Experiencing issues with your Subaru key fob can be frustrating, especially when you’re locked out or unable to start your car remotely. If your Subaru key fob suddenly stops working, there are a few potential reasons and troubleshooting steps you can take before seeking professional help. Let’s explore why your Subaru key fob might be malfunctioning and how to address it.
One of the first things to consider is the key fob itself. A simple test at most automotive stores involves using a key fob tester. By holding your key fob near the tester and pressing a button, you can determine if the fob is transmitting a signal. If the tester doesn’t detect a signal, the problem might lie within the key fob itself, possibly a dead battery or internal malfunction.
However, if your key fob is transmitting a signal but your Subaru isn’t responding, the issue could be with your vehicle’s receiver. Interestingly, in Subaru Foresters of certain model years, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) module and the antenna module for the key fobs are integrated into one unit. If you’re also noticing a TPMS light illuminated on your dashboard alongside your key fob issues, this could indicate a problem with this combined module.
Water damage is a known culprit for module failure in some Subaru models, particularly if the module is located in a rear quarter panel area where water ingress might occur. If you’ve recently experienced heavy rain and then encountered key fob problems, water damage to this module could be a potential cause.
While these are possible explanations, remember this information is gathered from online sources and should be taken as general guidance. For a temporary measure to prevent your car alarm from activating when you open the door, you might consider engaging valet mode. As a last resort troubleshooting step, disconnecting your car battery for a few minutes and then reconnecting it can sometimes reset systems and resolve the issue.
If these basic troubleshooting steps don’t resolve your “Subaru Key Fob Not Working” problem, it’s recommended to seek assistance from a qualified automotive technician or Subaru dealership. They can accurately diagnose the root cause and perform any necessary repairs or reprogramming.
