Subaru key fobs come with convenient features, but there are situations where you might want to disable some of their functions. Understanding how to disable your Subaru key fob can be useful for saving battery life or enhancing security in specific scenarios. This guide will explain two key methods: engaging power saving mode and disabling keyless access.
Power Saving Mode: Conserving Key Fob Battery
Subaru’s power saving function is designed to minimize battery consumption by stopping the key fob from actively receiving signals. This mode can be easily activated and deactivated, offering a simple way to extend your key fob’s battery life.
To activate power saving mode on your Subaru key fob, press the “Unlock” button twice while simultaneously holding down the “Lock” button. You’ll notice the key fob blink four times, indicating that it has entered power saving mode. Even if you are close to your vehicle, this function will still engage. Deactivating power saving mode is even simpler – just press any button on the fob to return it to normal operation.
It’s important to note that while in power saving mode, using the emergency key to manually open the driver’s door will trigger the car alarm. This might seem counterintuitive at first, but it’s designed this way because power saving mode is meant to be disengaged by simply pressing a button on the fob, not by using the emergency key. The practical applications of power saving mode might not be immediately obvious, but it’s often used as a precaution, such as during camping trips, to ensure the key fob battery doesn’t drain unnecessarily. However, remember that any button press will immediately take it out of power saving mode.
Disable Access Mode: Preventing Unauthorized Starting
Subaru also offers a “disable access” mode, which is intended for situations where you won’t be using your vehicle for an extended period or wish to temporarily disable the keyless access function. Despite its name, this mode doesn’t completely disable all key fob functions, but it does prevent starting the engine without direct interaction.
To enable disable access mode, first open the driver’s side door. Next, locate the lock lever on the door and rotate it forward to the lock position, keeping the door open. Then, press and hold the “Unlock” button and the “hatch” button on your key fob simultaneously for five seconds. The vehicle will respond with a long chirp to confirm that disable access mode has been activated.
You can verify if disable access mode is active by getting into your Subaru and attempting to start the engine. A “Key disabled” message should appear on the dashboard display in front of the steering wheel, confirming the mode is engaged. Importantly, even in disable access mode, you can still lock and unlock the doors using the buttons on the key fob.
To deactivate disable access mode and return your key fob to normal operation, you need to repeat the activation steps. Open the driver door, rotate the lock lever forward, leave the door open, and this time, press and hold the “Lock” button and the “Hatch” button together for at least five seconds. The car will chirp briefly to indicate that it is back in the normal setting.
The primary purpose of disable access mode isn’t to prevent door access, as the key fob still operates the locks. Instead, a key benefit is the ability to lock your key fob inside your Subaru. Normally, the car prevents locking with the fob inside. However, in “disable access” mode, you can leave the fob inside the vehicle and lock the doors using the physical lock button on the rear hatch. This can be particularly useful if you are engaging in activities where you don’t want to carry your key fob, such as kayaking or hiking. To regain entry, you would need to utilize Subaru’s Pin Code Access feature.
In summary, Subaru key fobs offer both a power saving mode to conserve battery and a disable access mode primarily designed to allow locking the fob inside the car, despite its name suggesting otherwise. Understanding these features allows you to utilize your Subaru key fob more effectively in various situations.
