Experiencing issues programming a new key fob for your 2012 Subaru Forester? You’re not alone. Many Subaru owners seek to add or replace key fobs themselves to avoid dealership costs. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to programming your 2012 Subaru Forester Key Fob and troubleshooting common problems you might encounter.
Understanding the Key Fob Programming Process
Programming a Subaru Forester key fob typically involves a sequence of actions performed inside your vehicle to enter programming mode and then input the new key fob’s code. This process leverages your car’s onboard computer system to recognize and authorize the new remote.
The standard DIY programming method often involves these steps:
- Preparation: Ensure all doors are closed and unlocked. Sit in the driver’s seat.
- Initiate Programming Mode: Open and close the driver’s door, then cycle the ignition key between ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ multiple times (typically 10 times) within a short period. You should hear a chime and see the dome lights flashing, indicating programming mode is active.
- Confirmation: Open and close the driver’s door again. An additional chime, sometimes from the exterior, confirms readiness for code entry.
- Code Entry: This is where you’ll need the 8-digit code found inside your key fob. Using a specific action (often the unlock button), you’ll enter this code in a Morse code-like fashion. Each digit is represented by a number of button presses.
- Confirmation of Success: After entering the complete 8-digit code, the car locks should cycle (lock then unlock) to signal successful programming.
Troubleshooting Common Key Fob Programming Issues
Many Subaru Forester owners, like yourself, might face challenges during this process. Here are common issues and potential solutions:
- Entering Programming Mode: If you don’t hear the chime or see the dome lights flashing after cycling the ignition, retry the sequence, ensuring doors are fully closed and the ignition is cycled quickly and completely between ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’.
- Code Entry Difficulties: The Morse code-style entry can be tricky. Ensure you are using the correct button (usually ‘unlock’) and accurately representing each digit of your 8-digit code with the correct number of presses. The exterior speaker beep with each press confirms number entry.
- Used Key Fobs: Used key fobs from eBay or other sources might be problematic. While they can sometimes be reprogrammed, there’s no guarantee. They might be incompatible, faulty, or previously programmed to another vehicle in a way that prevents reprogramming. It’s often recommended to use new, unprogrammed OEM or compatible aftermarket key fobs for best results.
- Door Lock Jam: A jammed physical door lock, as you described, shouldn’t directly prevent key fob programming. However, it highlights a potential issue with the car’s locking mechanisms in general. While the keyless entry system might be functional, ensure all door lock actuators are working correctly.
- Code Acceptance: The system should accept the 8-digit code from a compatible key fob. While theoretically, any 8-digit code could be entered, the system is designed to recognize valid codes associated with Subaru key fobs. Entering arbitrary codes like “12345678” is unlikely to work.
Verifying System Functionality
Before assuming the issue is solely with the key fob programming, verify these points:
- Existing Key Fob Function: Confirm that your original key fob is working correctly. This isolates the problem to the new fob or the programming process itself.
- Door Lock System: Double-check that all doors, windows, and moonroof are fully closed. Ensure the power door lock switch inside the car is functioning correctly.
- Battery Condition: While you’ve tested the batteries, ensure they are fresh and correctly installed in the new key fobs.
- Beep Confirmation: As you noted, the exterior speaker beeps confirm button presses during code entry. Listen carefully for these beeps to ensure the system is registering your inputs.
Seeking Professional Assistance
If you’ve meticulously followed the programming steps and troubleshooting tips but still cannot program your 2012 Subaru Forester key fob, it might be time to seek professional help.
- Dealership: Subaru dealerships have specialized tools and expertise to program key fobs. While it’s more expensive, they can diagnose any underlying issues with your car’s keyless entry system and ensure proper programming.
- Automotive Locksmiths: Many automotive locksmiths are equipped to program car key fobs, often at a lower cost than dealerships. Look for locksmiths specializing in transponder keys and keyless entry systems.
While DIY key fob programming is often achievable, complex issues or faulty components might require professional intervention. By systematically troubleshooting and understanding the process, you can increase your chances of successfully programming your 2012 Subaru Forester key fob or identify when expert help is needed.
