Lost your car key remote or need to program a new one for your 2010 Subaru Forester? Programming your key fob remote yourself can save you time and money compared to dealership services. This comprehensive guide provides easy-to-follow instructions on how to program a Subaru Forester key fob remote, ensuring you regain control and convenience quickly.
Understanding Your Subaru Forester Key Fob Remote
Before you begin, it’s important to identify the type of key fob remote you have. Subaru Forester key fobs come in different styles, and understanding yours is crucial for successful programming. Locate the ID number inside your remote. To do this:
- Open the back of your key fob remote. Depending on your model, you might need a small bladed screwdriver to pop it open or a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the back cover.
- Once open, you’ll see an ID number inside. This is usually an 8-digit number. If there are two rows of numbers, use the row that contains only numbers and no letters.
There are generally two types of remotes, which we will refer to as Remote A and Remote B based on the original article’s description:
- Remote A: This type of remote can be fully programmed using the procedure below.
- Remote B: Programming this type of remote using the instructions below will only program the remote functions (lock/unlock, etc.). You will still need to have the key cut and the transponder programmed at a dealership or qualified locksmith for the car to start.
Determine which type you have based on the description accompanying the ID number if available, or proceed with the programming steps and test functionality afterwards.
Step-by-Step Programming Guide for Your 2010 Subaru Forester Key Fob
Follow these instructions carefully to program your 2010 Subaru Forester key fob remote. It’s recommended to read through all the steps first to understand the process before you begin.
- Ensure all doors are closed, including the trunk or hatch. Double-check that every door is fully shut before proceeding.
- Get into the driver’s seat and close the driver’s side door. You must be in the driver’s seat with all doors closed for the programming sequence to initiate correctly.
- Turn the ignition key from the “LOCK” position to the “ON” position 10 times rapidly within 15 seconds. “ON” is the position just before you would start the engine – where the dashboard lights up. Do this quickly but deliberately.
- Confirmation: If done correctly, the vehicle will signal that it has entered programming mode. You should observe the lights flashing and hear an audible tone. This confirms the system is ready to program your key fob remote. If you don’t see the lights flash or hear a tone, exit the vehicle, ensure all doors are closed again, and repeat steps 3 and 4.
- Open and close the driver’s side door. After the confirmation in step 4, open and then close the driver’s side door once. This ensures the vehicle remains in programming mode throughout the next steps. You should hear the tone again, confirming it is still in programming mode.
- Enter the 8-digit ID code using the door lock button. Refer to the 8-digit ID number you located inside your remote. For each digit of the code, you will use the driver’s side door’s LOCK and UNLOCK buttons.
- For the first digit of your code, press the LOCK button the same number of times as the digit. Then, immediately press the UNLOCK button once to move to the next digit.
- Repeat this process for all 8 digits of your ID code. For each digit, press the LOCK button the corresponding number of times, and then press UNLOCK once to proceed to the next digit.
- Example: If your code is 12345678, you would do the following:
- For ‘1’: Press LOCK once, then UNLOCK.
- For ‘2’: Press LOCK twice, then UNLOCK.
- For ‘3’: Press LOCK three times, then UNLOCK.
- …and so on, until digit ‘8’.
- After entering the 8th digit, press the UNLOCK button one final time.
- Repeat step 6. You must enter the 8-digit ID code again, exactly as you did in step 6. After you finish entering the 8th digit for the second time, you should hear a tone that lasts for approximately 30 seconds. This tone indicates successful programming.
- Program additional remotes (if needed). If you have more key fob remotes to program, repeat steps 5 through 8 for each additional remote immediately while the system is still in programming mode (during the 30-second tone if applicable).
- Remove the key from the ignition. Once you have programmed all your remotes or if you only had one, remove the key from the ignition. The programming process is now complete.
Testing Your Newly Programmed Remote
After completing the steps, test all the buttons on your newly programmed Subaru Forester key fob remote to ensure they are working correctly. Try locking and unlocking the doors, activating the panic alarm, and any other functions your remote is equipped with.
If you programmed a “Remote B” type, remember that while the remote functions (lock/unlock) should now work, you may still need to visit a Subaru dealer or a qualified locksmith to have the key blade cut and the transponder chip programmed to start your vehicle.
By following these instructions carefully, you can successfully program your Subaru Forester key fob remote and enjoy the convenience of keyless entry once again.
