Experiencing trouble with your Subaru Forester key fob can be frustrating. Many owners wonder if reprogramming the key fob is a simple fix. However, it’s generally not recommended to attempt reprogramming yourself. The key fob codes in your Forester are stored in a non-volatile memory module, designed to retain this information permanently unless professionally reprogrammed. Even disconnecting your car battery for a long period won’t erase these codes. Reprogramming is a complex procedure best left to trained technicians.
Before considering reprogramming, a useful first step is to test your key fob. Most auto parts stores offer a convenient key fob tester. Simply hold your key fob near the tester, press a button, and it will indicate if the fob is transmitting a signal. This test will help you determine if the issue lies with the key fob itself or with your Subaru Forester’s receiver.
If both of your key fobs are not working and you also notice your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light is illuminated, there might be a connection. It appears that in some Subaru Forester models, the TPMS module and the antenna module for the key fobs are integrated into a single unit. A failure in this module could explain both the key fob malfunction and the TPMS light. Reports suggest that water ingress could be a potential cause of this module failure, possibly due to its location in the rear quarter panel area, near or under the window. If you’ve recently experienced heavy rain, as you mentioned with two and a half inches of rainfall, and then encountered these key fob issues, water damage to this module is a plausible explanation.
It’s important to remember that this information is gathered from online sources and should be considered as potential guidance, not definitive diagnosis.
In the interim, to prevent your car alarm from activating every time you open the door, you can engage your Subaru Forester’s valet mode. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to activate valet mode.
As a simple troubleshooting step, you could also try disconnecting your car battery for a few minutes and then reconnecting it. This might reset systems and potentially resolve temporary glitches.
Hopefully, this information provides a helpful starting point in diagnosing your Subaru Forester key fob problems. It’s advisable to seek professional diagnosis and repair from a qualified mechanic or Subaru dealership for a definitive solution.
