Program the Keyless Entry Remote

The second-generation (SG) Subaru Forester lets you program its keyless-entry remotes yourself — the system has a code-learning mode that stores up to four transmitter codes. Use it to add a new or replacement remote, or to delete the code of a lost one. Subaru recommends having a dealer do it, but the procedure below is the one built into the car.

Before you start

All of your current remotes must be re-programmed in one session, because programming a fresh set of four codes is also how you remove a lost remote from memory. Have every remote you want to keep with you.

Important: make sure no one else is operating a keyless remote within range of your car while you program — a stranger’s transmitter code could be learned into your system, giving them access.

Step 1 — Enter programming mode

1. Press the UNLOCK/DISARM button to disarm the security system (if your car has the optional system).
2. Open the driver’s door and sit in the driver’s seat.
3. Close the driver’s door.
4. Put the key in the ignition and cycle the switch from LOCK to ON ten times within 15 seconds, finishing at the LOCK position. The horn sounds once to confirm you are in transmitter-programming mode.

You must begin the next step within 45 seconds of the horn sounding, or the car drops out of programming mode.

Step 2 — Program each remote

1. Open the driver’s door.
2. Close the driver’s door.
3. Press and release any button on the remote you want to program. The horn sounds twice to confirm that remote is stored.
4. To add another remote, repeat these three steps for it while still in programming mode.

Step 3 — Exit and test

1. When all your remotes are programmed, remove the key from the ignition. The horn sounds three times to confirm the system has left programming mode.
2. Test every remote — lock and unlock the car with each one to confirm it works.

Deleting a lost remote’s code

The control unit has four memory slots. A lost remote’s code stays in memory until it is overwritten, so for security you should delete it by filling all four slots with your current remotes:

• One current remote — program it four times.
• Two current remotes — program each one twice.
• Three current remotes — program two of them once and the third one twice.

That leaves only your current remotes’ codes in the system.

Frequently asked questions

How many remotes can the Forester store? Up to four. The four codes can be the same or different remotes.

The horn only sounded once and nothing else happened — why? One beep means you reached programming mode; you then have 45 seconds to open the driver’s door and press a remote button. If you wait too long the car exits the mode and you start again from Step 1.

Do I need a dealer to program a Forester remote? Subaru recommends it, but the code-learning procedure above is built into the car and needs no special tool. Note this covers the keyless-entry remote only — cutting and coding a new immobiliser ignition key to start the engine is a separate job that does require dealer or locksmith equipment.

My remote still won’t work after programming. If the LED doesn’t light when you press a button, the remote’s battery may be flat — replace the CR2032 cell and re-synchronise, then try programming again.

Need to look up a warning light or trouble code on your Subaru? Our sister site autodtcs.com covers diagnostic trouble codes.