Subaru key fobs are designed for convenience, offering features like keyless entry and push-button start. However, there might be situations where you need to disable or turn off certain functionalities of your key fob. Whether you’re looking to conserve battery life or enhance security in specific scenarios, Subaru offers a couple of modes to manage your key fob’s operation. This guide will walk you through how to effectively “turn off” aspects of your Subaru key fob using the power saving and disable access modes.
Understanding Subaru Key Fob Power Saving Mode
Subaru’s power saving mode is designed to minimize battery drain when your key fob is not in active use. By halting the fob’s signal reception, this mode prevents accidental button presses from activating car functions and extends the battery life of your key fob, particularly useful if you carry your keys in a bag or pocket where buttons could be inadvertently pressed.
How to Activate Power Saving Mode:
- Press and Hold “Lock”: Begin by pressing and holding the “Lock” button on your Subaru key fob.
- Double Press “Unlock”: While still holding the “Lock” button, press the “Unlock” button twice.
- Confirmation: The key fob will blink its indicator light four times, signaling that the power saving mode is now active. You might also hear a chirp from your Subaru as you hold the “Lock” button, which is normal.
How to Deactivate Power Saving Mode:
- Simply press any button on your Subaru key fob. This action immediately deactivates the power saving mode, restoring your key fob to its normal operational state.
Important Note on Emergency Key and Alarm:
Attempting to open your Subaru door using the emergency key while power saving mode is active will trigger the car alarm. This might seem counterintuitive at first, but it’s a security feature. Since any button press deactivates power saving, there’s no practical reason to use the mechanical emergency key when you have the fob in hand. Subaru’s design assumes you’ll deactivate power saving before needing to physically unlock the door.
Real-World Applications of Power Saving Mode:
While the manual’s explanation might seem basic, power saving mode has practical uses:
- Camping and Outdoor Activities: If you’re going camping or engaging in outdoor activities and want to minimize battery usage, power saving mode can provide extra assurance that your key fob battery won’t deplete unnecessarily.
- Preventing Accidental Activations: In situations where your key fob might be easily jostled, like in a crowded bag or during travel, power saving mode prevents accidental unlocking of your car or triggering the panic alarm.
However, remember that any button press will instantly take the fob out of power saving mode, so it requires a bit of mindfulness to keep it active.
Understanding Subaru Key Fob Disable Access Mode
Subaru’s “disable access” mode offers a different kind of deactivation, primarily focused on preventing unauthorized vehicle start-up while still allowing basic key fob functions like locking and unlocking the doors. This mode is useful in specific scenarios where you want to leave the key fob with the vehicle but limit its starting capability.
How to Activate Disable Access Mode:
- Open Driver’s Door: Ensure the driver’s side door is open.
- Rotate Lock Lever Forward: On the driver’s door, locate the lock lever and rotate it to the forward (lock) position. Keep the door open.
- Press and Hold “Unlock” and “Hatch” Buttons: Simultaneously press and hold the “Unlock” button and the “Hatch” (or trunk release) button on your key fob for approximately 5 seconds.
- Confirmation: You will hear a long chirp from your Subaru, indicating that the disable access mode is now activated.
- Verify Activation: To confirm the mode is active, get inside the car and attempt to start the engine. A message “Key disabled” should appear on the instrument panel display. You should still be able to lock and unlock the doors using the key fob buttons.
How to Deactivate Disable Access Mode:
- Open Driver’s Door: Again, start with the driver’s side door open.
- Rotate Lock Lever Forward: Rotate the lock lever on the driver’s door to the forward (lock) position. Keep the door open.
- Press and Hold “Lock” and “Hatch” Buttons: This time, simultaneously press and hold the “Lock” button and the “Hatch” button for about 5 seconds.
- Confirmation: You will hear a short chirp from your Subaru, confirming that the disable access mode has been deactivated and the key fob is back to normal operation.
Limitations and Use Cases for Disable Access Mode:
It’s crucial to understand that “disable access” does not fully disable keyless access in the sense that you can still lock and unlock the car with the fob. The primary function disabled is the ability to start the engine without physically touching the start button with the fob. Interestingly, even in disable access mode, you can still start the car by holding the key fob directly against the push-start button.
The main practical application for disable access mode is:
- Key Fob Storage Inside the Vehicle: If you need to leave your key fob inside your Subaru while engaging in activities where carrying keys is inconvenient or risky (like kayaking, hiking, or going to the beach), disable access mode allows you to lock the car with the fob inside using the button on the rear hatch. To regain entry, you would need to use Subaru’s PIN Code Access feature or a physical spare key if available.
This mode, combined with PIN code access, provides a way to secure your keys inside the car without complete keyless functionality while you are away.
Power Saving vs. Disable Access: Key Differences
| Feature | Power Saving Mode | Disable Access Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Conserve key fob battery life | Prevent vehicle start (mostly), enable locking with fob inside |
| Disables | Fob signal reception | Keyless engine start (partially) |
| Door Lock/Unlock | Normal operation | Normal operation |
| Engine Start | Normal operation | Disabled (unless fob is touched to start button) |
| Alarm Trigger | Yes, with emergency key use | No |
| Battery Saving | Yes | No significant battery saving |
| Use Cases | Battery conservation, prevent accidental presses | Key fob storage inside car, limited start capability |
Conclusion
Understanding the power saving and disable access modes of your Subaru key fob provides you with greater control and flexibility. Power saving mode is ideal for simple battery conservation, while disable access mode caters to specific situations like securely leaving your key fob inside the vehicle. By mastering these features, you can optimize your Subaru key fob’s functionality to better suit your needs and lifestyle.
