How to Start Your Subaru When the Key Fob is Dead

It’s a situation every Subaru owner might face: you’re ready to go, but your key fob is unresponsive. A dead key fob battery can be frustrating, but thankfully, Subaru has incorporated backup systems to ensure you’re not stranded. This guide will walk you through exactly how to start your Subaru when your key fob is dead, providing you with several methods to get back on the road quickly and safely.

Accessing Your Subaru with a Dead Key Fob: The Emergency Key

Your Subaru key fob isn’t just a piece of plastic; it’s designed with a hidden mechanical key, often referred to as the “emergency key” or “valet key”. This key is your first line of defense when the fob battery dies.

1. Locate the Release: Examine your key fob. You’ll usually find a small release button or latch.
2. Release the Emergency Key: Press or slide the release mechanism. This will allow you to slide out the mechanical emergency key from the fob.
3. Unlock the Door: Use the physical key to manually unlock your Subaru door, just like you would with an older car key. Insert the key into the driver’s side door lock cylinder and turn to unlock.

This emergency key provides basic access to your vehicle when electronic functions are unavailable due to a dead fob battery.

Starting Your Subaru with a Dead Key Fob: The Push-Button Start Method

Once you’re inside your Subaru, you might think a dead fob means you’re stuck. However, most modern Subaru models with push-button start have a built-in system to start the engine even with a non-functioning fob.

1. Enter the Vehicle: Use the emergency key to unlock and enter your Subaru.
2. Position the Key Fob: Take your dead key fob and firmly press it directly against the engine start/stop button. The idea is to bring the fob close enough to the sensor so the car can detect its presence despite the dead battery.
3. Press the Start Button (with Fob Pressed Against It): While holding the fob against the start button, press the start button again as you normally would to start your Subaru.
4. Start the Engine: The vehicle should now recognize the fob’s presence and allow you to start the engine.

This method works because of a technology called near-field communication (NFC) or a similar system. A passive RFID chip within the fob can be energized by the car’s system when placed in close proximity to the start button, allowing for ignition even without battery power in the fob.

Alternative Access: Subaru Starlink and PIN Code

For some Subaru models with connected services like Starlink, or if you’ve set up a PIN code access, you have digital alternatives to unlock your car even with a dead fob.

• Subaru Starlink: If you are subscribed to Subaru Starlink and have the mobile app set up, you can use your smartphone to remotely unlock your doors. Open the Starlink app, navigate to the remote commands, and select “Unlock”. This requires an active Starlink subscription and cellular service.
• PIN Code Access: Some Subaru models allow you to set up a PIN code to unlock the doors using the touchscreen or buttons on the exterior door handle. If you’ve configured this feature, you can enter your pre-set PIN code to gain entry to your vehicle. Refer to your Subaru owner’s manual for instructions on setting up and using PIN code access if available on your model.

These digital methods provide convenient backup options if you have them enabled and accessible.

Managing Your Subaru Key Fobs and Preventing Issues

To minimize the chances of being caught off guard by a dead key fob, consider these preventative tips:

• Regular Battery Replacement: Key fob batteries typically last a year or two. Replace the battery proactively before it completely dies. You can usually find the correct battery type in your owner’s manual (often a CR2032 battery).
• Carry a Spare Fob Battery: Keep a spare battery in your glove compartment or wallet for emergency replacements.
• Deactivate a Spare Fob for Storage: If you have a spare fob that you keep in the car for emergencies, you can deactivate it to prevent battery drain. To deactivate a fob (as mentioned in the original text for some fobs):
  1. Press and hold the lock button.
  2. Press the unlock button twice while still holding the lock button.
  3. Release all buttons. The LED light on the fob may blink to confirm deactivation.
     To reactivate, simply press any button on the fob.
• Don’t Lock Active Fobs in the Car: Modern Subarus are designed to prevent you from locking an active key fob inside the vehicle. However, it’s still good practice to avoid accidentally locking your keys inside.
• Consider Hiding a Deactivated Spare (with Caution): As mentioned in the original text, for road trips, you could deactivate a spare fob and hide it inside the car. However, exercise caution when hiding keys in your vehicle, as this can present a security risk if someone gains access to your car.

What About a Dead Car Battery and Key Fob?

The emergency key becomes even more crucial if your car battery is also dead. In this scenario, electronic unlocking methods (Starlink, push-button start detection) may not work initially.

• Emergency Key for Door Access: The mechanical emergency key will still work to unlock your door even with a dead car battery. This allows you to access the hood and jump-start the car.
• Jump Starting: Once you’ve accessed the hood, you can jump-start your Subaru using jumper cables and another vehicle or a portable jump starter. After jump-starting, the electronic key fob functions should resume once the car has power.

Conclusion

Knowing how to start your Subaru when the key fob is dead empowers you to handle this common car owner issue with confidence. By understanding the emergency key, push-button start method, and digital access options, you can ensure a dead fob battery doesn’t derail your plans. Being proactive with key fob maintenance and battery replacement will further minimize any inconvenience. Always consult your Subaru owner’s manual for the most accurate and model-specific instructions for your vehicle.