Subaru Battery Replacement: 6 Easy Steps, Cost and What to Reset After
To replace a Subaru battery, buy the correct group size and type for your model, switch everything off, disconnect the negative (–) terminal first and then the positive (+), remove the hold-down bar, swap the battery, then reconnect positive first and negative last. The job takes about 20 to 30 minutes with a 10 mm wrench. Afterwards, re-initialize the one-touch power windows, reset the clock and radio presets, and let the engine idle for a few minutes. Expect to pay about $150 to $350 for the battery, or more for an AGM battery or dealer installation.
Subaru batteries are easy to reach under the hood on the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, Ascent and WRX, so a battery swap is one of the simplest DIY jobs you can do on these cars. The parts that catch people out happen after the swap: windows that stop auto-closing and settings that need to be re-entered.
This guide covers the right battery for your Subaru, a step-by-step replacement, what to reset afterwards and what it costs if you let a shop do it.
Before You Start: Pick the Right Battery
Subaru uses different battery sizes across models and years, and many newer models with auto start-stop need an AGM or enhanced battery. The fastest way to get it right:
- Read the label on your current battery for the group size (for example 35 or H6) and cold cranking amps (CCA).
- Check your owner’s manual or a parts store’s lookup by year, model and engine.
- If the car has auto start-stop or came with an AGM battery, replace it with an AGM battery.
How to Replace a Subaru Battery
Park on level ground, turn the engine off, remove the key (or keep the smart key away from the car), switch off lights and accessories, and put on gloves and glasses.
Loosen the nut on the black negative (–) clamp with a 10 mm wrench and lift the clamp off. Tuck it away so it cannot touch the battery.
Flip up the red cover, loosen the positive (+) clamp and lift it off.
Undo the two J-hook nuts on the hold-down bar, remove the bar, and lift the battery straight out. It can weigh 30 to 45 lb.
Clean the tray and clamps, set the new battery in with the terminals on the same sides as before, and refit the hold-down so the battery cannot move.
Fit and tighten the positive clamp first, then the negative clamp last. Close the red cover, start the engine and check the dash for warnings.
Never let your wrench touch the positive terminal and the car body at the same time. Batteries can release flammable gas, so keep sparks and flames away. Recycle the old battery at the store for your core refund.
What to Reset After a Subaru Battery Change
- One-touch power windows: Subaru’s service information notes that disconnecting the battery disables auto up/down. With the engine running and doors closed, lower each front window fully while holding the switch, then pull and hold the switch up until the window closes and hold for a few more seconds. Test the auto function.
- Clock, radio and presets: Reset the clock and re-save your radio stations. Most newer systems keep phone pairing.
- Engine idle: Let the engine idle for a few minutes with accessories off, then drive normally. The engine computer relearns idle and fuel trims as you drive.
- Warning lights: A few lights such as EyeSight or VDC may flash briefly after a battery change. If they stay on after a few drives, have the car scanned.
More detail is in our guide on resetting your Subaru after a battery replacement.
Subaru Battery Replacement Cost
| Option | Typical total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DIY with a standard battery | $150 to $250 | Easy access on most models |
| DIY with an AGM battery | $220 to $350 | Needed on many start-stop models |
| Parts store install | $150 to $350 | Often free fitting when you buy there |
| Subaru dealer | $250 to $500 | Genuine battery, full check and resets |
Prices are typical U.S. ranges and vary by model and location. For a full breakdown, see car battery replacement cost.
Signs Your Subaru Needs a New Battery
- Slow cranking, especially on cold mornings
- Auto start-stop stops working or shows a warning
- Random electrical issues or EyeSight warnings after the car sits
- The battery is older than 4 to 5 years
Subarus are known for small background power draws, so batteries can drain if the car sits for weeks. See how long a Subaru battery lasts and what to check if your Subaru won’t start but the battery is fine.
- Take a photo of the battery and terminals before you start.
- A memory saver that plugs into the 12V socket keeps your settings, if you want to avoid resets.
- Add terminal protector spray after tightening the clamps.
- Use a smart battery maintainer if the car sits for more than two weeks.
- Keep up with simple care from our guide on how to maintain a car battery.
Replacing a Subaru battery is a 30-minute job: right battery, negative off first, positive on first, hold-down tight. Then re-initialize the auto windows, reset the clock and radio, and let the engine relearn its idle. Use an AGM battery if your Subaru has auto start-stop.
Subaru Battery Replacement FAQs
Usually about $150 to $350 for the battery, with AGM batteries at the higher end. Dealer replacement can cost $250 to $500 or more.
It depends on the model and year. Check the label on the old battery or your owner’s manual for the group size, and match the type (standard or AGM).
Yes. Re-initialize the one-touch power windows, reset the clock and radio presets, and let the engine idle for a few minutes so it can relearn.
Disconnecting the battery disables the auto up/down function. Fully open each window while holding the switch, then pull and hold the switch up until it closes and a few seconds more.
Generally yes. Start-stop models are designed for AGM or enhanced batteries, and a standard battery can wear out quickly and disable start-stop.
Typically 3 to 5 years. Hot climates, short trips and long periods of sitting shorten battery life.
- Match group size and type (AGM for start-stop).
- Negative off first, positive on first.
- Secure the hold-down bar.
- Re-initialize auto windows and reset the clock.
- Typical cost $150 to $350 DIY.