2005 Subaru Outback Key Fob Programming: Your DIY Guide

Lost your 2005 Subaru Outback key fob or need to program a new one? Don’t worry, you might be able to program it yourself at home without a trip to the dealership. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for programming your 2005 Subaru Outback key fob, saving you time and money. Follow these directions carefully to get your key fob working seamlessly with your vehicle’s remote entry system.

Step-by-Step Programming Instructions for Your 2005 Subaru Outback Key Fob

Before you begin, ensure you have your new key fob and the 8-digit code that came with it. This code is crucial for the programming process. It’s usually found on a tag attached to the key fob packaging or inside the remote itself.

Step 1: Get Comfortable and Prepare

1. Sit in the driver’s seat of your 2005 Subaru Outback.
2. Close all doors, including the rear gate or trunk lid, completely.
3. Make sure the driver’s door is unlocked.

Step 2: Initiate the Programming Sequence

This step requires a quick sequence of door and ignition key actions.

1. Open and then close the driver’s door one time.

2. Within 45 seconds of the previous step, perform the following:

   • Open and close the driver’s door one time again.
   • Turn the ignition key from the LOCK position to the ON position 10 times within 15 seconds. Make sure you turn it all the way to ON but do not start the engine. On the 10th turn, leave the key in the ON position.

   After successfully completing this sequence, you should hear an electronic tone sound once. A buzzer will then start to sound continuously, and the interior lights will begin to flash. These are your cues that the system has entered programming mode.

   If you don’t hear the tone and see the flashing lights, you’ll need to start over from Step 1. Ensure you complete each action within the specified timeframes.

Step 3: Enter the Transmitter Code – First Pass

Now comes the “fun part” – entering the 8-digit transmitter code using the power door lock button.

1. Within 45 seconds of the tone and flashing lights (from Step 2), open and close the driver’s door one time again. You should hear an electronic tone for approximately 30 seconds.

   If you miss this tone, you’ll need to restart the process from Step 2.

2. Before the electronic tone stops, you need to input the first digit of your 8-digit transmitter code. Use the power door lock button on the driver’s side door panel to do this.

   • Count the leftmost digit of your transmitter code. For example, if the first digit is ‘5’, press the LOCK button 5 times.
   • Immediately after pressing the LOCK button the correct number of times, push the power door lock switch to the UNLOCK side one time within 5 seconds.

3. Repeat step 2 for the remaining 7 digits of your transmitter code. For each digit, press the LOCK button the corresponding number of times and then press the UNLOCK button once within 5 seconds. Do this for all eight digits in sequence.

Step 4: Enter the Transmitter Code – Second Pass (Verification)

To confirm the code, you need to re-enter it exactly the same way.

1. Within 5 seconds of entering the last digit of the code in Step 3, push the power door lock button to LOCK then immediately to UNLOCK one time.

2. Repeat the entire process from Step 3 again, re-entering all 8 digits of the transmitter code using the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons, exactly as you did the first time.

   After you finish entering the eighth digit for the second time, you should hear an electronic tone for about 30 seconds. This tone confirms that the key fob programming was successful.

   If you don’t hear this confirmation tone, double-check that you entered the code correctly both times and that you followed all steps precisely. You might need to repeat the entire process from Step 2.

Step 5: Finalize and Test

1. Remove the key from the ignition.
2. Test your newly programmed key fob by pressing the lock and unlock buttons to ensure they are working correctly with your 2005 Subaru Outback.

Congratulations! You have successfully programmed your 2005 Subaru Outback key fob.

An image showing a Subaru key fob remote and a label indicating the transmitter code location inside the remote.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• No Electronic Tone or Flashing Lights in Step 2: This usually indicates a timing issue in Step 2. Make sure you are performing the door and ignition key sequences quickly and within the given time limits (45 seconds and 15 seconds). Start the process again from Step 1.
• Error During Code Entry: If you make a mistake while entering the code using the lock button, or if the time between button presses exceeds 5 seconds, an error may occur. You may need to start again from Step 3 or even Step 2 if errors persist.
• Code Not Accepted (Even After Correct Entry): Double-check the 8-digit code. Ensure you are using the correct code for your key fob and vehicle. If you are certain the code is correct and the process still fails, there might be an issue with the key fob itself or the vehicle’s keyless entry system, and professional assistance may be required.

Deleting Old Key Fob Codes

For security reasons, especially if you have lost a key fob, it’s a good idea to delete old transmitter codes from your Subaru Outback’s system. The system can store up to four codes. To delete old codes, you need to program four new codes.

• If you only have one new key fob, program it four times using the steps above.
• If you have two new key fobs, program each one twice.
• If you have three, program two of them once and the third one twice.

This process effectively overwrites any previously stored codes, ensuring only your current key fobs are recognized by the vehicle.

When to Seek Professional Help

While these DIY instructions are helpful, there are situations where professional help is recommended:

• Difficulty Programming: If you repeatedly encounter errors and cannot program the key fob yourself after several attempts.
• No Code Available: If you do not have the 8-digit transmitter code for your key fob.
• Suspect System Issues: If you suspect there might be a problem with your Subaru Outback’s keyless entry system itself.

In these cases, contacting a qualified automotive locksmith, your local Subaru dealer, or a professional key fob programming service is advisable. They have specialized tools and expertise to diagnose and resolve key fob programming issues.

You can use the search box below to find a professional key fob installer in your area if you prefer not to program it yourself.