Are you having trouble with your 2007 Subaru Forester key fob? Perhaps it’s stopped working, or you’ve purchased a new remote and need to get it programmed. Fortunately, programming a key fob for your 2007 Subaru Forester can often be done yourself at home, saving you a trip to the dealership. This guide provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions to program your 2007 Subaru Forester key fob, ensuring you regain full control of your vehicle’s remote functions.
Before you begin, ensure you have all the key fobs you wish to program for your vehicle, as you’ll need to program them all in one session. Let’s get started and get your key fob working again!
What You’ll Need Before You Start
To program your 2007 Subaru Forester key fob, you will need to locate the identification number inside your existing remote. Here’s how to find it:
- Gather your tools: You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver.
- Open the key fob: Carefully use the screwdriver to split open the two halves of your key fob case.
- Locate the circuit board: Once open, you’ll see the circuit board inside.
- Find the ID sticker: Look for a sticker on the circuit board with an 8-digit number. If there are two rows of numbers, use the row that contains only numbers and no letters. This 8-digit number is crucial for the programming process.
Alt text: Locating the 8-digit identification number on the circuit board inside a 2007 Subaru Forester key fob remote, essential for successful DIY programming.
Once you have this 8-digit number, you are ready to proceed with the programming steps.
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to program your 2007 Subaru Forester key fob:
- Get in your Subaru Forester: Sit in the driver’s seat and ensure all doors, including the rear gate or trunk lid, are completely closed.
- Driver’s Door Cycle – Part 1: Open and then close the driver’s side door.
- Driver’s Door Cycle – Part 2: Within 45 seconds of the previous step, open and then close the driver’s door again.
- Ignition Cycle: This is a crucial step. Cycle the ignition key from the “LOCK” position to the “ON” position 10 times rapidly within 15 seconds. Leave the key in the “LOCK” position after the 10th cycle. If performed correctly, you will hear an audible tone and a buzzing sound, and the interior lights will begin to flash. This indicates the system has entered programming mode. If you don’t hear the tone and see the flashing lights, you’ll need to repeat steps 2 and 3 and try the ignition cycle again.
- Door Confirmation: Open and close the driver’s door within 15 seconds. You should hear the audible tone again, confirming the system is still in programming mode. If you miss the tone, you must return to step 2 and restart the process.
- Enter the ID Number – Digit by Digit: While you are still hearing the tone, use the power door lock button on the driver’s side door panel to input the 8-digit identification number from your key fob’s circuit board.
- For each digit of the ID number, press the “LOCK” button the same number of times as the digit itself. For example, if the first digit is ‘3’, press the “LOCK” button three times.
- After entering the presses for each digit, immediately press the “UNLOCK” button once within five seconds.
- Repeat this sequence for all eight digits of the ID number, pressing the “UNLOCK” button after each digit’s entry.
- Confirmation and Repeat: After entering all eight digits, press the “UNLOCK” button one final time within 5 seconds, and then repeat step 6 one more time, entering all eight digits again using the door lock button and pressing “UNLOCK” after each. Upon completion of the second entry of the eighth digit, you should hear a longer audible tone, lasting approximately 30 seconds. This signifies successful programming.
- Program Additional Remotes: If you have more key fobs to program, repeat steps 4 through 7 for each additional remote.
- Test Your Remotes: Remove the key from the ignition and test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly by locking and unlocking the doors and, if applicable, testing the panic button.
Troubleshooting and Professional Help
If you encounter difficulties programming your 2007 Subaru Forester key fob, double-check each step and ensure you are following the timing precisely. The ignition cycling and door operations need to be performed within the specified timeframes for the programming sequence to initiate correctly.
If you are still unable to program your key fob after several attempts, or if you prefer professional assistance, consider seeking help from a qualified automotive locksmith or a Subaru dealership. They have specialized tools and expertise to program key fobs and can diagnose any potential issues with your vehicle’s keyless entry system.
To find a local professional key fob installer in your area, you can search online using your city or zip code. Getting your key fob programmed professionally can save you time and ensure the job is done correctly, providing peace of mind and reliable remote access to your 2007 Subaru Forester.
