Subaru key fobs come with features designed to enhance security and conserve battery life, but understanding how to use them isn’t always straightforward. Two such features are “Power Saving” mode and “Disable Access” mode. While they sound like they might completely turn off your key fob, their functions are more nuanced. This guide will clarify what these modes actually do and how to activate and deactivate them on your Subaru.
Power Saving Mode: Minimizing Battery Drain
The primary purpose of the “Power Saving” function is to minimize your key fob’s battery consumption by stopping it from constantly receiving signals. This is particularly useful if you’re not planning to use your car for an extended period, or if you’re concerned about accidental button presses draining the battery.
How to Activate Power Saving Mode:
- Press and hold the “Lock” button.
- While holding the “Lock” button, press the “Unlock” button twice.
- You’ll see the key fob blink four times to confirm it has entered power saving mode. You may also hear a chirp from your Subaru when you initially hold down the lock button, which is normal.
How to Deactivate Power Saving Mode:
Deactivating power saving mode is incredibly simple: press any button on your Subaru key fob. This immediately brings the fob back to its normal operating state, ready to lock, unlock, or access other keyless features.
Real-World Applications of Power Saving Mode:
While the manual suggests power saving mode for minimizing battery drain, its practical applications might seem limited. Some Subaru owners use it as a precaution during activities like camping, believing it adds an extra layer of security against accidental battery depletion. However, since any button press deactivates it, its effectiveness relies on remembering not to inadvertently press a button.
Important Note: If you activate power saving mode and then attempt to open your car door using the emergency key (the physical key inside your fob), the car alarm will sound. This might seem illogical at first, but it’s designed this way because there’s no need to use the emergency key when you have the fob – simply pressing a button on the fob deactivates power saving.
Disable Access Mode: Limiting Keyless Functionality
The “Disable Access” mode is a different feature with a less obvious purpose. According to the Subaru manual, it’s intended for situations where “the vehicle is not going to be used for a long time or when you choose not to use the keyless access function.” However, its functionality might not be what you expect.
How to Activate Disable Access Mode:
- Open the driver’s side door.
- Rotate the lock lever on the driver’s door forward (to the lock position), while leaving the door open.
- Press and hold the “Unlock” button and the “Hatch” (or trunk) button simultaneously for 5 seconds.
- The car will emit a long chirp to confirm that disable access mode is activated.
Verifying Disable Access Mode:
To confirm you’ve successfully enabled disable access mode, get inside your Subaru and try to start the engine. You should see a message on the dashboard display, typically near the steering wheel, that reads “Key Disabled.” This message confirms that the key fob is now in disable access mode and cannot be used to start the engine in the standard keyless manner.
How to Deactivate Disable Access Mode:
To return your key fob to normal operation, you need to repeat the activation steps, with a slight change in the button combination:
- Open the driver’s side door.
- Rotate the lock lever forward (to the lock position), leaving the door open.
- Press and hold the “Lock” button and the “Hatch” button simultaneously for 5 seconds.
- The car will make a short chirp to indicate that disable access mode has been deactivated and the fob is back to normal.
The Confusing Reality of “Disable Access” Mode:
Despite being called “Disable Access” mode, this function doesn’t entirely disable keyless access. You can still lock and unlock the doors using the buttons on the key fob even when in this mode. Furthermore, you can still start the engine by holding the key fob directly against the engine start button.
So, what is the point of Disable Access Mode?
The most practical reason for using disable access mode is if you want to leave your key fob inside your Subaru and lock the car. Normally, Subaru vehicles prevent you from locking the doors if the key fob is detected inside. However, when in disable access mode, this restriction is lifted. You can then manually lock the doors using the physical lock button on the rear hatch, for example.
This scenario is useful for activities where you don’t want to carry your keys, such as kayaking, hiking, or going to the beach. To regain access to your car, you would need to use Subaru’s Pin Code Access feature to unlock the door without the fob.
In Conclusion:
Both Power Saving and Disable Access modes on your Subaru key fob offer specific functionalities, though they might not be immediately intuitive. Power saving mode is for battery conservation, while disable access mode is primarily useful for locking your keys inside the car in specific situations, especially when combined with Pin Code Access. Understanding these nuances allows you to utilize your Subaru key fob’s features more effectively.
