Why is my Subaru keyless entry not working?
In most cases, a non-responsive Subaru keyless entry points to power or synchronization issues. A fresh key fob battery or a healthy 12V vehicle battery often resolves the problem, while more stubborn faults can involve door sensors, the immobilizer, or the receiver. This article breaks down the common causes, practical at-home checks, and when to seek professional help.
Common causes at a glance
These are the frequent culprits behind a Subaru keyless-entry failure, from the simplest fix to more involved problems.
- Dead or weak key fob battery (typically CR2032) causing the remote to fail.
- Low or failing 12V car battery affecting the receiver and system power.
- Fob and car not synchronized after a battery replacement or maintenance.
- Interference or being out of range, including nearby devices or metallic coatings near the vehicle.
- Faulty door lock actuators or malfunctioning passive-entry sensors on the door handles.
- Immobilizer or security-system fault preventing remote access.
- Water, dirt, or button damage on the fob reducing button contact.
- Using a second, non-programmed fob that isn’t recognized by the car.
In most cases, start with the simplest explanation—battery power—and then move to synchronization or hardware checks. If the issue persists after these checks, deeper electrical or computer diagnostics may be needed.
Troubleshooting at home
Use these steps to isolate the problem without immediate dealership help. Start with power sources, then move to synchronization and tests you can perform yourself.
- Replace the key fob battery with a new one (most Subaru fobs use a CR2032). After replacing, test all buttons and try the remote again.
- Try a spare key fob if you have one. If the spare works but the primary does not, the issue is likely with the primary fob’s battery or circuitry.
- Check the vehicle’s 12V battery health. If the voltage is low (typically below about 12.4V when resting), recharge or replace the battery and retest the keyless entry.
- Re-synchronize or reprogram the fob if your model requires it after a battery change. Refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific steps or contact a Subaru service professional.
- Inspect the fob for water damage, corrosion, or stuck buttons. Clean or replace the fob if physical damage is evident.
- Test proximity features by moving the fob to different locations around the car (e.g., near the door handle, near the start button, or inside a pocket) to rule out sporadic sensor issues.
- Check for a manual entry option using the physical key blade hidden in the fob, in case the remote fails but you still need access to the vehicle.
If none of these fixes restore function, the issue may involve the door locks, receiver module, or immobilizer circuitry, requiring professional diagnosis and programming.
Model-specific notes
Push-button start versus traditional ignition
Many Subaru models with Keyless Access use a push-button start system. If the fob battery is dead, some models still allow you to unlock doors via the mechanical key blade or wake the system by holding the fob near the start button. Always consult your exact model-year owner’s manual for the correct procedure and reprogramming steps.
Trunk and secondary buttons
Sometimes the trunk release or panic button behave differently from the door locks. If only one function (like the trunk) fails while others work, the issue may be localized to a specific receiver or actuator rather than the entire keyless system.
When to seek professional help
If the keyless-entry system remains unreliable after at-home troubleshooting, it’s prudent to schedule a diagnostic with a Subaru dealership or a licensed automotive locksmith. Signs that require professional attention include persistent immobilizer warnings, inconsistent door lock behavior across doors, or any diagnostic trouble codes related to the entry system.
Summary
Most Subaru keyless-entry problems boil down to power and pairing: a fresh key fob battery, a healthy car battery, and proper fob synchronization resolve many cases. When these basics fail, inspect hardware like door sensors and actuators, be mindful of interference or range issues, and consider professional help for immobilizer or receiver problems. By following these steps, you should be able to pinpoint the cause and restore convenient access to your Subaru.
