Experiencing issues with your Subaru key fob after using the remote start feature can be frustrating. It’s a common scenario where after initiating the engine with the My Subaru app, drivers find themselves facing an “Access Key Not Detected” or “Access Key Disabled” message when attempting to shift into drive. This issue, reported by Subaru owners across various models, can disrupt your morning routine. Let’s explore why this might be happening and what troubleshooting steps you can take before heading to the dealership.
Understanding the “Key Fob Disabled” Issue After Remote Start
This problem typically manifests after starting your Subaru remotely, often using the My Subaru mobile application. When you enter the vehicle and press the brake pedal to disengage the remote start and transition to normal driving mode, the system fails to recognize the key fob. Instead of smoothly shifting into gear, you’re met with a “Key Fob Disabled” or “Access Key Not Detected” error on your dashboard. This occurs despite the key fob working perfectly fine for unlocking doors or starting the car normally without remote activation. Crucially, this issue seems isolated to the remote start sequence, suggesting it’s not a general key fob malfunction.
A temporary workaround, frequently mentioned by Subaru owners, involves pressing and holding the start button for a few seconds. This action typically shuts off the engine, and upon pressing the start button again normally, the car starts without any key fob recognition problems. This workaround, while functional, doesn’t address the underlying cause of the “Subaru Key Fob Disabled” message and can be inconvenient.
Potential Causes and Troubleshooting Steps
Several factors could contribute to your Subaru key fob being disabled specifically after a remote start. Here’s a breakdown of potential causes and troubleshooting steps you can undertake:
1. Key Fob Battery Issues:
While seemingly straightforward, a low battery in your key fob is always a prime suspect. Even if you recently replaced the battery, it’s worth re-checking. Sometimes, a new battery might be faulty or not making perfect contact.
- Troubleshooting: Replace the key fob battery with a fresh, high-quality battery. Ensure the battery is correctly installed and the contacts are clean. As a precaution, cleaning the battery contacts within the fob with isopropyl alcohol can remove any potential residue hindering connectivity. It’s important to test with both of your key fobs to rule out an issue with a single fob.
2. Signal Interference:
Although less likely if the problem occurs consistently in different locations, radio frequency interference can sometimes disrupt the signal between your key fob and the vehicle.
- Troubleshooting: While less probable in this specific remote start scenario, consider if there are any new electronic devices or potential sources of strong radio waves in your usual parking locations. However, given the consistent nature of the problem described, interference is less likely the culprit.
3. System Glitch or Software Anomaly:
Modern car systems are complex, and occasional software glitches can occur. It’s possible that the remote start sequence or the key fob recognition system has encountered a temporary anomaly.
- Troubleshooting: The “press and hold start button” workaround itself suggests a temporary system hiccup. While not a fix, it reinforces the idea of a software-related issue. Unfortunately, user-level troubleshooting for deeper system glitches is limited.
4. Recent Dealer Service:
The user in the original post noted the issue began after a recent dealer service. While it might be coincidental, it’s worth considering if any service procedures could have inadvertently affected the key fob system. It’s speculated that technicians might disconnect battery connections during routine maintenance like oil changes, potentially resetting some electronic control modules (ECMs).
- Troubleshooting: If the issue arose immediately after service, contacting the dealership and mentioning this coincidence is advisable. They might have inadvertently triggered a setting change or have insights related to recent work performed.
5. My Subaru App and Remote Start System Integration:
Since the problem is triggered by the My Subaru app remote start, the issue could lie within the communication pathway between the app, the car’s telematics system, and the key fob recognition.
- Troubleshooting: Ensure your My Subaru app is updated to the latest version. Try unlinking and relinking your vehicle in the app. While less likely to resolve a deeper system issue, these steps can rule out simple app-related glitches.
When to Visit the Dealer
If you’ve exhausted basic troubleshooting steps like battery replacement and the issue persists, it’s recommended to schedule a visit to your Subaru dealership. Clearly explain the problem, emphasizing that it occurs specifically after remote starts initiated via the My Subaru app and results in a “subaru key fob disabled” message. Mention the workaround you’ve discovered and any troubleshooting steps already taken. This detailed information will assist the service technicians in diagnosing and resolving the issue efficiently. They will have diagnostic tools to check the key fob system, the remote start module, and the car’s computer for any error codes or malfunctions.
