How to Reprogram a Subaru Key Fob: Your DIY Guide

Are you looking to reprogram your Subaru key fob? Perhaps you’ve replaced a lost or damaged fob and need to get it working with your vehicle again. As your trusted Subaru service experts at keyfobx.com, we understand the convenience of keyless entry and remote start. While newer Subaru models often require a visit to our dealership for key fob programming, many older models offer a straightforward process you can complete right in your garage.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps on How To Reprogram A Subaru Key Fob for compatible models. We’ll cover everything from identifying the correct key fob type to entering the programming code and testing your newly programmed remote. Let’s get started and regain control of your Subaru’s keyless entry system.

Determining Your Subaru Key Fob Type and Compatibility

Before diving into the reprogramming process, it’s crucial to determine if your Subaru key fob is the type that can be programmed at home. Generally, Subaru key fobs that are owner-programmable have a distinctive teardrop shape.

If your key fob matches this description, you likely have a model that allows for DIY programming. However, for newer Subaru vehicles, especially those with advanced security systems or push-button start, the programming typically requires specialized equipment and software available at an authorized Subaru dealership. If you are unsure about your vehicle’s compatibility, consult your owner’s manual or contact our service department for clarification.

Step 1: Locating Your 8-Digit Subaru Key Fob Programming Code

The first step in reprogramming your Subaru key fob involves accessing the 8-digit programming code located inside the fob itself. Here’s how to find it:

1. Open the Key Fob Casing: Carefully open the key fob case. You may need a small flathead screwdriver or a coin to gently pry it open.
2. Identify the Transmitter Circuit Board: Once opened, you’ll see the internal transmitter circuit board.
3. Find the 8-Digit Number Series: Look for one or two sets of 8-digit numbers printed on the transmitter. These are your programming codes.
4. Record the First 8-Digit Code: Write down the first 8-digit number series on a piece of paper or your phone. This is the code you’ll need for the programming sequence.
5. Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully put the key fob case back together, ensuring it’s securely closed.
6. Prepare to Enter Your Vehicle: Head to your Subaru and get ready to begin the programming process from the driver’s seat.

Step 2: Programming Your Subaru Key Fob – Entering the Code

Now that you have your 8-digit code, you’re ready to program your Subaru key fob. Follow these steps precisely and relatively quickly:

1. Get in the Driver’s Seat: Sit in the driver’s seat of your Subaru and ensure all doors are closed and the vehicle is turned off.
2. Unlock All Doors: Open the driver’s side door and use the interior door lock button to unlock all doors. Then, close the driver’s side door.
3. Ignition Key Cycling (Crucial Step): Insert your key into the ignition. Quickly turn the ignition key to the “ON” position (where the dashboard lights illuminate, but without starting the engine) and then immediately back to the “OFF” position. Repeat this ON-OFF cycle ten times in rapid succession. Speed is important for this step to register correctly.
4. Listen for the Chime (First Chime): After the tenth key cycle, the instrument panel should emit a chime sound. This indicates the system has entered programming mode.
5. Open and Close Driver’s Door (Second Chime): Open and then close the driver’s side door again. You should hear a second chime, and the vehicle’s dome lights will typically flash to further confirm programming mode.
6. Code Entry Window (45 Seconds): Once you hear the second chime and see the dome lights flash, you have approximately 45 seconds to enter your 8-digit transmitter code using the door lock/unlock buttons. The chime will continue to sound during this 45-second window.

Step 3: Inputting the 8-Digit Code Using Door Lock Buttons

With the system in programming mode, you’ll now use the door lock/unlock buttons on the driver’s side door panel to input your 8-digit code.

1. Locate Lock/Unlock Buttons: Find the lock and unlock buttons on your driver’s side door.
2. Enter the First Digit: Look at the first digit of your 8-digit code. Press the “Lock” button the number of times corresponding to that digit. For example, if the first digit is ‘3’, press the “Lock” button three times. Immediately after pressing the “Lock” button(s), press the “Unlock” button once.
3. Repeat for Each Digit: Repeat step 2 for each of the eight digits in your code sequence. For each digit, press the “Lock” button the corresponding number of times, followed by a single press of the “Unlock” button.
4. Confirmation Chime (External): After you’ve entered all eight digits, listen for a chime sound coming from outside the vehicle. This chime confirms that the code sequence was successfully entered.
5. Verify Code Entry (Locking System Engagement): Repeat steps 2 and 3 to re-enter the entire 8-digit code a second time to verify it. If the code is correctly re-entered, you should hear the vehicle’s locking system click or engage, further confirming successful programming.
6. Final Steps and Testing:
   • Open and close the driver’s door.
   • Press either the “Lock” or “Unlock” button on your newly programmed key fob.
   • Remove the key from the ignition. You should hear a final chime.
   • Open and close the driver’s door one last time.
   • Wait approximately five seconds. Your key fob should now be programmed and working.
   • Test all buttons on the key fob to ensure they are functioning correctly (lock, unlock, panic, etc.).

Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement for Newer Models

While newer Subaru key fobs may not be DIY programmable, replacing the battery is often a simple task you can do yourself. If your newer, rectangular-shaped Subaru key fob is no longer working, a battery replacement is often the solution. These newer fobs typically use a CR2032 battery.

Here’s how to replace the battery in a newer Subaru key fob:

1. Remove the Metal Key: On the back of the key fob, locate and push the small silver tab or button. This will release the mechanical metal key. Slide out and remove the key.
2. Pry Open the Fob Casing: Insert the tip of the metal key you just removed, or a small flathead screwdriver, into the small slot or gap exposed after removing the key. Gently twist the key or screwdriver to pry open the key fob cover.
3. Access the Battery: Carefully separate the two halves of the key fob casing. The battery is usually located on one side of the transmitter circuit board.
4. Remove the Old Battery: Take out the old CR2032 battery. Note the orientation of the battery (+ side up or down) before removing it.
5. Install the New Battery: Insert the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the correct side is facing up (usually the positive (+) side facing upwards).
6. Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together until they are securely closed.
7. Re-insert the Metal Key: Slide the metal key back into its slot until it clicks into place.
8. Test the Key Fob: Test the buttons on your key fob to ensure it is working correctly.

Still Having Trouble? Contact Our Subaru Parts and Service Experts

If you’ve followed these steps on how to reprogram a Subaru key fob and are still experiencing issues, or if you drive a newer Subaru model, our team at keyfobx.com is here to assist you. Our Subaru parts department can help you identify the correct replacement key fob or battery, and our certified service technicians can handle the programming for newer vehicles that require professional tools.

Contact us today for any questions about Subaru key fobs, parts, or service. We also offer a wide range of genuine Subaru accessories and OEM Subaru parts to keep your Subaru running smoothly and securely. Be sure to check out our current parts specials for potential savings on your next visit!