Are you looking to program a new or existing key fob for your 2006 Subaru Legacy? Losing or damaging your key fob can be a real hassle, but fortunately, programming a replacement or an extra key fob for your 2006 Subaru Legacy can often be done at home without needing a trip to the dealership. This guide provides you with clear, easy-to-follow instructions to program your 2006 Subaru Legacy key fob yourself.
Before you begin, it’s important to understand the type of key fob you have. Some Subaru key fobs allow for complete programming at home, while others might require dealer programming for the key cutting and transponder. Refer to the image below to identify your key fob type and understand the programming capabilities for each.
Note: While these instructions might seem detailed, they are actually quite straightforward if you read through them and understand the process before you start. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right on the first try; you can repeat the process as many times as needed.
Programming Instructions:
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Prepare Your Key Fob: Depending on your key fob style, you may need to open the back cover. For key-style fobs, use a bladed screwdriver to gently pop the back open. For remote-style fobs, unscrew the back cover using a Phillips head screwdriver.
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Locate the ID Number: Once opened, locate the ID number inside your remote. This is an 8-digit number. If you see two rows of numbers, use the row that contains only numbers and no letters. Write this 8-digit code down – you will need it for the programming sequence.
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Vehicle Preparation: Ensure all doors, including the trunk, are completely closed.
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Get in the Driver’s Seat: Enter your 2006 Subaru Legacy and sit in the driver’s seat. Close the driver’s door. It is crucial that all doors remain shut throughout the initial steps.
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Enter Programming Mode: This step must be done quickly. Turn the ignition key from the “LOCK” position to the “ON” position 10 times within 15 seconds. If done correctly, your Subaru Legacy will respond by flashing its lights and emitting an audible tone. This confirms that your vehicle has entered key fob programming mode. If you do not see the lights flash or hear the tone, exit the vehicle, ensure all doors are closed, and repeat this step from the beginning.
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Door Confirmation: Open and then close the driver’s side door. You should hear the audible tone again, confirming that the vehicle is still in programming mode and ready to learn the key fob code.
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Enter the 8-Digit Code – Part 1: Now, using the 8-digit code you wrote down, program the first four digits. On the driver’s side door panel, press the “LOCK” button the number of times corresponding to the first digit of your code. Immediately after pressing the “LOCK” button the correct number of times, press the “UNLOCK” button once to move to the next digit. Repeat this process for the second, third, and fourth digits of your 8-digit code.
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Enter the 8-Digit Code – Part 2: You must repeat step 7 again for the last four digits of your 8-digit code. Enter the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth digits using the same “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” button sequence as described in step 7. Once you have finished entering all eight digits for the second time and pressed the “UNLOCK” button after the eighth digit, you should hear a tone that lasts for approximately 30 seconds. This tone indicates successful programming.
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Program Additional Remotes (Optional): If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat steps 5 through 8 for each additional remote, immediately after successfully programming the first one and while the vehicle is still in programming mode (indicated by the tone). If you only have one key fob to program, proceed to the next step.
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Exit Programming Mode: Remove the key from the ignition. The key fob programming process is now complete for your 2006 Subaru Legacy. Test your newly programmed key fob to ensure all buttons are working correctly – lock, unlock, and panic (if applicable).
Troubleshooting:
If you encounter issues programming your 2006 Subaru Legacy key fob, double-check each step and ensure you are following the instructions precisely. The timing of turning the ignition and the button presses can be sensitive. If you are still having trouble, you may want to repeat the entire process from step 3.
Need Professional Assistance?
If you are uncomfortable programming your key fob yourself or continue to experience difficulties, professional help is available. You can search online for “key fob programming services near me” or “car key programming [your city/zip code]” to find local locksmiths or automotive technicians who can assist you. Alternatively, your local Subaru dealership can also program your key fob for you, although this may be a more expensive option.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully program your 2006 Subaru Legacy key fob and regain full remote access to your vehicle.
