Is your 2007 Subaru Key Fob giving you trouble? You’re not alone. Many Subaru owners experience issues with their key fobs, but the good news is that often the fix is simpler and cheaper than you might think. Before rushing to the dealership and spending hundreds on a replacement and reprogramming, let’s explore some common problems and DIY solutions for your 2007 Subaru key fob.
Common Issues with 2007 Subaru Key Fobs
Key fobs, while convenient, are susceptible to a few common problems, especially as they age. For a 2007 Subaru, which is now over a decade old, these issues become even more relevant.
Dead Battery: The Misconception of Reprogramming
The most common misconception is that a dead battery necessitates reprogramming your key fob at the dealership. Luckily, this is generally not the case. Simply replacing the battery in your 2007 Subaru key fob will usually restore its functionality without any need for reprogramming. This is the first and easiest thing to check and often resolves the issue immediately.
Physical Damage and Corrosion: The Silent Killers
While less obvious than a dead battery, physical damage, particularly from moisture, can severely impact your key fob’s performance. Accidental drops into water, spills, or even just exposure to humidity over time can lead to corrosion. This corrosion often affects the internal components, especially the delicate circuit board and button pads.
One area particularly vulnerable to corrosion is under the rubber buttons. These buttons use conductive material to complete a circuit when pressed, and moisture can interfere with this process or corrode the contacts.
Troubleshooting Your 2007 Subaru Key Fob
Before assuming the worst, a little DIY troubleshooting can save you time and money. Here’s how to approach diagnosing your 2007 Subaru key fob issues:
Battery Check: The First Step
As mentioned, start with the simplest solution: the battery. Open your 2007 Subaru key fob – typically, this involves separating two plastic halves. Once open, locate the battery and replace it with a new one of the correct type. Ensure the polarity is correct when installing the new battery. After replacement, test the key fob to see if it resolves the problem.
Visual Inspection: Looking for Clues
If a new battery doesn’t fix the issue, a visual inspection is the next step. Carefully disassemble the key fob into its components: usually, this includes the plastic casing, the rubber button pad, and the circuit board.
Examine each piece for signs of:
- Moisture: Look for water droplets or dampness.
- Corrosion: Check for white or greenish deposits, especially around battery contacts and under the rubber buttons on the circuit board.
If you find moisture or corrosion, gently clean the affected areas with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol. Ensure everything is completely dry before reassembling.
Button Pad Test: Is it the Buttons?
Sometimes, the rubber button pad itself can degrade or fail. To test this, you’ll need to access the circuit board directly.
- Battery in Circuit Board: Place a new battery directly into the circuit board (without the plastic casing or button pad).
- Short Circuit Test (Circuit Completion): Use a small non-conductive tool, like a plastic screwdriver or the tip of a pen, to carefully “short” or complete the circuit at the button contacts on the circuit board. Essentially, you are mimicking the action of the rubber button pad.
- Observe Functionality: If the key fob functions correctly when you do this (e.g., the car locks/unlocks), but not with the button pad, then the button pad is likely the culprit. In some cases, replacement rubber button pads can be found online.
When You Might Need a New Key Fob and Consider Reprogramming
While many issues are repairable, sometimes a replacement 2007 Subaru key fob is necessary. This might be due to irreparable damage to the circuit board or if the key fob is lost.
Buying Online or Used Remotes: Reprogramming Considerations
Purchasing a new or used 2007 Subaru key fob online can be a more cost-effective option than going directly to the dealer. However, you need to consider reprogramming.
- Used Remotes: Used remotes can sometimes be reprogrammed, but it’s not always guaranteed and depends on the specific model and Subaru’s programming system for that year.
- New Aftermarket Remotes: Many online retailers sell new aftermarket key fobs specifically for the 2007 Subaru. These often come with instructions or require professional programming.
Dealer Programming and Costs: Ask the Right Questions
If you opt for a new key fob from the dealership or need programming, be sure to inquire about labor costs. Dealers often charge a fixed labor hour for programming, even if it takes significantly less time.
- Labor Costs: Ask about the labor charge upfront. An hour is typical, but programming itself often takes only minutes. A fair price might be for half an hour of labor.
- Providing Your Own Remote: Inquire if the labor cost changes if you provide your own key fob (e.g., one you bought online). Some dealers may be flexible, while others may prefer to use parts they supply.
Also, check your 2007 Subaru owner’s manual or online resources to see if there are any DIY key fob programming procedures for your specific model. Some older Subaru models may have self-programming sequences involving ignition turning and door locking/unlocking, though these are less common for security reasons.
Conclusion: Troubleshooting First for Your 2007 Subaru Key Fob
Before assuming your 2007 Subaru key fob needs expensive dealer reprogramming or replacement, take the time to troubleshoot common issues. Start with the battery, inspect for physical damage and corrosion, and test the button pad. Often, a simple fix is all that’s needed to get your key fob working again, saving you both time and money. If a replacement is necessary, explore online options and always ask about labor costs at the dealership to make informed decisions.
