Lost your key fob or need to program a new remote for your 2007 Subaru Forester? Programming your key fob yourself can save you time and money compared to dealership services. This guide provides you with clear, step-by-step instructions to program your 2007 Subaru key fob remote quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a first-timer, we’ll walk you through the process to get your remote working in no time.
Identifying Your Remote’s FCC ID
Before you begin the programming sequence, it’s crucial to locate the identification number on your Subaru key fob’s circuit board. This number is essential for the programming process. To access it, you’ll need to carefully open your key fob case.
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Open the Key Fob: Using a small screwdriver or a similar tool, gently pry apart the two halves of your key fob case. Be careful not to damage the plastic housing during this process.
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Locate the Circuit Board: Once opened, you’ll see the internal circuit board of the remote.
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Find the Identification Sticker: Look for a sticker on the circuit board. This sticker contains an 8-digit identification number. If there are two rows of digits, use the row that consists entirely of numbers without any letters. This 8-digit number is what you’ll use during the programming steps.
This image shows the inside of a Subaru key fob with the case opened, highlighting the circuit board and the location of the 8-digit identification number sticker needed for programming.
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions for Your 2007 Subaru Forester Key Fob
Now that you have your 8-digit identification number, follow these steps carefully to program your 2007 Subaru Forester key fob:
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Get in your Subaru Forester and close all doors. Ensure all doors, including the driver’s door and the rear gate or trunk lid, are completely closed.
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Open and close the driver’s door.
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Immediately open and close the driver’s door again within 45 seconds of the previous step.
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Cycle the ignition from LOCK to ON 10 times rapidly within 15 seconds. Turn the key from the LOCK position to the ON position and back to LOCK repeatedly, ten times in quick succession. If performed correctly, you will hear an audible tone and a buzzing sound. The interior lights will also begin to flash. This indicates that the vehicle has entered programming mode. If you do not hear the tone and see the flashing lights, return to step 2 and repeat the process.
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Open and close the driver’s door within 15 seconds. You should hear the audible tone again, confirming that the system is ready for the next programming stage. If you don’t hear the tone, return to step 2 and start over.
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Enter the first digit of your identification number. While you still hear the tone, use the power LOCK button on the driver’s side door panel. Press the LOCK button the same number of times as the first digit of your 8-digit identification number. For example, if the first digit is ‘2’, press the LOCK button twice. After entering the sequence for the first digit, press the UNLOCK button once within five seconds.
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Repeat step 6 for the remaining seven digits. Continue entering each digit of your identification number using the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons as described in step 6. Remember to press the UNLOCK button once within five seconds after entering each digit’s sequence.
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Confirm programming. After entering all eight digits of the identification number and pressing the UNLOCK button after the last digit, you must repeat step 6 one more time, entering all eight digits again, followed by pressing the UNLOCK button. Upon completion of the eighth digit in this second sequence, you should hear a longer audible tone, lasting approximately 30 seconds. This tone indicates successful programming.
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Program additional remotes (if needed). If you have more remotes to program, repeat steps 4-7 for each additional remote.
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Test your remotes. Turn off the ignition and remove the key. Test all programmed remotes to ensure they are working correctly by pressing the lock and unlock buttons and verifying the vehicle responds.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Timing is crucial: The timing in each step is important for successful programming. Make sure to perform the steps within the specified timeframes.
- Audible tones and flashing lights: Pay close attention to the audible tones and flashing interior lights. These are your indicators that you are progressing correctly through the programming sequence.
- Double-check the ID number: Ensure you have correctly identified and are accurately entering the 8-digit identification number from your remote’s circuit board.
- Start over if needed: If you encounter issues or don’t hear the confirmation tones, don’t hesitate to return to step 2 and start the process again.
- Limited programming slots: Keep in mind that the 2007 Subaru Forester can typically store up to 4 key fobs in its memory. If you are programming more than 4, older codes might be overwritten.
If you are still experiencing difficulties programming your 2007 Subaru key fob, or if you prefer professional assistance, you can use our service to find a local key fob programming specialist in your area. Simply enter your city or zip code in our search tool to connect with qualified professionals who can help.
