Experiencing the frustration of a “Subaru Key Fob Not Detected” message is a common issue for many Subaru owners. It can be intermittent and perplexing, leaving you wondering about the cause and potential fixes. If you’re facing this problem with your Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, or another model, you’re not alone. This guide will explore the common reasons behind this message and provide troubleshooting steps to get you back on the road without hassle.
One of the most frequent symptoms is the random appearance of the “Access Key Not Detected” message, sometimes occurring only once in many starts. In these instances, you might still be able to start your Subaru by pressing the key fob directly against the start button. However, needing to do this multiple times or experiencing difficulty unlocking your doors with the fob or door handle sensor can be concerning. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience initially, the worry of being stranded is a valid concern, prompting many owners to carry spare keys and batteries as a precaution.
So, what could be causing your Subaru key fob to go undetected? Let’s delve into some potential culprits and troubleshooting steps:
Common Reasons for “Key Fob Not Detected” in Subarus:
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Low or Dead Key Fob Battery: This is the most common and easiest issue to resolve. Even if you recently replaced the battery, it’s worth testing with a fresh, high-quality brand like Energizer or Duracell. Cheap batteries can sometimes be unreliable or have shorter lifespans.
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Radio Frequency Interference: Electronic devices emitting radio frequencies can sometimes interfere with the key fob signal. Items like smartphones, especially when placed near the key fob or the car’s receiver antenna, could potentially cause temporary detection issues. Try storing your key fob in a different location, like your pocket or the door pocket, away from your phone or other electronic devices.
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Key Fob Antenna Issues: Your Subaru has antennas that receive the signal from your key fob. If these antennas are dirty, damaged, or malfunctioning, they might not be able to properly detect the key fob. While less common, checking and cleaning the access key antennas could be a potential solution.
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Access Module Malfunction: The access module is the component in your Subaru that communicates with the key fob. If this module is faulty, it can lead to intermittent or complete key fob detection failure. Replacing the access module is often a more expensive repair and usually considered after ruling out simpler causes.
Troubleshooting Steps to Resolve Key Fob Detection Issues:
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Replace the Key Fob Battery: Start with the simplest solution. Replace the battery in your key fob with a new, reputable brand battery. Ensure correct polarity when installing the new battery.
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Try a Different Key Fob Location: Experiment with keeping your key fob in different places inside your car, away from potential sources of interference like your phone or other electronic devices. The door pocket or even holding it up towards the rearview mirror area can sometimes improve signal reception.
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Clean Key Fob and Car Keyless Entry System Components (If Accessible): While not always easily accessible, if you can locate the key fob antennas (refer to your owner’s manual for potential locations), gently clean them to remove any dirt or debris that might be hindering signal reception.
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Test with Your Spare Key Fob: If you have a spare key fob, try using it to see if the issue persists. If the spare key works without problems, it could indicate an issue specifically with the original key fob.
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Consult a Professional Subaru Technician: If you’ve tried these basic troubleshooting steps and the “Key Fob Not Detected” issue continues, it’s recommended to seek professional help from a certified Subaru technician. They have the diagnostic tools and expertise to pinpoint the exact cause, whether it’s a faulty access module, antenna problem, or a more complex electronic issue.
While dealing with a “Subaru Key Fob Not Detected” message can be frustrating, understanding the potential causes and trying these troubleshooting steps can often lead to a quick resolution. Remember to prioritize using high-quality batteries and rule out simple interference before considering more complex and costly repairs. If in doubt, consulting a Subaru specialist is always the best course of action to ensure your keyless entry system is functioning reliably.
