Are you looking to program a new key fob for your 2011 Subaru? Perhaps you’ve lost your old one or simply need a spare. While newer Subaru models often require a trip to the dealership for key fob programming, owners of a 2011 Subaru may be able to tackle this task themselves at home. As your trusted resource at keyfobprog.com, we’re here to guide you through the process. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to program your 2011 Subaru key fob, ensuring you get back on the road quickly and conveniently.
Understanding Your 2011 Subaru Key Fob
Before diving into the programming steps, it’s important to understand the type of key fob your 2011 Subaru uses. For models around this year, Subaru often utilized a teardrop-shaped key fob that can typically be programmed by the vehicle owner without specialized tools or dealership intervention.
Alt text: A close-up view of a teardrop-shaped Subaru key fob, commonly used for 2011 models, highlighting its shape and button layout.
If your key fob resembles this teardrop design, you’re in luck! You can likely program it yourself following the instructions below. However, if you have a different style of key fob, or if these steps don’t work for your vehicle, it’s always best to consult your local Subaru dealership or a certified automotive locksmith for assistance.
Step 1: Locate Your 8-Digit Programming Code
The first crucial step in programming your 2011 Subaru key fob is to find its unique 8-digit programming code. This code is located inside the key fob itself. Here’s how to find it:
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Open the Key Fob Case: Carefully open the key fob case. You’ll typically need a small Phillips head screwdriver or a thin, flat tool to gently pry the case open. Be cautious not to damage the plastic casing.
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Access the Transmitter Circuit Board: Once open, you’ll see the transmitter circuit board inside.
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Identify the 8-Digit Code: Look for one or two sets of 8-digit numbers printed directly on the transmitter circuit board. These numbers are usually located on a sticker or directly printed onto the board.
Alt text: Image of a Subaru key fob circuit board, indicating the typical location of the 8-digit programming code essential for key fob synchronization.
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Record the Code: Write down the first 8-digit number series on a piece of paper. Keep this code handy as you’ll need it for the programming sequence.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully put the key fob case back together, ensuring it’s securely closed.
Step 2: Programming Your 2011 Subaru Key Fob
Now that you have your 8-digit code, you’re ready to program your 2011 Subaru key fob. Follow these steps precisely and quickly for successful programming:
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Get in the Driver’s Seat: Sit in the driver’s seat of your 2011 Subaru. Ensure all doors are closed and the vehicle is turned completely off.
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Unlock All Doors and Close Driver’s Door: Open the driver’s side door, and use the door button control to unlock all doors. Then, close the driver’s side door.
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Ignition Key Cycling (Crucial Step): Insert your key into the ignition. Quickly turn the key to the “ON” position (where the electrical systems are powered, but without starting the engine) and then immediately back to the “OFF” position. Repeat this “ON-OFF” key cycling ten times in rapid succession. Speed is important here.
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Listen for the First Chime: After the tenth key cycle, the instrument panel should emit a chime sound. This chime indicates that your Subaru has entered programming mode.
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Open and Close Driver’s Door (Second Chime): Open and close the driver’s side door again. You should hear a second chime, and the vehicle’s dome lights will likely flash briefly. This confirms you are in the key fob programming stage and have approximately 45 seconds to enter your code.
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Enter the 8-Digit Code Using Door Lock/Unlock Buttons: Locate the lock and unlock buttons on the driver’s side door panel. These are usually positioned near the power window controls.
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Digit-by-Digit Code Entry: Now, carefully enter your 8-digit code digit by digit using the lock and unlock buttons. For each digit in your code:
- Press the “LOCK” button the number of times corresponding to the digit. For example, for the digit ‘3’, press the “LOCK” button three times.
- Immediately after pressing the “LOCK” button(s), press the “UNLOCK” button once. This action confirms the digit you just entered and moves to the next digit in the sequence.
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Repeat for All Digits: Repeat step 7 for each of the eight digits in your code sequence.
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Confirmation Chime (External): After entering all eight digits, you should hear a chime sound coming from outside the vehicle. This chime is a confirmation that the code sequence has been correctly entered.
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Code Verification (Repeat Code Entry): To ensure the code was properly entered, repeat steps 7 and 8 one more time, entering the entire 8-digit code sequence again using the lock/unlock buttons.
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Locking System Engagement Confirmation: If the second code entry is also successful, you will hear the vehicle’s locking system click or engage. This is another confirmation of successful programming.
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Final Steps & Key Fob Test:
- Open and close the driver’s door.
- Press the “LOCK” or “UNLOCK” button on your newly programmed key fob.
- Remove the key from the ignition. You should hear a final chime.
- Open and close the driver’s door one last time.
- Wait approximately five seconds.
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Test Your Key Fob: Now, test all the buttons on your new key fob – lock, unlock, panic button, and any other functions your fob may have. Your 2011 Subaru key fob should now be successfully programmed and working!
2011 Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement: A Quick Guide
While programming is essential for new key fobs, sometimes a non-functioning key fob simply needs a new battery. If your 2011 Subaru key fob is unresponsive or has weak range, battery replacement is a likely solution.
For the teardrop-shaped key fob common in 2011 Subaru models, you’ll typically need a CR2032 battery. Here’s a quick guide to battery replacement:
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Remove the Metal Key: On the back of the key fob, locate the small release tab (often silver). Push this tab to release and remove the metal emergency key.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Insert the tip of the metal key or a small flathead screwdriver into the slot where the metal key was removed. Gently twist or pry to separate the front and back halves of the key fob casing.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Identify the battery inside. Note its orientation (+ side up). Carefully remove the old battery and insert the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the correct orientation.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together until they click securely. Re-insert the metal emergency key.
Alt text: Step-by-step visual guide illustrating how to open a Subaru key fob and replace the CR2032 battery, essential for maintaining key fob functionality.
After battery replacement, your 2011 Subaru key fob should regain its normal operating functionality.
Need Further Assistance?
Programming your 2011 Subaru key fob at home can be a convenient way to save time and money. However, if you encounter any difficulties during the process, or if you prefer professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact a certified automotive locksmith or your local Subaru dealership.
At keyfobprog.com, we are dedicated to providing you with the information and resources you need for your key fob needs. For further questions or assistance with your 2011 Subaru or any other vehicle, explore our website or reach out to a qualified professional today!
