Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your 2003 Subaru Forester? You’re in luck! Programming your key fob at home is surprisingly straightforward and can save you a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through the steps to program your 2003 Subaru Forester key fob quickly and easily.
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your 2003 Subaru Forester Key Fob
Follow these instructions carefully to successfully program your key fob:
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Prepare Your Vehicle: Ensure all doors are unlocked and closed. Place your foot on the brake pedal and keep it there throughout the initial steps.
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Enter Programming Mode: This is the trickiest part but crucial for success. Insert your key into the ignition. Quickly cycle the key between the ‘OFF’ and ‘ON’ positions approximately ten times. The ‘ON’ position is where the dashboard lights illuminate, but do not turn the key far enough to start the engine. You need to perform this cycle relatively fast but with care to avoid accidentally starting the car.
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Confirmation Horn: If you’ve cycled the key correctly, the car horn should honk once. This honk indicates that your 2003 Subaru Forester has entered programming mode and is ready to learn the new key fob.
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Program the First Key Fob: Immediately after the horn honks, open and then close the driver’s side door. Take your key fob remote and press any button on it. The car should respond, typically with a beep or flash of the lights, confirming that the first key fob has been programmed.
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Program Additional Key Fobs (Optional): If you have more key fobs to program, you can do so now. Quickly open and close the driver’s door again. Then, take your second key fob and press any button on it. The car will again provide confirmation that the second remote has been successfully programmed. Repeat this step for any additional key fobs you need to program.
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Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all your key fobs, remove the key from the ignition. The horn should honk three times to signal that you have exited the programming mode and the process is complete.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Timing is Key: The speed of cycling the key is important. If the horn doesn’t honk after ten cycles, try again, slightly adjusting your speed. It might take a few attempts to get the timing just right.
- Door and Brake Pedal: Ensure all doors are fully closed and your foot remains on the brake pedal during the key cycling phase.
- Patience is a Virtue: Sometimes it might take more than ten on-off cycles to enter programming mode. If you are having trouble, try opening and closing the door, locking and unlocking the car manually, waiting for about 10 minutes, and then try the programming sequence again.
- Check Your Key Fob: Make sure you are using a compatible key fob for your 2003 Subaru Forester. If you need a replacement, you can find a wide selection of key fobs here.
By following these steps, you should be able to program your 2003 Subaru Forester key fob without any special tools or professional help. Enjoy the convenience of your programmed remote!
