Failure to access or control your Subaru Forester due to a defective key fob can be frustrating. While key fobs make car usage more convenient and fun, they will likely malfunction over time.
Several reasons can cause your Subaru Forester key fob to fail. The most obvious reason for a malfunctioning key fob is a dead battery. Other issues include worn buttons, a faulty receiver module, water damage, or signal interference.
Herein I look into the causes of the Subaru Forester key fob not working and how to address each problem.
Question: Why Subaru Forester Key Fob Is Not Working
Your Subaru Forester key fob isn’t working due to the following reasons.
- Dead key fob battery
- Damaged/worn buttons
- Water damage
- Dead car battery
- Faulty receiver module
- Signal interference
Let’s examine each reason in detail.
Dead Key Fob Battery
A Subaru Forester key fob battery can last 3-6 years. But the exact time depends on the battery quality, how often you use the fob and environmental conditions.
If you’ve recently bought the car or replaced the battery, but the key fob won’t work, the problem might stem from the fob or receiver. You can rule out a dead key fob battery if the fob looks excessively worn. However, if it’s long since you changed the key fob battery, replacing it can resolve this problem.
Luckily, there are signs to help you know if you have a weak fob battery. For example, the fob’s range may gradually decrease and eventually cease working. You might also notice that it takes several attempts to lock or unlock your car.
Always buy a healthy fob battery from a reputable store. Batteries that have sat on the shelves for an extended period may not last longer or fail to work. You must also find a compatible battery and insert it appropriately in the key fob.
Worn or Damaged Buttons
Gradual wear and tear of the buttons might cause your Subaru Forester key fob not to work. And in most cases, the buttons wear out due to continual usage.
Key fob buttons must create a contact with the internal circuitry board to work as expected. They use contacts to send signals to the circuit board. The good news is that the fob buttons and contacts can last for years without failing. However, they tend to succumb to wear and tear if overused.
The most used fob buttons are the first to fail. They may get stuck, or the rubber/plastic might appear broken. In severe cases, damaged buttons might leave the contacts exposed.
Replacing worn or damaged Subaru Forester key fob buttons can help resolve the problem. Start by purchasing a compatible fob button pad to replace the old one. If the key fob shell looks worn, replace it as well.
However, you’ll need to replace the fob in the case of a broken or damaged circuit board or chip. A Subaru dealer or professional mechanic can help you find a replacement fob and reprogram it.
Dead Car Battery
Subaru Forester key fob not working does not always mean that the fob is malfunctioning. If your Forester battery is defective, the key fob won’t allow remote access or control to the car.
The battery powers the Forester’s onboard computer system. If the battery is functional, it’ll allow a smooth signal transmission from the key fob to the receiver. The receiver communicates with the onboard computer to execute the fob’s commands.
However, the receiver and the onboard computer won’t work if your car has a dead or defective battery. Thankfully, you can address this issue by recharging the battery. Then ensure the battery terminals are clean and the connections are tight.
What if your car battery won’t hold a charge after cleaning the terminals and tightening the connections? In this case, you can test for a bad battery with a multimeter. Replacing a bad battery will help the key fob and the onboard electronics to start working.
Water Damage
The Subaru Forester key fob is water resistant but not waterproof. It features rubber seals and a compact shell preventing water from penetrating its interior. However, submerging the fob in water can wreak havoc on the internal electronics.
Excessive water can penetrate the seals or the keyring hole and damage the chip. Water can also cause short circuits or corrode the internal components.
If you accidentally drop the key fob in the pool, open it and remove the battery. Then use a paper towel to wipe the water on the electronic components. Allow the fob to dry completely before inserting the battery.
If you drop the fob in dirty, soapy, or salty water, wipe it with a paper towel. Then use an electronic cleaner and some cotton swabs to clean the chip and other electronic components. Replace the key fob if it won’t work after doing the above.
Signal Interference
The key fob communicates with your car through radio frequency signals. Unfortunately, there are times when the wireless signals get disrupted or weakened, resulting in the Subaru Forester key fob not working. And unlike most key fob problems, signal interference causes the device to stop operating abruptly.
This issue may occur if the Subaru Forester is near cell phone towers, radio masts, or unprofessionally installed satellite systems. Moreover, your cell phones and laptops can cause signal interference.
If your key fob won’t unlock your car, use the physical key to open and start the engine. Then drive the vehicle away from the objects causing signal interference.
Faulty Receiver Module
The receiver module detects the key fob’s signals and communicates with the onboard computer. If the receiver is faulty, it won’t pair with the fob to pick signals.
The receiver can malfunction due to a defective antenna. If the antenna is okay, the cable connecting the receiver and the onboard computer might be loose, broken, or frayed.
Fixing issues with the receiver can be challenging and require the experience of a Subaru Forester technician. So use the physical key to access and start your car and drive it to a specialist to fix the problem.
Can Reprogramming a Key Fob Fix the Problem?
Reprogramming the key fob can resolve some issues. For example, a dead fob battery or a faulty receiver module can distort the pairing between the fob and the receiver. In this case, you’ll need to reprogram the fob to pair it with its receiver.
Besides, if you replace the key fob, you must reprogram the new fob to ensure it communicates with the receiver module. Luckily, your Forester user’s manual provides instructions on reprogramming the fob. Alternatively, you can take your Forester to an authorized dealer to reprogram your key fob.
Question: Can Resetting the Subaru Forester Onboard Computer Help?
A glitch in your Subaru Forester keyless entry system can cause the key fob to fail. Thankfully, a quick reset to the onboard computers can help resolve the problem. These steps will help you reset your car’s onboard computer system:
- Disconnect the battery
- Turn on the headlights and push the horn button. Doing this drains all the current from the electrical components.
- Wait around 15-20 minutes and reconnect the battery. This process will help restore the functionality of the keyless entry system.
Wrapping Up
A Subaru Forester key fob not working can leave you inconvenienced and frustrated. If you encounter this problem, determine the root cause to understand how to resolve it. You can also seek professional help from a certified technician or dealer to troubleshoot the problem. Lastly, take care of the key fob and use it appropriately to prevent premature wear or damage.