Experiencing issues with your Subaru Legacy’s keyless entry system can be frustrating. If your car remote suddenly stops working, or you’ve replaced the battery and it’s still unresponsive, reprogramming the remote could be the solution. Fortunately, for many Subaru Legacy models of a certain generation, this process is surprisingly straightforward and can be done at home without special tools. This guide will walk you through the steps to reprogram your Subaru Legacy car remote, getting you back to convenient keyless entry in no time.
Understanding Keyless Entry Issues in Your Subaru Legacy
It’s not uncommon for owners of older Subaru Legacy models to encounter problems with their keyless entry systems. Sometimes, seemingly out of the blue, the remote stops working. While a dead battery in the key fob is often the first suspect, even after replacing the battery, the issue might persist. This can be due to a glitch in the car’s Body Integrated Unit (BIU) or a similar module that stores the remote codes. This module can sometimes lose or corrupt the stored information, requiring a reprogramming of your key fobs.
Before you assume a complex electrical problem, trying a simple reprogramming procedure is a wise first step. This method is known to work for various Subaru models of a similar era, particularly those equipped with the specific white connectors we’ll discuss.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before you start the reprogramming process, gather these items:
- Your Subaru Legacy: Parked in a safe location where you can access the driver’s side kick panel.
- Your Subaru Legacy Key Fob(s): Have all the remotes you wish to use programmed ready, as you’ll need to program them all in one session.
- Optional: Voltmeter: If you suspect a battery issue with your key fob, a voltmeter can be helpful to confirm the battery voltage. Ensure your key fob battery is in good condition (ideally around 3V for CR1620 or similar batteries).
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your Subaru Legacy Remote
Follow these steps carefully to reprogram your Subaru Legacy car remote:
-
Access the Driver Side Kick Panel: Locate the driver’s side kick panel. This is the plastic panel located to the left of the pedals, near your left foot when you are driving. You’ll need to remove this panel to access the necessary connectors. Typically, this panel is held in place by plastic rivets or clips. Look for a rivet or screw near the floor of the car holding the panel in place. Carefully twist and pull to remove the rivet or screw. Once removed, gently pry the kick panel outwards to detach it from its clips.
-
Locate and Connect the White Connectors: Behind the kick panel, you will find a wiring harness. Look for two single-wire white connectors. These connectors are usually not connected to anything. They are specifically used for programming purposes.
Connect these two white connectors together. This essentially puts your Subaru Legacy into programming mode.
-
Enter Programming Mode: With the white connectors now joined, open the driver’s side door. Then, press the “unlock” button on the door panel. If you have successfully entered programming mode, you should hear a series of beeps. Additionally, the dome light inside your car should start flashing on and off, and you might also see the key indicator light on the dashboard flashing. These are visual and auditory confirmations that your Subaru is now in programming mode and ready to learn new remote codes.
-
Program Your Key Fobs: This is a crucial step. Hold down the “unlock” button on the door panel and keep it pressed throughout the entire key fob programming process. While holding the unlock button, take your first key fob and press any button on it (like the lock or unlock button) twice. You should observe the door lock actuators cycle – they will lock and then unlock. This confirms that the car has recognized and programmed that specific key fob.
Repeat this process for every key fob you want to program. Remember, you must program all of your key fobs in this single session. Any remotes not programmed during this process will no longer work with your car after you exit programming mode. For each key fob, while still holding the door unlock button, press a button on the fob twice and wait for the door locks to cycle.
-
Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all of your key fobs, the final step is to exit programming mode. Simply disconnect the two white connectors that you connected in step 2. Once disconnected, the programming mode is deactivated.
Important: Your key fobs will not work until you disconnect these white connectors. This disconnection is what finalizes the programming process and allows the newly programmed remotes to function.
Important Tips and Troubleshooting
- Battery Voltage: Ensure your key fob battery is in good condition. A low battery, even if seemingly new, can cause intermittent or failed programming. Use a voltmeter to verify the battery voltage is around 3V or higher.
- Program All Remotes: It’s critical to program all of your Subaru Legacy remotes in one go during step 4. If you only program one remote, any previously working remotes that are not reprogrammed in the same session will no longer function.
- Confirmation Cues: Pay close attention to the beeping sounds, flashing dome light, and door lock actuator cycling. These are your indicators that you are successfully entering programming mode and that your key fobs are being recognized.
- If It Doesn’t Work: If you follow these steps carefully and the programming is unsuccessful, double-check all connections, ensure your key fob batteries are good, and repeat the process. If issues persist, you may need to consult a Subaru dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith.
Conclusion
Reprogramming your Subaru Legacy car remote can often resolve keyless entry problems quickly and easily. By following these steps, you can regain the convenience of your keyless entry system without the need for expensive dealership services. This simple procedure can save you time and money, getting you back on the road with a fully functional car remote.
