Replacing a keyfob for 2007 Subaru Impreza

[tontod]

My parents were quoted $300 to get the keyfob replaced. No way its that expensive, can I buy a new battery, install it and reprogram it?

 

[phucheneh]

If the battery is dead, it doesn't need to be reprogrammed. New batt will fix it.

It's pretty rare that a remote just dies. Usually people go to the dealer because they need a spare, or because their remote just died*.




*....they dropped it in water. Take the one you have apart. It should just be four peices- two plastic outer bits, the button pad, and a circuit board. Look for moisture, of course, but also for corrosion, especially under the rubber buttons. Those little interlocking traces are what actually trigger a signal to be sent. There's a conductive material (graphite?) on the underside of the rubber buttons to connect the split circuit.

I encountered some GM's with repeated remote failures that turned out to be bad pads. It was prevalent enough that you could buy just the rubber bit off of eBay to fix your remote. My test for this was putting a battery in the bare circuit board, and 'shorting' (not really shorting, just completing a circuit) the little button contacts with a small screwdriver. If that worked, I knew it was the pad. What actually went wrong with those, I have no idea.

Also:

1) If it does need a new one, see if you can buy one off the internet and/or if used remotes can be reprogrammed (some makes sell new ones with a code...you input the code to program it, and the remote is then locked to that vehicle. Can't be reprogrammed to a diff vehicle, even with the code).

2) Ask what the labor is at the dealer, and if that changes if you provide your own remote. An hour is typical, even though it takes minutes. If they're nice, a half-hour (40-60 bucks depending on the dealer).

This isn't one of those dumb remotes with a non-removable key blank sticking out, is it?

edit: oh, also, check and be sure you can't program it yourself. Some makes/models have shortcuts that will allow a strange series of actions to sync the remote. I remember Nissan/Infiniti having this for their older/cheaper remotes (not keyless drive). Something about lots of ignition switch turning and locking/unlocking. I could never even find instructions in the factory literature...I was just cool with the guy next to me, and he would generally just say 'give it to me' and do a bunch of shit really quick, and boom, programmed.

 

[KK]

google will probably locate some instructions for it. It the keyfob is bad, then order a new one online for less than 50, and follow the steps to program it. If it has a battery thats dead, open it up and replace it. I just ordered a new fob for a tundra as the old one went thru the wash.

 

[phucheneh]

if these are not lies (hey, it's eBay, who knows), then it appears yes, you can program used remotes, and yes, there is a DIY procedure.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUBARU-KEY-...pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

 

[alphatarget1]

Try a local locksmith. They can usually get it done way cheaper than the stealership. I think a lot of cars these days have immobilizers. Locksmiths have a tool to reprogram that.

Just got an infiniti key fob's key programmed for 50 bucks last week. woo!

 

[phucheneh]

Try a local locksmith. They can usually get it done way cheaper than the stealership. I think a lot of cars these days have immobilizers. Locksmiths have a tool to reprogram that.

Just got an infiniti key fob's key programmed for 50 bucks last week. woo!

They've all got immobilizers. Unless someone is still making a car that can be started with a freshly cut, flat steel key.

Hadn't ever heard of locksmiths programming car keys, but it's worth checking out.

AFAIK the generic hardware/software needed to program most keys and remotes runs somewhere in the 4-6k range. Plus the cost of your laptop and fees for updates.

 

[NutBucket]

According to this site (quite reliable), '07 Impreza (non-WRX) doesn't have an immobilizer. If you all need to replace is remote you can buy them on ebay for under $50 and program them yourself.

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

Instructions:

http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/inter...-keyless-remote-programming-instructions.html

 

[phucheneh]

According to this site (quite reliable), '07 Impreza (non-WRX) doesn't have an immobilizer. If you all need to replace is remote you can buy them on ebay for under $50 and program them yourself.

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

Instructions:

http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/inter...-keyless-remote-programming-instructions.html

When I hear 'immobilizer,' I hear 'system that must sense chip in ignition key in order to allow car to start.' In that sense, I would bet with 99% certainly that an '07 Impreza has one. The remote, however, isn't really a participant. It has to be programmed to enable it to communicate with your car, but it does not control the the actual starting of the car.

 

[PClark99]

try amazon. I got a replacement for my mustang for about $10 shipped and it works fine.

comes with directions too.

Ok, but a hundred is better than $300.

http://www.amazon.com/2007-Subaru-I...-2&keywords=2007+Subaru+Impreza+keyless+entry

 

[NutBucket]

When I hear 'immobilizer,' I hear 'system that must sense chip in ignition key in order to allow car to start.' In that sense, I would bet with 99% certainly that an '07 Impreza has one. The remote, however, isn't really a participant. It has to be programmed to enable it to communicate with your car, but it does not control the the actual starting of the car.

I agree with you about the remote being a separate entity from the immobilizer. Either way, still pretty confident then '07 Impreza doesn't have an immobilizer.

 

[Vetterin]

If you would be interested send me a PM as I believe I still have an unused remote for my 06 Legacy that I would be willing to sell........cheap!

 

[tontod]

If you would be interested send me a PM as I believe I still have an unused remote for my 06 Legacy that I would be willing to sell........cheap!

PM sent.

 

[tontod]

When I hear 'immobilizer,' I hear 'system that must sense chip in ignition key in order to allow car to start.' In that sense, I would bet with 99% certainly that an '07 Impreza has one. The remote, however, isn't really a participant. It has to be programmed to enable it to communicate with your car, but it does not control the the actual starting of the car.

Looks like the instructions on cars101.com have a lot more steps than on clubwrx.net. Not sure which one I should follow. The cars101.com site has the user opening the remote and obtaining the code inside it and follow some steps based on the unique code.

 

[NutBucket]

clubwrx is correct. The codes cars101 mentions only matter if you're programming the immobilizer.