Is your Subaru key fob acting up? Whether it’s stopped communicating with your vehicle, or you’ve just replaced the battery, you might be wondering if you can reset it yourself. For many Subaru owners, especially those with older models, the answer is yes! While newer Subaru vehicles often require a trip to the dealership for key fob programming, if you have a slightly older Subaru with a teardrop-shaped key fob, you might be able to program it right in your driveway.
This comprehensive guide from our experts at keyfobprog.com will walk you through the steps on how to program your Subaru key fob. We’ll also cover how to replace the battery in newer, rectangular style key fobs, ensuring you stay in control of your Subaru’s access and security.
Identifying Your Subaru Key Fob Type for Programming
Before diving into the programming process, it’s crucial to identify the type of key fob your Subaru uses. The ability to program your key fob at home typically depends on its shape.
Generally, teardrop-shaped key fobs are associated with older Subaru models and are often programmable by the vehicle owner. If your key fob looks like this, you’re in the right place to learn how to program it yourself.
Alt text: Teardrop-shaped Subaru key fob, indicating it may be owner-programmable.
Rectangle-shaped key fobs are commonly found in newer Subaru models. Programming these fobs usually requires specialized equipment and must be done at an authorized Subaru dealership. However, we will also cover battery replacement for these newer fobs later in this guide.
Alt text: Rectangle-shaped Subaru key fob, typically requiring dealership programming but allowing DIY battery replacement.
Let’s proceed with the programming instructions for teardrop key fobs.
Programming Your Teardrop Subaru Key Fob: Step-by-Step Instructions
If you’ve confirmed you have a teardrop key fob, follow these steps carefully to program it to your Subaru. This process involves locating your key fob’s unique 8-digit code and then entering it into your vehicle’s computer system.
Step 1: Locate Your 8-Digit Subaru Key Fob Programming Code
The first step is to find the 8-digit code located inside your key fob. Here’s how:
- Open the Key Fob Case: Carefully open the case of your teardrop key fob. You may need a small flathead screwdriver or a coin to gently pry it open.
- Identify the Transmitter Circuit Board: Once open, you’ll see the transmitter circuit board inside.
- Find the 8-Digit Number Series: Look for one or two series of 8-digit numbers printed on the transmitter.
- Record the First 8-Digit Number: Jot down the first 8-digit number series on a piece of paper or your phone. This is your programming code.
- Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully put the key fob case back together.
- Get into Your Subaru: Sit in the driver’s seat of your Subaru with all doors closed and the vehicle turned off.
Step 2: Program Your Subaru Key Fob and Enter Your Code
Now that you have your 8-digit code, you’re ready to program your key fob. Perform these steps quickly and accurately:
- Open and Unlock Driver’s Side Door: Open the driver’s side door and use the door button control to unlock all doors. Then, close the driver’s side door.
- Insert Key into Ignition: Put your Subaru key into the ignition.
- Turn Key to “ON” and “OFF” Repeatedly: Turn the key to the “ON” position (where the electrical systems are powered but the engine is not started), and then quickly turn it back to the “OFF” position. Repeat this “ON-OFF” sequence ten times in a row. Speed is important here, but ensure you are fully turning the key to each position.
- Listen for the Chime: After the tenth key turn, the instrument panel should emit a chime.
- Open and Close Driver’s Door Again: Open and then close the driver’s side door once more. You should hear a second chime, and the vehicle’s dome lights will flash. This indicates you’ve entered programming mode.
- Enter the 8-Digit Code Using Door Lock/Unlock Buttons (within 45 seconds): You now have 45 seconds to enter your 8-digit code using the lock/unlock buttons on the driver’s side door.
Entering the 8-Digit Code:
- Locate Lock/Unlock Buttons: Find the lock and unlock buttons on your driver’s side door panel (usually next to the window controls).
- Enter Each Digit: For each digit in your 8-digit code:
- Press the “Lock” button the number of times corresponding to the digit. For example, if the first digit is ‘3’, press the “Lock” button three times.
- Immediately after pressing the “Lock” button(s), press the “Unlock” button once. This confirms the digit entry and moves to the next digit.
- Repeat for All Digits: Repeat step 2 for each of the eight digits in your code.
- Confirmation Chime: After entering all eight digits, you should hear a chime from outside the vehicle, confirming successful code entry.
- Verify Code Entry: Repeat steps 2 and 3 to enter the 8-digit code a second time for verification. If successful, you will hear the vehicle’s locking system click, engaging the locks.
- Test the Key Fob:
- Open and close the driver’s door.
- Press the “Lock” or “Unlock” button on your key fob.
- Remove the key from the ignition. A chime should sound again.
- Open and close the door one last time.
- Wait approximately five seconds, and then test all the buttons on your key fob to ensure they are working correctly.
If you’ve followed these steps carefully, your Subaru teardrop key fob should now be successfully programmed!
Subaru Key Fob Battery Replacement: Newer Rectangle Models
For drivers of newer Subaru models with rectangle-shaped key fobs, programming at home is typically not possible. However, you can still easily replace the battery when it runs low. Here’s how to replace the battery in a newer Subaru key fob (rectangle shape), which generally uses a CR2032 battery:
Step-by-Step Battery Replacement Guide
- Remove the Metal Key: On the back of your rectangle key fob, locate a small silver tab or button. Push this tab to release and pop out the metal emergency key.
- Open the Key Fob Casing: Where the metal key was removed, you’ll see a small gap between the front and back halves of the key fob casing. Insert the tip of the metal key or a small flathead screwdriver into this gap.
- Gently Twist to Separate: Carefully twist the key or screwdriver to gently pry open the key fob cover. The casing should separate into two halves.
- Locate the Battery: Open the key fob completely. The battery, typically a CR2032, will be visible on one side of the transmitter circuit board.
- Remove the Old Battery: Gently remove the old battery. Note the orientation of the battery (which side is facing up) before removing it.
- Install the New Battery: Place the new CR2032 battery into the battery compartment, ensuring the correct side is facing up (usually the positive (+) side facing upwards).
- Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together until they are securely closed.
- Re-insert Metal Key: Slide the metal emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into place.
Your Subaru key fob battery is now replaced! Test the buttons to ensure it’s working as expected.
Need Further Assistance? Contact Our Parts Department
If you have any questions about programming your Subaru key fob, or if you drive a newer model and require programming assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our Subaru parts department. Our knowledgeable team can provide further guidance and answer any questions you may have regarding Subaru key fobs, battery replacements, and more.
We also stock a wide range of genuine OEM Subaru parts and accessories. Feel free to reach out to us online or visit our parts specials page for potential savings on your Subaru parts needs.
