Experiencing issues with your 2009 Subaru Forester key fob? You’re not alone. Many Subaru owners encounter the need for a key fob replacement, whether it’s due to loss, damage, or simply wanting a spare. If you’re looking to program a new or used key fob for your 2009 Subaru Forester, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through the DIY programming process, troubleshoot common problems, and help you get back on the road with a fully functional key fob.
Understanding the 2009 Subaru Forester Key Fob
The 2009 Subaru Forester typically uses a teardrop-shaped key fob with four buttons: lock, unlock, trunk/liftgate, and a red panic button. These fobs are marked with specific identifiers to ensure compatibility. Key details to look for on your original or replacement fob include:
- Shape: Teardrop, four-button design.
- Buttons: Lock, Unlock, Trunk/Liftgate, Panic.
- FCC ID: NHVWB1U711 (located on the back of the fob).
- IC: 3495A-WB1U71 (located on the back of the fob).
- Made in Japan: Indicates OEM quality.
Using a compatible key fob is crucial for successful programming. Ensure your replacement fob matches these specifications to avoid compatibility issues.
DIY Key Fob Programming for Your 2009 Subaru Forester
Programming a key fob for your 2009 Subaru Forester can often be done at home without a trip to the dealership. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the standard procedure:
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Get in the Vehicle: Sit in the driver’s seat and ensure all doors are closed and unlocked.
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Door Cycling – Step 1: Open and close the driver’s side door.
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Ignition Cycling: Turn the ignition key from the “OFF” position to the “ON” position and back to “OFF” rapidly 10 times within 15 seconds. You should hear an interior chime and see the dome lights start flashing, indicating you’ve entered programming mode.
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Door Cycling – Step 2: Open and close the driver’s door again. You should hear an exterior chime, confirming the next stage.
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Enter the Fob Code: Locate the 8-digit PIN code inside your key fob. Using the unlock button to represent “1” and the lock button to represent “0” (Morse code style), enter the 8-digit code. For each digit:
- For “1” (or a dash in Morse code), press the unlock button once.
- For “0” (or a dot in Morse code), press the lock button once.
- After each digit entry, the car’s exterior speaker should beep, acknowledging the input.
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Confirmation: After entering all 8 digits and pressing the unlock button after the last digit, the door locks should cycle (lock then unlock) to indicate successful code entry.
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Repeat for Additional Fobs: If you have multiple fobs to program, repeat steps 4-6 for each additional fob immediately after the locks cycle.
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Exit Programming Mode: After programming all desired fobs, turn the ignition to the “ON” position to exit programming mode. Test each fob to ensure it’s working correctly.
Important Notes:
- Timing is Key: Perform the ignition cycling and door cycling steps relatively quickly for the system to enter programming mode.
- Listen for Chimes and Beeps: Pay attention to the interior and exterior chimes and beeps, as they provide confirmation at each stage of the process.
- Used Fobs: While used OEM fobs can sometimes be reprogrammed, success isn’t guaranteed. Ensure the used fob is the correct model and FCC ID.
- Code Accuracy: Double-check the 8-digit code inside your fob and ensure you are entering it correctly using the unlock/lock button method.
Troubleshooting Common Key Fob Programming Issues
If you’re encountering problems programming your 2009 Subaru Forester key fob, consider these troubleshooting steps:
- Verify Programming Mode Entry: If you don’t see the dome lights flashing after the ignition cycling step, you haven’t successfully entered programming mode. Retry steps 1-3, focusing on speed and accuracy.
- Lock Cycling Failure: If the door locks don’t cycle after entering the 8-digit code, it could indicate:
- Incorrect Code: Double-check the 8-digit code and your Morse code entry.
- Fob Incompatibility: The replacement fob might not be compatible, even if it looks similar. Verify FCC ID and IC numbers.
- Faulty Fob: The used fob might be defective. Try a different fob if possible.
- System Glitch: In rare cases, the car’s keyless entry system might have a temporary glitch. Try disconnecting the car battery for a few minutes, reconnecting it, and then retrying the programming process.
- New Fob Still Not Working: Even if the locks cycle, the fob might still not work if:
- Battery Issues: Although you tested the batteries, double-check they are correctly installed and have sufficient voltage.
- Internal Fob Damage: Used fobs can have unseen internal damage.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried the DIY programming steps and troubleshooting and are still unable to program your 2009 Subaru Forester key fob, it might be time to seek professional help. Consider contacting:
- Subaru Dealership: Dealerships have specialized tools and technicians who can diagnose and program key fobs. However, this is usually the most expensive option.
- Automotive Locksmith: Many automotive locksmiths have the equipment to program key fobs for various makes and models, often at a lower cost than dealerships.
- Qualified Mechanic: Some mechanics specializing in automotive electronics may also be able to assist with key fob programming.
Before seeking professional help:
- Check Door Lock Functionality: Ensure your car’s power door lock system is working correctly with the door switch. A problem with the car’s locking system itself could prevent fob programming.
- Inspect Physical Key Entry: As the original poster mentioned a jammed door lock cylinder, try to address any issues with the physical key entry. While not directly related to fob programming, it’s good to have a working physical key access as a backup.
Conclusion
Replacing and programming a key fob for your 2009 Subaru Forester can often be done at home with a bit of patience and attention to detail. By following the DIY steps and troubleshooting common issues, you can potentially save time and money. However, if you encounter persistent problems, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance to ensure your keyless entry system is functioning correctly and you have reliable access to your vehicle. Having a working key fob adds convenience and security to your Subaru Forester ownership experience.
