Experiencing issues with your 2000 Subaru Forester Key Fob? You’re not alone. Many owners of this reliable vehicle encounter problems with their keyless entry systems, ranging from dead fobs to programming difficulties. Let’s dive into some common scenarios and solutions to get you back on the road.
It’s a familiar story: you go to start your Subaru Forester, and nothing happens. Perhaps you’ve even experienced the frustration described in a recent Craigslist ad, where a 2000 Forester owner detailed their ordeal with a dead battery, a triggered alarm, and a mysterious key fob programming button. They encountered a situation where after disconnecting and reconnecting the battery to address corrosion, the car alarm went off and they were left struggling to start their vehicle.
This scenario highlights a couple of key areas when it comes to 2000 Subaru Forester key fobs: battery issues and alarm problems. A weak or dead battery can certainly cause starting problems, but it can also interact with your car’s alarm and keyless entry system in unexpected ways. In the Craigslist case, the owner suspected a non-OEM alarm system, which adds another layer of complexity.
One of the first steps to address key fob issues is to check the basics. Is your key fob battery dead? This is a simple fix and often overlooked. Replacing the battery in your 2000 Subaru Forester key fob might be all it takes to restore functionality. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to open your specific key fob model and replace the battery.
If a battery replacement doesn’t solve the problem, or if you suspect your key fob needs reprogramming, you might be looking for the elusive programming button mentioned in the Craigslist post. The owner was “totally unable” to locate this button, which is a common frustration. While some older vehicles have a physical programming button, the 2000 Subaru Forester typically relies on a specific sequence of actions involving the ignition and door locks to enter programming mode.
To program a 2000 Subaru Forester key fob, you’ll generally need to follow a procedure similar to this (always consult your owner’s manual or a trusted source like NorthCoast Keyless for the most accurate instructions for your specific vehicle):
- Ensure all doors are closed and unlocked.
- Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position and then back to “OFF” quickly, repeating this cycle multiple times (e.g., turn ON/OFF, ON/OFF, ON/OFF). The exact number of cycles can vary, so consult specific programming instructions.
- After the correct number of cycles, the car should enter programming mode, often indicated by the door locks cycling or a chime.
- Press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons on the key fob simultaneously for a few seconds.
- Release the buttons. The door locks should cycle again to confirm successful programming.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 for any additional key fobs you want to program.
- Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position to exit programming mode.
- Test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly.
If you are still facing issues after attempting to reprogram your 2000 Subaru Forester key fob, there could be other underlying problems. It’s possible that the key fob itself is faulty, or there could be an issue with the car’s receiver module. In some cases, especially with aftermarket alarm systems as suspected in the Craigslist ad, professional diagnosis and repair might be necessary.
For further guidance and potentially more specific programming instructions, resources like NorthCoast Keyless (as linked in the original Craigslist post) can be valuable. They often provide free programming instructions and sell replacement key fobs.
If you’re struggling with your 2000 Subaru Forester key fob, remember to start with the simple steps: check the fob battery and attempt reprogramming. If those don’t work, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a qualified mechanic or locksmith specializing in automotive keyless entry systems. Getting your key fob working reliably is crucial for convenience and security, ensuring you can confidently use your Subaru Forester every day.
