Experiencing issues with your Subaru key fob can be frustrating, especially when it suddenly stops working. If you’re facing this problem, you’re not alone. Many Subaru owners encounter situations where their key fob becomes unresponsive, leaving them locked out or unable to start their vehicle remotely. This article, brought to you by the auto experts at keyfobx.com, will guide you through potential causes and troubleshooting steps when your Subaru key fob stops working.
One common misconception is that reprogramming the key fob is a straightforward fix. However, Subaru vehicles are designed with a non-volatile memory module that permanently stores your key fob codes. This means that simply disconnecting the car battery or attempting DIY reprogramming is unlikely to resolve the issue. The system is designed to remember your key fobs indefinitely until a professional reprogramming procedure is undertaken. Attempting to tamper with this system without the correct tools and knowledge is generally not recommended and could potentially cause further complications.
To begin diagnosing why your Subaru Key Fob Stopped Working, a simple first step is to test the fob itself. Most auto parts stores offer a convenient key fob tester. By holding your key fob near the tester and pressing a button, you can quickly determine if the fob is transmitting a signal. If the tester light illuminates, it indicates that your key fob is likely sending a signal, and the problem might lie with your Subaru’s receiver. If there’s no signal detected, the issue could be with the key fob battery or internal components.
Interestingly, in many Subaru Forester models, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) module and the key fob antenna module are integrated into a single unit. If you’re experiencing a malfunctioning TPMS light in conjunction with both of your key fobs not working, this could indicate a failure within this combined module. Reports suggest that water ingress has been a potential cause for this module failure, particularly in certain model years of the Forester. The module’s location in the rear quarter panel area, potentially near or under a window, might make it susceptible to water damage, especially after heavy rainfall. If your key fob issues arose after significant rain, this could be a plausible cause to consider.
While investigating these potential issues, a temporary solution to prevent your car alarm from activating when using the physical key to open the door is to engage valet mode. Consult your Subaru owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to activate valet mode for your model.
As a basic troubleshooting step, you can also try disconnecting your Subaru’s battery for a few minutes and then reconnecting it. This action can sometimes reset electronic systems and resolve temporary glitches that might be affecting the key fob receiver. However, it’s important to note that this is a general troubleshooting step and may not resolve all key fob issues, especially if there is a hardware problem.
It’s important to remember that online advice should always be considered with caution. If you’ve tried these basic troubleshooting steps and your Subaru key fob remains unresponsive, it’s best to consult with a qualified Subaru technician or a professional automotive locksmith. They possess the expertise and diagnostic tools to accurately pinpoint the cause of the problem and recommend the appropriate repair or replacement solutions. Dealing with key fob and vehicle security systems often requires specialized knowledge, and professional assistance can save you time and prevent potential further complications.
