Experiencing issues with your Subaru key fob can be frustrating, especially when you see the red light flashing, indicating it’s transmitting, but your car isn’t responding. This problem, where your Subaru ignores commands from your key fob despite the red light illuminating, is a common concern for many owners. Let’s delve into the potential causes and troubleshooting steps to get your key fob working again.
One Subaru owner recently shared their experience at an online forum, detailing a frustrating situation with their Forester’s keyless access system. They described how their key fob would intermittently fail to lock or unlock the car, even though the small red LED on the fob was clearly flashing when buttons were pressed. This scenario highlights a key point: the red light on your Subaru key fob simply means the fob is attempting to send a signal, not necessarily that the car is receiving or acting upon it.
The owner in question took their vehicle to the dealership, but unfortunately, the technicians were unable to replicate the issue consistently. While the problem briefly occurred for the technician initially, it then seemingly resolved itself, leading the dealership to return the car with “no fault found”. However, the problem quickly resurfaced for the owner, exhibiting a peculiar behavior: the key fob buttons were unresponsive unless held very close to the car door. Only when within a few feet of the door handle would the keyless access system detect the fob’s presence, activate the welcome lighting, and then, and only then, would the key fob buttons become functional.
This detailed account helps us understand the nuances of a “red light flashing but not working” key fob issue. It’s not just about a dead battery; it can involve more complex interactions between the key fob, the car’s receiver, and the keyless entry system.
Several factors can contribute to a Subaru Key Fob Red Light flashing without car response:
- Weak Key Fob Battery: The most common culprit. Even if the red light is visible, a low battery can weaken the signal strength, making it insufficient for the car to reliably receive commands from a distance.
- Key Fob Malfunction: Internal issues within the key fob itself, beyond battery problems, can occur. This could involve faulty buttons, antenna problems within the fob, or electronic component failures.
- Car’s Receiver Issues: The antenna or receiver module in your Subaru responsible for picking up the key fob signal might be malfunctioning. This could be due to wiring problems, module failure, or interference.
- Radio Frequency Interference (RFI): Strong radio waves from external sources can sometimes interfere with the key fob signal, especially in environments with significant electronic noise.
- Software or Electronic Glitches: Like any electronic system, car keyless entry systems can experience temporary software glitches or electronic hiccups that disrupt normal operation.
If you’re facing this frustrating situation with your Subaru key fob, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:
- Replace the Key Fob Battery: This is the simplest and often most effective first step. Use a new, high-quality battery of the correct type for your key fob.
- Try Your Spare Key Fob: If you have a spare key fob, test if it works correctly. If the spare fob works flawlessly, it strongly suggests the issue lies with your primary key fob.
- Check for Obstructions and Interference: Ensure nothing is blocking the signal path between your key fob and car. Move away from potential sources of strong radio interference like power lines or radio towers and try again.
- Get Closer to the Car: As demonstrated in the example, try operating the key fob from a very close range to the car door. If it works at close range but not from a distance, it could indicate a weak fob signal or receiver sensitivity issue.
- Consult Your Subaru Owner’s Manual: Review your owner’s manual for specific key fob troubleshooting tips or reset procedures recommended by Subaru.
- Seek Professional Diagnosis: If none of these steps resolve the issue, it’s best to take your Subaru to a qualified mechanic or Subaru dealership. They have the diagnostic tools and expertise to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem, whether it’s a faulty key fob, receiver issue, or something else within the keyless entry system.
The red light on your Subaru key fob is a helpful indicator that the fob is attempting to transmit. However, when it flashes and your car doesn’t respond, it signals a communication breakdown somewhere in the system. By systematically troubleshooting and seeking professional help when needed, you can usually identify and resolve the issue, restoring the convenience of your keyless entry system.
