Hi, new here so be nice please! I have a 2019 XV - only done 20k. Key fob battery lasted for the first 3 possibly 4 years, but now i'm having to change it every 6 - 8 months as it keeps telling me it isn't detected or I stand there like a lemon shaking my key before it lets me in. There must be such a thing as a receptor within the car - is it possible that's the problem? Can it just be cleaned, if so where is it? Thanks

Don't think they have a seperate battery for the locks so if it starts theres plenty of power.

If the battery died did it leak or corrode the contacts? Did you replace it with a rechargeable one? iirc they get charged while in the ignition

How long they last will also depend on how much you use it of course.

Hello Shirley, I had the same issue with my Impreza ( XV is basically an Impreza with more ground clearance ). Key fob battery replacement every few months. What you need to do is put your fob into sleep mode when you lock the car. That way the car and fob will not be constantly communicating using up both the fob and main car battery.

If when you lock your car you hold the lock button down and while keeping it down also press the unlock button twice - two flashes from the key fob red light will confirm the fob is now in sleep mode. To unlock do as usual. Press unlock once for the driver's door or twice for all doors.

I hope this helps 🙂

Mine is a 2009 Impreza RX - I never use the fob - always lock/unlock the car using the button on the door handle. Does that mean the car and fob "quote" are constantly communicating using up both the fob and main car battery "un-quote". ???

I previously had a 2010 RX but I don't think it was a problem on that year of car. I do remember it being an immediate problem with my current Impreza (i.e. having to recharge the battery before I could start it one morning) which p1zzed me off. Battery too small ( 65Ahr as designed) for all the electronic junk on the car. The current fob has a ridiculously long range, 80 to 100 metres which I don't think was the case with the older car.

I wouldn't worry about the it if you don't have a problem, but my understanding of the 2019 system is that unless in 'sleep' mode', the car and fob are actively looking for each other. I believe they communicate more often if in range of each other. I also find it very easy to leave the new car unlocked if I'm still in range and put the keys in my pocket and accidently press the raised unlock button !! I am happy to be corrected if someone has solid evidence of it being otherwise.