Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your 2008 Subaru Impreza? You’re in the right place. Programming your key fob yourself can save you time and money compared to dealership services. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can get back to conveniently locking and unlocking your Subaru.
Understanding Your 2008 Subaru Impreza Key Fob System
The 2008 Subaru Impreza uses a keyless entry system that relies on radio signals transmitted from your key fob to your vehicle. Each key fob has a unique transmitter code. To enable your car to respond to a specific key fob, this code needs to be registered or “programmed” into your car’s system. The Subaru Impreza keyless entry system can store up to four different transmitter codes, allowing multiple key fobs to operate the vehicle. Whether you’re adding a new key fob or replacing a lost one, programming is a necessary step.
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your 2008 Subaru Impreza Key Fob
Before you begin, it’s crucial to read through all the instructions to understand the sequence of actions required. This programming process needs to be performed relatively quickly, so familiarity with the steps is key to success.
Preparation Before You Begin
- Gather your materials: You will need your 2008 Subaru Impreza, the key you normally use to start the car, and the new key fob you wish to program.
- Locate your transmitter code: Your new key fob should have come with a tag or label indicating an eight-digit transmitter code. This code might be on a sticker in the key fob packaging or inside the remote itself. If you need to access the code inside the remote, carefully open the key fob to find the eight-digit number on the circuit board. Make a note of this number as you’ll need it during the programming sequence.
Programming Instructions
Follow these steps precisely and within the specified timeframes:
- Get in the driver’s seat: Ensure all doors are closed, including the rear gate or trunk.
- Open and close the driver’s door: Open and close the driver’s door one time.
- Repeat door action: Within 45 seconds of the previous step, open and close the driver’s door again.
- Ignition sequence: Within 45 seconds of step 3, insert your key into the ignition and turn it from the LOCK position to the ON position 10 times within 15 seconds. Leave the key in the ON position after the 10th turn.
- Confirmation signal: If you’ve successfully entered programming mode, you will hear an electronic tone sound once, followed by a continuous buzzing sound, and the interior lights will begin to flash. This indicates the system is ready to learn new transmitter codes.
- If you do not hear the tone and buzzer, and the interior light does not flash, you have not successfully entered programming mode. You will need to start the procedure again from step 1. Ensure you are completing each step within the given time limits.
- Door action for code entry: Within 45 seconds of the confirmation signal (tone, buzzer, flashing lights), open and close the driver’s door one time within 15 seconds. You should hear another electronic tone for 30 seconds.
- If you do not hear this tone, you have not performed this step correctly. You will need to repeat the registration steps again starting from step 3.
- Enter the first digit: While the 30-second electronic tone is sounding, use the power door lock button on the driver’s side door panel to enter the first digit of your 8-digit transmitter code. Press the LOCK button the same number of times as the first digit. For example, if the first digit is ‘8’, press the LOCK button 8 times. If it’s ‘3’, press it 3 times, and so on.
- Unlock confirmation: Within five seconds after entering the digit by pressing the LOCK button, push the power door lock button to the UNLOCK side once.
- Repeat for remaining digits: Repeat steps 7 and 8 for each of the remaining seven digits of your transmitter code, in order. Remember to push the button to the UNLOCK side once after entering each digit by pressing the LOCK button.
- Final code re-entry: After entering all eight digits once, immediately repeat steps 7, 8, and 9 to enter the entire 8-digit code a second time.
- Programming completion confirmation: After you have entered the eighth digit for the second time, you should hear another electronic tone for 30 seconds. This tone confirms that the key fob programming is complete.
- If you do not hear this tone, the programming has not been successful. You will need to start the procedure again from step 3. Common errors include entering the code incorrectly the second time, or exceeding the time limit between button presses.
- Exit programming mode: Remove the key from the ignition switch.
- Test your key fob: Test all the buttons on your newly programmed key fob to ensure they are working correctly – lock, unlock, panic button, and any other functions your fob may have.
Deleting Old Transmitter Codes
It’s a good security practice to delete old transmitter codes, especially if a key fob has been lost or stolen. The 2008 Subaru Impreza keyless entry system can only store four transmitter codes at a time. To delete old codes, you simply need to program four new codes. This overwrites any previously stored codes.
If you only have one or two new key fobs, you can program them multiple times until you have programmed a total of four codes. For example:
- One new key fob: Program it four times.
- Two new key fobs: Program each one twice.
- Three new key fobs: Program two of them once, and the third one twice.
This process ensures that only the key fobs you currently possess are programmed to your vehicle.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Timing is crucial: The most common issue during programming is timing. Ensure you are performing each step within the specified time limits (45 seconds, 15 seconds, 5 seconds). If you exceed these limits, the system will likely time out, and you’ll need to start again.
- Code accuracy: Double-check that you are entering the correct 8-digit transmitter code. Mistakes in code entry will prevent successful programming.
- Door closure: Make sure all doors, including the trunk or rear gate, are fully closed throughout the programming process.
- Battery condition: Ensure the battery in your new key fob is new and has sufficient charge. A low battery can sometimes cause programming issues.
- Avoid interference: Ensure no one else is operating another keyless entry remote near your vehicle while you are programming. This can cause interference and potentially program their remote into your system.
If you encounter difficulties or prefer professional assistance, you can always search for a local key fob programming service. However, by carefully following these steps, you should be able to successfully program your 2008 Subaru Impreza Key Fob yourself.
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