Recall 19V701000 product campaign bulletin (WUM-98, passenger ODS sensor)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCRIT-19V701-9656.pdf)
- [Consumer Reports, Subaru Forester SUVs recalled for airbag deactivation risk](https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/subaru-forester-suvs-recalled-for-airbag-deactivation-risk/)
- [classaction.org, Subaru windshield settlement given preliminary approval](https://www.classaction.org/news/subaru-windshield-settlement-given-preliminary-approval-reimbursements-extended-warranty-available)
- [tirecalculatorhub.com, Subaru Forester OEM tire size guide by year](https://tirecalculatorhub.com/guides/subaru-tire-calculator)
- [wiperhaus.com, Subaru Forester wiper blade size guide](https://wiperhaus.com/blogs/subaru-forester-information/2024-subaru-forester-windshield-wiper-blade-size)

## Other Subaru Forester generations

- [2025-2026 Subaru Forester key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2025-2026/key-fob-battery)
- [2019-2024 Subaru Forester key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/key-fob-battery)
- [2012-2013 Subaru Forester key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2012-2013/key-fob-battery)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/key-fob-battery).

## More for the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester

- [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/oil)
- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/oil-reset)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.