2025–2026 SL (6th generation)
2025–2026 Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Type and Replacement
The 2025–2026 Subaru Forester key fob takes a CR2032 (push-button-start smart key) coin cell. How to open the fob without breaking it, and which substitutions actually work.
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Quick answer
The 2025–2026 Subaru Forester key fob takes a CR2032 (push-button-start smart key) coin-cell battery, available at any pharmacy, hardware store, or online for a few dollars.
Replacing the 2025–2026 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 2025 through 2026 — the SL (6th generation), compact crossover suv (subaru global platform, redesigned). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2025–2026 Subaru Forester
- 2025All-new SL-generation redesign, unveiled October 2024 for the 2025 model year; adds a factory Forester Hybrid (S:HEV) for the first time in the US; base horsepower rises slightly to 180
- 2026Carryover year; no major mechanical changes identified
2025–2026 Subaru Forester key fob battery: common questions
What battery does the 2025–2026 Subaru Forester key fob take?
- A single CR2032 (push-button-start smart key) coin cell.
Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2025 in a 2025–2026 Subaru Forester key fob?
- This fob takes a CR2032 (push-button-start smart key), 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 2025–2026 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 (SL)
- Subaru Media, Subaru debuts all-new 2025 Forester SUV (press release)
- Car and Driver, Tested: 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid (specs, mpg, curb weight, tire size)
- AMSOIL lookup, 2025 Forester 2.5L FB25D oil spec/capacity (0W-16, 4.6 qt)
- sportsubarusouth.com, Subaru Forester oil type by model year (2025, incl. S:HEV hybrid)
- KBB, 2025 Subaru Forester specs (180 hp across trims)
- Subaru.com, 2025 Forester Hybrid Edition (194 combined hp, e-CVT)
- classaction.org, Subaru lawsuit: 2019–2025 vehicles, parasitic battery drain (Taylor v. Subaru)
- Conley Subaru, Forester lug nut torque by model year