Lost your 2005 Subaru Outback Key Fob or need to program a new one? You’re in the right place. Programming your key fob for your 2005 Subaru Outback can often be done at home, saving you a trip to the dealership. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help you get your keyless entry working again.
Understanding Your 2005 Subaru Outback Key Fob System
The 2005 Subaru Outback keyless entry system is designed with a convenient code learning feature. This allows you to program new key fob transmitters or remove old ones directly. Your vehicle can store up to four different key fob codes, giving you flexibility in managing your vehicle access. Each key fob has a unique identification number, or code, which needs to be registered with your car’s system. This code is essential for the programming process.
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions for Your 2005 Subaru Outback Key Fob
Before you begin, ensure you have your 2005 Subaru Outback key fob transmitter code. This 8-digit code is typically found on a label that came with your key fob. If you don’t have the original packaging, you may need to open the key fob to find the code on the circuit board inside.
Once you have your code, follow these steps carefully and quickly:
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Get Comfortable: Sit in the driver’s seat and make sure all doors, including the rear gate or trunk, are fully closed.
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Initial Door Cycle: Open and then close the driver’s side door one time.
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Second Door Cycle & Ignition Sequence: Within 45 seconds of the first door cycle, open and close the driver’s door again. Then, quickly turn your ignition key from the “LOCK” position to the “ON” position 10 times within a 15-second period. You should hear an electronic tone sound once, followed by a continuous buzzing and flashing of the interior light. This indicates your Outback has entered programming mode.
If you don’t hear the tone and see the light flashing, you may have exceeded the time limits. If this happens, start the process again from step 1.
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Third Door Cycle & Tone Confirmation: Within 45 seconds of entering programming mode, open and close the driver’s door one more time within 15 seconds. You should hear an electronic tone that lasts for 30 seconds. This confirms you are ready to register the transmitter code.
If you miss this tone, you’ll need to restart from step 3.
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Entering the Transmitter Code: This is where you’ll use your 8-digit transmitter code. For each digit of your code, you will press the power door “LOCK” button the same number of times as the digit itself. For example, if the first digit is ‘5’, press the “LOCK” button five times. After pressing the “LOCK” button the correct number of times for a digit, immediately push the power door lock switch to the “UNLOCK” side within five seconds. Repeat this process for all eight digits of your code.
Alt text: Location of the 8-digit transmitter code inside a 2005 Subaru Outback key fob remote.
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Code Confirmation and Repetition: After entering all eight digits, within 5 seconds, press the “LOCK” button and then immediately push to “UNLOCK” one time. Then, you must repeat the entire 8-digit code entry process again, starting with the first digit. After entering the eighth digit for the second time, you should hear another electronic tone for 30 seconds.
If you don’t hear the tone after the second code entry, or if you make a mistake at any point, you may need to start over from step 3. Errors can occur if the timing between button presses is too long (more than five seconds), or if the second code entry doesn’t exactly match the first.
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Programming Additional Key Fobs (Optional): If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat the process from step 4 onwards for each additional key fob, up to a maximum of four.
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Final Step: Once you have programmed all your desired key fobs, remove the key from the ignition.
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Test Your Key Fobs: Test each programmed key fob to ensure they lock and unlock your 2005 Subaru Outback correctly.
Deleting Old 2005 Subaru Outback Key Fob Codes
For security, it’s wise to delete old or lost key fob codes from your 2005 Subaru Outback’s system. The system can only hold four codes at a time. To delete old codes, you simply need to program four new codes. If you only have one or two current key fobs, you can reprogram them multiple times until you have programmed a total of four codes. This process overwrites any previously stored codes, effectively deleting the old ones and ensuring only your current key fobs will work with your vehicle.
Troubleshooting and Helpful Tips
- Timing is Crucial: The programming process is time-sensitive. Make sure to perform each step within the specified timeframes. If you encounter errors, carefully reread the instructions and try again, paying close attention to the timing.
- Code Accuracy: Double-check your 8-digit transmitter code. Entering the code incorrectly, even by one digit, will prevent successful programming.
- Consistent Button Presses: Ensure you are pressing the “LOCK” button firmly and consistently for each digit entry.
- Battery Condition: While not usually the primary issue, ensure your key fob battery is in good condition. A weak battery might cause intermittent issues during programming.
- Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you are having persistent trouble programming your 2005 Subaru Outback key fob, don’t hesitate to contact a professional locksmith or your local Subaru dealer. They have specialized equipment and expertise to program key fobs efficiently.
Programming your 2005 Subaru Outback key fob yourself is a convenient way to regain keyless entry functionality. By following these instructions carefully, you can likely program your key fob successfully and get back on the road with ease.
