Experiencing a dead key fob battery can be a frustrating situation, especially when you’re in a hurry. Many Subaru owners are unaware that their key fob contains a mechanical emergency key specifically designed for this scenario. This hidden key allows you to bypass the electronic system and manually unlock and start your vehicle. Understanding how to use this feature can save you time and hassle.
The emergency key, often referred to as a valet key or e-key, is concealed within your Subaru key fob. It’s primarily intended for situations where the key fob battery is depleted, preventing the remote unlocking and push-button start from functioning. Think of it as a traditional key embedded in your modern key fob, offering a reliable backup method to access and operate your Subaru.
To access the emergency key, locate the release button or latch on your key fob. This is usually a small button or slider that, when pressed or slid, allows you to pull out the mechanical key. Once removed, you’ll have a traditional-looking key blade ready to use.
To unlock your Subaru with the emergency key, simply insert the key into the driver’s side door lock cylinder, just as you would with a traditional car key. Turn the key clockwise to unlock the door. This will grant you access to the vehicle’s interior even without a functioning key fob battery.
Starting your Subaru with a dead key fob also utilizes the emergency key in conjunction with the push-to-start system. After entering your Subaru using the emergency key, proceed to the steering column. You’ll typically find a designated spot on the steering column cover, near the push-to-start button, marked for emergency key starting. Insert the key into this slot. With the emergency key inserted, press the push-to-start button as you normally would. The vehicle should now start, drawing power from the car battery, overriding the dead key fob battery.
While the emergency key is a crucial tool for dead key fob scenarios, remember that modern Subaru vehicles offer alternative methods to unlock and start your car. Many models are equipped with a PIN code entry system, which allows you to unlock the doors by entering a pre-set code on the keypad (if equipped) or through the Starlink app on your smartphone, if you have an active subscription. These methods offer additional layers of security and convenience.
Furthermore, to conserve your key fob battery, you can manually disable the key fob when not in use, particularly a spare fob. To do this, press and hold the lock button, then press the unlock button twice. The red LED indicator on the fob will blink four times, confirming it is deactivated. Pressing any button will instantly reactivate the fob when needed. This is particularly useful if you want to store a spare fob in your vehicle for emergency situations, although it’s generally not recommended to store an active fob inside the car due to security concerns.
In conclusion, knowing how to start your Subaru with a dead key fob using the emergency key is a valuable skill for every Subaru owner. It ensures you’re not stranded due to a simple battery issue and provides a reliable method to access and operate your vehicle when the key fob’s electronic functions are unavailable. Familiarize yourself with your Subaru’s emergency key system to be prepared for any key fob battery emergencies.
