Navigating the world of car key fobs can be surprisingly complex, especially when dealing with specific models and years. If you’re a 2011 Subaru Forester owner, you might be facing the challenge of programming or replacing your key fob. Online forums are buzzing with discussions about key fob compatibility, and it’s clear that simply grabbing any fob won’t do. This guide dives deep into the specifics of the 2011 Subaru Forester Key Fob, drawing insights from community discussions and expert observations to help you understand the nuances.
One of the first things you’ll discover when researching Subaru key fobs is the variation in part numbers across different model years. As noted in online threads, genuinesubaruparts indicates distinct part numbers:
- 2009 Forester: Part # 88036FG000
- 2010 & 2011 Foresters: Part # 88036SC030
- 2012 & 2013 Foresters: Part # 88036FG030
An example of a Subaru key fob back, highlighting the FCC ID and IC Number locations. Note: Image URL is a placeholder.
This difference in part numbers immediately raises a crucial question: are these key fobs truly interchangeable? The consensus leans towards no, suggesting that year-specific matching is essential for successful programming and functionality. The numbers on the key fob case alone aren’t sufficient to guarantee compatibility. To get to the bottom of this, a closer examination of the internal components becomes necessary.
To shed more light on this issue, a collaborative effort to collect data from Subaru Forester owners across the 2009-2013 model years is invaluable. By examining the details of working four-button “Made in Japan” key fobs, we can start to identify patterns and differences. If you own a Forester from these years, you can contribute to this understanding by checking the following information on your key fob:
External Case Details (Located on the back of the key fob case):
- FCC ID: This is typically found on the back of the case. For many fobs, it might be NHVWB1U711. While this ID is often consistent across models, confirming it helps in identification.
- IC Number: Also located on the back, the IC number might be 3495A-WB1U711. Similar to the FCC ID, consistency here doesn’t guarantee interchangeability, but it’s a piece of the puzzle.
A close-up view of the sticker inside a Subaru key fob, showing the first and second line alphanumeric codes. Note: Image URL is a placeholder.
- Sticker Codes (Requires opening the key fob case):
- First Line (8-digit code): Note down the first and last digits of this code. These might contain a check-digit, but collecting data across different fobs can reveal patterns.
- Second Line (Alphanumeric code): Record the entire alphanumeric code from the second line of the sticker. This could be a crucial identifier.
Internal Circuit Board Details (Requires removing the circuit board from the rubber protector):
- Circuit Board Numbers near SW1 (Lock Switch): Look for “big” numbers printed on the circuit board, usually near Switch 1 (SW1) or the Lock switch. An example observed is “09 13”. These numbers could indicate manufacturing dates or board revisions and are vital for comparison.
- Integrated Circuit (IC) Numbers: Identify the numbers on the square integrated circuit located in the center of the circuit board. This is likely the microcontroller or RF transceiver chip, and variations here could explain compatibility issues.
An image of a Subaru key fob circuit board, highlighting the location of SW1 and the central integrated circuit. Note: Image URL is a placeholder.
Important Note: When handling the circuit board, exercise caution to avoid static discharge and skin oils. Handle it by the edges to maintain its integrity.
By compiling this data from multiple 2011 Subaru Forester key fobs and comparing them with those from other years (2009-2013), we can build a clearer picture of key fob compatibility. This information will not only benefit Subaru owners trying to program or replace their fobs but also assist eBay sellers and buyers in accurately identifying and listing key fobs, preventing disappointment and ensuring successful transactions. Understanding the subtle differences within these key fobs is key to unlocking seamless functionality for your 2011 Subaru Forester.
