Experiencing issues with your 2007 Subaru Forester Key Fob can be frustrating. Many owners rely heavily on the convenience of keyless entry, and when it stops working, it can disrupt your daily routine. One Subaru Forester owner encountered a perplexing problem with their key fob and keyless entry system after disconnecting the battery for some maintenance. Initially, troubleshooting proved difficult, highlighting a common challenge in DIY car repairs: ensuring you have the correct information for your specific model year.
The owner began by consulting a digital repair manual covering Subaru Foresters from 2003 to 2010. Believing this manual would provide the necessary guidance, they focused on the keyless entry module, located behind the glovebox. The manual detailed specific voltage tests and conditions at the module’s connector, which was illustrated as having 16 pins. However, upon inspection of their 2007 Forester, the owner discovered a connector with 24 pins. Attempts to apply the manual’s instructions, based on wire color, proved unsuccessful due to this discrepancy.
This pin mismatch led to a crucial realization: Subaru likely made changes to the keyless entry system between the 2003-2006 and 2007-2010 Forester models. A targeted search for a 2007 Subaru Forester keyless entry module online confirmed this suspicion. Images of 2007 modules clearly showed 24 pins, contrasting with the 16-pin modules pictured for earlier years. Fortunately, the vendor who sold the initial manual was helpful and provided a manual specifically for the 2007 model year.
Armed with the correct wiring diagram and pinout information, the owner could accurately diagnose the issue. It was determined that the keyless entry module itself was faulty. A replacement module was sourced from eBay. Upon installing the used module, there was immediate positive feedback. Locking the doors with the interior lock button resulted in the characteristic single chirp and turn signal light flash, indicating the system was functioning again. Finally, following the programming instructions in the owner’s manual, the key fob was successfully reprogrammed to the new module. This restored full keyless entry functionality, much to the relief of the vehicle’s primary driver.
This experience underscores the importance of using model-year-specific repair information when working on your car. While general manuals can be a starting point, subtle but significant changes between model years, like the keyless entry module connector in this case, can lead to misdiagnosis and wasted time. For anyone troubleshooting a 2007 Subaru Forester key fob or keyless entry system, ensuring you are referencing the correct documentation for the 2007 model year is the first and most critical step. This story also serves as a helpful reminder to share solutions when you find them; detailed accounts like this can save others significant frustration and effort in resolving similar automotive issues.
