As your trusted auto repair experts at keyfobx.com, we understand the intricacies of your vehicle’s key fob. Subaru key fobs come with a couple of interesting features that owners might not be fully aware of: Power Saving mode and Disable Access mode. These modes are designed to either conserve battery life or enhance security in specific situations. Let’s dive into how to Disable Subaru Key Fob functionalities using these modes and understand their practical applications.
Understanding Subaru Key Fob Power Saving Mode
The Power Saving function on your Subaru key fob is designed to minimize battery drain by stopping the fob from actively receiving signals. This can be particularly useful in situations where you want to prolong your key fob battery life.
Activating Power Saving Mode:
- Press and Hold “Lock”: Press and keep holding the “Lock” button on your Subaru key fob.
- Double Press “Unlock”: While holding the “Lock” button, press the “Unlock” button twice.
- Confirmation Blink: The key fob will blink four times to indicate that it has successfully entered Power Saving mode.
You can activate this mode even when you are right next to your Subaru. You might hear a chirp from your car when you initially hold the “Lock” button, but this is normal and the Power Saving mode will still engage.
Deactivating Power Saving Mode:
Deactivating Power Saving mode is incredibly simple. Just press any button on your Subaru key fob. This will immediately bring your fob back to its normal operating state.
Practical Use Cases for Power Saving Mode:
Subaru’s manual suggests Power Saving mode helps minimize battery consumption. While the manual’s explanation is straightforward, the real-world benefits might seem a bit unclear at first. One suggested use case, particularly popular among outdoor enthusiasts, is during camping trips. By activating Power Saving mode, you can have extra assurance that your key fob battery won’t unexpectedly die while you are away from civilization.
However, it’s crucial to remember that any button press will deactivate this mode. Therefore, using Power Saving mode effectively requires a degree of mindfulness to avoid accidentally waking up the fob.
Alt text: Close-up of Subaru key fob buttons, highlighting the lock and unlock icons for power saving mode activation.
Exploring Subaru’s Disable Access Mode
Subaru also offers a “Disable Access” mode, primarily intended for situations where your vehicle will be left unused for an extended period, or when you simply prefer to disable the keyless access functionality.
How to Disable Keyless Access (Disable Access Mode):
- Open Driver’s Door: Ensure the driver’s side door is open.
- Rotate Lock Lever Forward: On the driver’s door, locate the lock lever and rotate it forward to the lock position. Leave the door open.
- Press and Hold “Unlock” and “Hatch”: Simultaneously press and hold the “Unlock” button and the “Hatch” (or trunk) button on your key fob for 5 seconds.
- Confirmation Chirp: The car will emit a long chirp to confirm that the key fob is now in “disable access” mode.
Verifying Disable Access Mode:
To confirm that you have successfully disabled access, get inside your Subaru and attempt to start the engine. If successful, you should see a “Key disabled” message appear on the instrument panel in front of the steering wheel (this display may vary slightly depending on your Subaru model, like the 2019 Ascent as tested). Importantly, even in Disable Access mode, you will still be able to lock and unlock the doors using the buttons on the key fob itself.
Re-enabling Keyless Access:
To return your Subaru key fob to its normal operating mode, you need to repeat a similar process:
- Open Driver’s Door: Ensure the driver’s door is open.
- Rotate Lock Lever Forward: Rotate the lock lever forward on the driver’s door. Keep the door open.
- Press and Hold “Lock” and “Hatch”: This time, simultaneously press and hold the “Lock” button and the “Hatch” button on your key fob for at least 5 seconds.
- Confirmation Chirp: The car will respond with a short chirp to indicate that it is back in the normal setting.
The Purpose of Disable Access Mode: Unveiling the Mystery
The somewhat confusing aspect of “disabling keyless access” is that it doesn’t entirely disable access. You retain the ability to lock and unlock your Subaru with the fob, and even start the engine by holding the fob close to the start button as outlined in your owner’s manual.
So, what is the real benefit of going through the steps to disable Subaru key fob access if it’s not fully disabled? The most practical reason we’ve identified is for scenarios where you want to securely leave your key fob inside your vehicle. Normally, Subaru vehicles prevent you from locking the car if the key fob is detected inside. However, when you engage “Disable Access” mode, you can then stash the fob inside the car and lock the doors using the physical lock button on the rear hatch.
Alt text: Close-up of the rear hatch of a Subaru, focusing on the physical lock button used in conjunction with disable access mode.
This feature becomes particularly useful when engaging in activities where carrying your key fob might be inconvenient or risky, such as kayaking or hiking. To regain entry to your vehicle, you would need to have pre-configured Subaru’s Pin Code Access feature. This allows you to enter a PIN on the exterior of the vehicle to unlock it without the key fob present.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Subaru Key Fob Modes
Understanding the Power Saving and Disable Access modes of your Subaru key fob can provide you with greater control over your vehicle’s security and battery management. While the Disable Access mode might not completely disable Subaru key fob functionality in all aspects, it offers a unique solution for specific situations like securely locking your keys inside the car. By familiarizing yourself with these features, you can leverage the full potential of your Subaru key fob and ensure it serves your needs effectively. For more tips and tricks on maintaining your vehicle and key fob, stay tuned to keyfobx.com!
