Programming 99 Outback keyless entry to new key?

Phizinza

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Joined
Jun 16, 2009
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182
Location
South Australia
I have a new key (genuine) with buttons on it. I'm trying to get my BH Outback into programming mode but it won't go with the instructions I'm using.

Get in car
Insert key into ignition
Open and close door
Turn key from off to ignition 10 times within 15 seconds
then nothing happens for me. I have tried and and over but nothing. Also watched a video and followed it exactly...

Is there a different way of doing it for my model Outback?
 
I think i remember something about having to connect two white plugs under the drivers side? Not sure if it was required or not or is for your year outback.
 
I think i remember something about having to connect two white plugs under the drivers side?
That would've been for when I replaced my keyless entry module & needed to re-programme my keys.

I'm not sure if it will work for you & on an OB, but it might be worth a shot Phizinza.

Anyway, this is how it's done.

Behind the kickplate panel on the right on the drivers side there are 2 white plugs. Just join them together.
Then press & hold the central locking button on the drivers door to unlock.
Whilst holding the button on the door, press the lock button on the key twice.
Now let the door button go.
And it's done, it's re-programmed :discomonkey:

P.S: Don't forget to unplug the 2 white plugs when finished.

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
Hmmm, I actually just went and tried starting my 01 Forester with just the key and no transponder/fob.
Interestingly it started up for about 10 seconds, then the red illuminated key light came up on the dash and the engine died.
Put chip back in and it started...

I've never programmed a Subaru key but do heaps of Commodore, Magna's, etc.... at work.
Might try and do another key for the foz...
Where did you get the key from Phizinza? Genuine or aftermarket?
I know my spare key is aftermarket(has no central locking buttons either) and I got it when I bought the car. That has a chip/transponder in it but has no labels/numbers/brand names or anything on it... :(
 
Interestingly it started up for about 10 seconds, then the red illuminated key light came up on the dash and the engine died.
Put chip back in and it started...

Oooh fancy! :raspberry:

Mine doesnt have that...its a base base model lol.

EDIT: just checked mine with the spare key (no transponder, just a bare metal key). It started & kept running...
 
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^ Yes it would. All Subaru's did after 1997 in Australia had factory immobilizers.

I might also look up some info on the topic at work since we have the resources.
 
That would've been for when I replaced my keyless entry module & needed to re-programme my keys.

I'm not sure if it will work for you & on an OB, but it might be worth a shot Phizinza.

Anyway, this is how it's done.

Behind the kickplate panel on the right on the drivers side there are 2 white plugs. Just join them together.
Then press & hold the central locking button on the drivers door to unlock.
Whilst holding the button on the door, press the lock button on the key twice.
Now let the door button go.
And it's done, it's re-programmed :discomonkey:

P.S: Don't forget to unplug the 2 white plugs when finished.

Regards
Mr Turbo

hey MrT, stumbled across this. I have a 2010 XT Forry and was going to buy a genuine Subaru blank off Ebay. Will this method work on my model do you know ?

thanks
 
As to which other model Subi's it works on I'm not sure tuckerman :shrug:

All I know is that when I had to re-programme my key (MY05XT) it worked.

Just have a look under there & see if those 2x white plugs.
If they are there, you might as well give it a go.

But as I said, whether it works or not (on your particular model) I don't know.

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
As to which other model Subi's it works on I'm not sure tuckerman :shrug:

All I know is that when I had to re-programme my key (MY05XT) it worked.

Just have a look under there & see if those 2x white plugs.
If they are there, you might as well give it a go.

But as I said, whether it works or not (on your particular model) I don't know.

Regards
Mr Turbo

Ok thanks mate, I will check it when i get back! thanks:ebiggrin:
 
nd the kickplate panel on the right on the drivers side there are 2 white plugs. Just join them together.
Then press & hold the central locking button on the drivers door to unlock.
Whilst holding the button on the door, press the lock button on the key twice.
Now let the door button go.
And it's done, it's re-programmed :discomonkey:
Mr Turbo


Where is this door lock button? The normal door lock rocket button or something where the window switches is?
 
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Key, ecu, immobiliser all came from an 01 outback. Sadly the keyless entry controller box has a different plug to what mine does...
 
The button I'm referring to, is the central locking button (if you have one) thats where the window switches are. Not the one on the door.

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
No such luck on the BH Outback

https://www.cars101.com/subaru/keyless.html#immobilizer keys


Legacy, Outback all models 1999-2004

Program remotes: works on Alpine system.

Unlock all doors, foot on brake, all doors closed. Cycle key quickly but carefully on-off appr 10 times until the car honks one time.
Do not turn the key far enough to start the car, just to the 'on' position so the dashboard lights up.

When the horn honks, open and close the driver's door, press any remote button and that's it.
Program another remote? Quickly open and close the driver's door again and push a button on the 2nd remote. That's it.

When you're done, remove the key and the horn should honk 3 times. You're all set.
Sometime it takes more than 10 on-offs to set program mode. Open/close the door, lock/unlock etc, wait 10 minutes, then try again.

-----------------------------------------------


more detailed instructions

If your car is equipped with security system disarm it (with another remote if you have one or by turning the key ON LOCK 3 times in 5 seconds).
Take the key out of ignition (the key has to be taken out).
The next steps have to completed in 45 seconds.
Open and close driver door (the door open light has to come on/off on the cluster).

Put the key into ignition.

Turn the key ON LOCK 10 times in 15 seconds, leaving the key in LOCK position (do not take the key out).
Horn will sound once to indicate you are in remote programming mode (if the horn does not sound start over).
Open and close the driver door (this has to be done within 45 seconds of step 4).
Press and release any button on the remote.
Horn will sound 2 times to indicate that the remote has been programmed.
If you have more remotes, repeat steps 8 to 10 (up to 4 remotes could be programmed).

Remove the key from ignition.

Horn will sound 3 times to indicate the completion of the procedure.
 
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That would've been for when I replaced my keyless entry module & needed to re-programme my keys.

I'm not sure if it will work for you & on an OB, but it might be worth a shot Phizinza.

Anyway, this is how it's done.

Behind the kickplate panel on the right on the drivers side there are 2 white plugs. Just join them together.
Then press & hold the central locking button on the drivers door to unlock.
Whilst holding the button on the door, press the lock button on the key twice.
Now let the door button go.
And it's done, it's re-programmed :discomonkey:

P.S: Don't forget to unplug the 2 white plugs when finished.

Regards
Mr Turbo

Tried that on my '06 SG Forester - this is after changing the battery in the spare key - and it doesn't seem to work.
 
^ Make certain that you put the battery in the right way around, Geoff.

I took the battery out of mine for some reason, and put it back in arse-about. Didn't do the key any harm ... phew!

When I put it back in the right way, the key worked again ...

If you have a multimeter, check the battery. It might be stale or just dead.

Also, wipe the battery and key terminals with a clean dry cloth, and don't touch them with your fingers.

Does your other key work OK?
 
Battery was in with correct polarity. Swapped the battery from the working unit into the problem unit and still no joy.
Tested whether there is a signal of any sort (held it near my pocket FM radio) - the good unit gave a warble, the dud unit SFA.
Have discovered that it is possible to use the unit (as a key only), but to leave the car with all doors locked is a bit of a process. But it is possible, however. Thanks RB...
 
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