Subaru Keyless Entry Not Working: Causes and Troubleshoots Explained

When your Subaru keyless entry stops, it’s annoying. But don’t worry! I’ll help you figure out why and how to fix it step by step.

Getting it fixed is important so you don’t have to use a physical key, which can be a pain. Plus, a broken keyless entry might not keep your car safe.

By sorting out “Subaru Keyless Entry Not Working” issues, you’ll get back to using your car easily and securely in no time!

Common Causes of Subaru Keyless Entry Not Working

If your Subaru’s keyless entry isn’t working properly, let’s check out some reasons why and how to fix it:

1. Dead Key Fob Battery

One of the most common reasons for keyless entry trouble is a weak battery in your key fob. ^[1] Simply switch it out with a new battery (as per your car’s manual) to solve this issue.

2. Faulty Key Fob

If a new battery doesn’t do the trick, your key fob itself might be acting up. When it’s not working right, it can’t talk to your car properly. You might need to get it repaired or replaced.

3. Electronic Interference

Have you noticed your keyless entry acting funny around phones or gadgets? That’s because these devices can mess with the signal between your key fob and car. Try moving away from them or turning them off to see if that helps.

4. Car Receiver Problem

Sometimes, the issue is with the receiver in your car. It might not be catching signals from the key fob correctly. Ask a mechanic or dealer to check and maybe replace the receiver.

5. Wiring Trouble

Check those wires! Broken or worn-out wiring might be stopping the signal from reaching your car’s receiver, causing the keyless entry to fail. You might need a mechanic to fix or replace the damaged wiring.

How to Troubleshoot Subaru Keyless Entry Not Working

I’ve got some simple troubleshoot that can sort it out for you.

1. Change the Key Fob Battery

First things first, a dead battery might be the issue. You can fix this yourself! Follow the car’s manual, pop open the key fob, swap the old battery for a new one, and put it back together.

2. Reprogram Your Key Fob

If the new battery doesn’t do the trick, reprogramming your key fob might help. Check the manual for instructions. Usually, you’ll need to get inside your car, turn the key, and press some buttons on the fob.

3. Check for Interference

Sometimes, other devices nearby can mess with your keyless system. Try moving your car to a different spot, especially if you’re in a busy area or close to radio towers.

4. Get Help for Receiver or Wiring Issues

If none of the above works, there might be a problem with your car’s receiver or wiring. It’s best to have a mechanic check this out.

Additional Maintenance Tips for Subaru Keyless Entry

Apart from fixing issues, here are some easy steps to maintain your keyless entry:

Keep spare batteries for your key fob handy, just in case.
If your key fob looks worn out, consider getting a new one. They can wear down over time.
Give your key fob a quick clean with a damp cloth regularly to keep it tidy.
Park your car away from things like power lines or large radio towers to avoid any interference.
Keep your car battery charged. A weak battery can mess with the keyless system.

Remember, these steps usually sort out common issues. But if problems persist, it’s best to get a professional to take a closer look.

Subaru Keyless Entry Not Working After Battery Change

If your Subaru’s keyless entry stops working after changing the battery, a few common reasons might be causing the issue.

First up, a wrongly installed or faulty battery can disrupt the connection between your key fob and the car.

Another possibility? A damaged key fob. If it’s worn out or has some damage, it may struggle to communicate with your car, even with a new battery.

Here’s what you can try: check if the battery’s properly installed and in good shape. If it looks good, give reprogramming your key fob a shot:

Sit in your car, close all doors.
Turn your key in the ignition to the “On” position.
Hold both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons on the key fob for 15 seconds.
Release the buttons and turn off the ignition.
Test if your keyless entry is working properly.

If reprogramming doesn’t do the trick, you might need a new key fob. That could solve the problem!

Subaru Keyless Entry Not Working When Cold

Encountering trouble with your Subaru’s keyless entry on cold days, especially during winter? Here’s an easy guide to help you figure out why this happens and how to fix it.

1. Why It Happens

Low Battery Power: Cold weather can make your key fob’s battery weaker, causing the entry system to glitch.
Moisture Buildup: When it’s cold outside, moisture can sneak into your key fob, causing electrical issues.
Wire Tightening: The cold can shrink wires, leading to connectivity problems.
Receiver Troubles: Cold weather might affect your car’s receiver, making it fail to pick up signals from the key fob.

2. Fixing It

Warm Up the Key Fob: Pop your key fob into a warmer spot, like your pocket or indoors, for a bit.
New Battery: Swap out the battery for a fresh one, preferably with higher cold-cranking amps (CCA) for better performance in the cold.
Dry It Out: Use a dehumidifier or a hairdryer to get rid of any moisture in the key fob.
Check Wires: Keep an eye out for damaged wires and get them fixed pronto.
Reprogram if Needed: If nothing else works, reprogramming might do the trick. Look it up in the owner’s manual or ask a pro for help.

3. Other Things to Watch Out For

Frozen Locks: In cold weather, locks might freeze up, so keep a lock de-icer handy.
Car Battery Drain: Cold weather can drain your car’s battery. Consider using a charger to keep it juiced up.

Subaru Keyless Entry Not Working But Car Starts

If your car shows this problem, there are a couple of reasons and fixes to check out.

1. What Might Be Wrong?

Key Fob Trouble: Your key fob might not be unlocking doors, but it starts the car.
Receiver Glitch: The car’s receiver or wiring could be causing keyless entry problems.

2. How to Fix It

New Key Fob Battery: Swap out the key fob battery; it often solves the issue.
Reprogram Your Key Fob: Check your car manual or online guides to reset the key fob.
Get Pro Help: If DIY fixes don’t work, go to a mechanic or dealership for expert help.

3. Other Things to Check

Remote Start Mix-Up: Turning off remote start might help if it’s causing problems.
Weak Key Fob Signal: Low battery or interference can weaken the signal. Stand closer to your car and aim the key fob directly at it.

Troubleshooting Subaru Keyless Entry Not Working in Different Models

Keyless entry systems aren’t perfect and might have issues sometimes. So, it’s good to understand that there are ways to fix these problems.

1. Subaru Impreza

Subaru Impreza is a small car known for its cool design and reliable performance. But sometimes, the keyless entry might act up. Here’s what could be causing it:

Dead Battery in the Key Fob: If your key fob seems sleepy or unresponsive, it might just need a new battery. Swap out the old one for a fresh battery and see if that fixes it.
Malfunctioning Key Fob: Even after changing the battery, if the key fob still misbehaves, it might be broken. Try reprogramming it. If that doesn’t work, you might need to get a new key fob.
Faulty Receiver in the Car: When the key fob works fine, but your car doesn’t respond, it could mean there’s a problem with the car’s receiver. A car expert can figure out what’s wrong and fix it.

2. Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy is a midsize car with a spacious interior and a smooth ride. If you are experiencing issues with your keyless entry system, try the following troubleshooting tips:

Dead battery in the key fob: As with other Subaru models, a dead battery in the key fob is a common cause of keyless entry system failure. Replace the battery and check if the system works correctly.
Malfunctioning key fob: If the key fob is malfunctioning, try reprogramming it or replacing it altogether.
Interference from other devices: If you are in an area with high electromagnetic interference, it can affect the performance of the keyless entry system. Try moving away from other devices or wait until you are in an area with less interference.

3. Subaru Forester

The Subaru Legacy is a car loved for its roomy space and comfy ride. Sometimes, its keyless entry system can have issues. Here’s how to fix them easily:

Dead Battery in Key Fob: Just like other Subarus, if the key fob battery dies, the keyless entry won’t work. Change the battery and see if it helps.
Faulty Key Fob: If the key fob is broken, try fixing it by reprogramming or getting a new one.
Interference from Other Devices: Being in places with lots of electronics around can mess up the keyless entry. Move away from those spots or wait for a quieter area.

4. Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback, a cool SUV good for off-roading and with lots of space inside, might sometimes have trouble with its keyless entry system. Here’s how to fix it:

Dead Battery in Key Fob: If your key fob doesn’t work, it might need a new battery. Just replace the battery and see if that solves the problem.
Trouble with Key Fob: Sometimes, the key fob itself might be acting up. Try reprogramming it or getting a new one to see if that helps.
Car Receiver Issues: If changing the battery or the key fob doesn’t fix it, there might be something wrong with the car’s receiver. Get a professional mechanic to check it out and fix any problems.

Conclusion

Fixing problems with your Subaru’s keyless entry isn’t too tough. There are simple things you can try first. Like changing the key fob battery, reprogramming it, checking for interference, getting a new receiver, or fixing any wiring issues.

But sometimes these fixes won’t work. That’s when it’s smart to ask a Subaru expert for help. They really know their stuff and can fix things up properly.

It’s really important to keep your keyless entry working well. It makes life easier and keeps you safe. Regular check-ups can stop problems before they start. If something’s wrong, fixing it quick is best to avoid bigger trouble later.