It’s a frustrating scenario every car owner dreads: you approach your Subaru, reach for the door handle, and… nothing. Your key fob is dead. Panic might set in, but don’t worry, starting your Subaru with a dead key fob is still possible. This guide will walk you through the steps and options available when your Subaru key fob battery gives out, ensuring you’re never stranded.
Understanding Your Subaru Emergency Key
Most modern Subaru key fobs come equipped with a mechanical “emergency key,” also known as an e-key. This traditional key is cleverly hidden within the fob itself and serves as a backup in situations like a dead car battery or, you guessed it, a dead key fob battery. Its primary purpose is to manually unlock your car door when electronic access fails. Think of it as your trusty old-school key in a high-tech world.
How to Start Your Subaru When the Key Fob is Dead
Even with a lifeless battery, your Subaru key fob can still communicate with your vehicle to allow you to start the engine. Here’s how:
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Locate the Start Button: Get into your Subaru using the emergency key. Now, position yourself in the driver’s seat.
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Place the Key Fob Against the Start Button: Take your dead key fob and firmly press it directly against the engine start/stop button.
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Press the Start Button as Usual: While holding the fob against the button, press the start button as you normally would to start your Subaru.
The vehicle’s immobilizer system is designed to detect the key fob’s presence even when the battery is low or dead when it’s in close proximity to the start button. This allows you to bypass the dead battery issue and start your car.
Alternative Methods to Unlock and Start Your Subaru
While the emergency key and fob-to-start-button method are primary solutions, Subaru also offers other options, depending on your vehicle’s features and your subscription services:
- PIN Code Access: Some Subaru models allow you to unlock the doors using a personal identification number (PIN) code entered via the touchscreen or door keypad (if equipped). Refer to your owner’s manual for details on setting up and using this feature.
- Starlink Mobile App: If you are a Subaru Starlink subscriber, you can use the MySubaru mobile app on your smartphone to remotely unlock your car doors. This is especially helpful if you’ve left your key fob at home or it’s truly non-functional.
Pro Tip: Deactivating a Spare Key Fob for Emergencies
For added peace of mind, especially on long trips, consider carrying a spare key fob. To prevent the spare fob’s battery from draining unnecessarily (as newer fobs constantly communicate with the car), you can deactivate it.
How to Deactivate a Subaru Key Fob:
- Press and Hold Lock: On the key fob you wish to deactivate, press and hold the “Lock” button.
- Press Unlock Twice: While holding the “Lock” button, press the “Unlock” button twice.
- Release Buttons: Release both buttons simultaneously. You should see the red LED indicator on the fob blink four times, confirming deactivation.
The fob is now in a “sleep” mode, conserving battery life. To reactivate it, simply press any button on the fob, and it will instantly wake up and function normally. You can then hide this deactivated spare fob inside your car (but not in the glove box if you want to lock it with the e-key for valet situations as mentioned in the original text!) for true emergencies, knowing it won’t drain its battery while not in use.
Conclusion
A dead Subaru key fob doesn’t have to mean you’re stranded. By understanding the emergency key, the fob-to-start-button technique, and utilizing features like PIN code access or Starlink, you can confidently handle this situation. Being prepared and knowing these methods ensures that a dead key fob is just a minor inconvenience, not a trip-ending disaster. Remember to replace your key fob battery promptly when you get a warning, and consider deactivating a spare fob for ultimate preparedness.
