*OEM Remote Start SOLUTION* for car shutting off when door opened

[SeattlePaddler]

The OEM Remote Start security feature shuts the car off when a door is opened, it's a known fact. Sucks, but it's true. My solution to this is CHEAP, SIMPLE, and has NO DOWNSIDES in my opinion. (MESSAGE: Yes you can just unplug the door switch but it'd be a pain to dig back out for future use. This method is easily reversible at anytime.)

Tools/Supplies:
1)

3M™ Scotch Heavy-Duty Fasteners 1x3inches

3M™ Scotch Heavy-Duty Fasteners 1x3inches

<-Link to Product, I found in Fred Meyer. This stuff is nice because it doesn't have the furry side like velcro and it looks like it'll hold up longer, and though strong, it's easy to pull apart.
2) Old gift card or some sort of membership card (I used my expired GNC card, it's silver and matches paint.
3) Alcohol wipe
4) Scissors


Very basic steps:
1) Open the driver-side door, locate the door sensor button in lower right of car panel.
2) Use the alcohol wipe to cleanse the areas around the door sensor button, and on top of the rubber pad wear the screw is located.
3) Cut one strip of the 3M Scotch to about 2/3s length (The strips I used came as 1"x3"). And cut the remaining portion to fit the shape of the rubber portion exactly. Don't leave any of that 3M piece to hang over the rubber area, so it won't come off over time.
4) Now peel the backing off the 3M and place them as seen in the picture and press firmly.

5) Now use alcohol wipe on the plastic card and cleanse it thoroughly. Place the entire length of the 3M on the card so that it's touching 2 sides and a corner of the card, this is so you can have some plastic card stretching beyond the length of the 3M.

6) Let the 3M settle a while before you put it to use. Use your own discretion. When you put the "3M Card" in place, it should look like this. FYI, part of the plastic card is free of 3M so you have an area for your thumb to grasp the card if you wish to remove it safely from the car without peeling off the adhesive.


See the pictures for more information as they tell more info than I could.

FINISHED PRODUCT:



What this modification will effect:
1) It'll fix the car from shutting down, but make sure you put the key in the ignition and turn to the on position before pushing on the brake pedal, or opening any other doors.
2) The dome light won't respond, but I don't find this an issue as when you remotely unlock the doors, the dome light turns on anyways.
3) The door won't ding when opened when the car is off and in accessory mode (Another Bonus )
4) The only side effect that can be an annoyance, the Red Lock Key Light stays on in the dash.

There you have it, OEM Remote Start on your new 4th Gen Subaru Outback that doesn't auto-shut off when opening the driver door. You can remote it and put it back in place anytime you'd like. It's cheap, clean, and hidden from view 99% of the time. Let me know what you think.

CHEERS

[SeattlePaddler]

I WANT TO STATE THIS AGAIN INCASE YOU MISSED IT.
1) Yes you can just unplug the door switch but it'd be a pain to dig back out for future use. This method is easily reversible at anytime. You can choose when to use it and when not to.

2) If you're worried about the dome light not turning on when you open the door, REMEMBER, the dome light turns on when you unlock the doors with the button on your keys.

[callmeQ]

I may have to try this. That is my one disappointment with my remote start. I much prefer our GM version where you can get in, insert the key, and turn it to the ON position without the car shutting off.

[go12]

If me, would have oem starter remote removed,and add an after market one!

[mpnret]

Originally Posted by go12

If me, would have oem starter remote removed,and add an after market one!

You have got to be kidding me. Why? Suggesting you would have the oem starter removed and aftermarket installed to someone who is not really having a problem sounds silly to me. Did you read any of the RS threads and what some go through with aftermarket install? One guy had one installed and his factory remotes and puddle lights no longer worked. The fix was to move up to the next level RS. After that he realized his factory immobilizer was bypassed and he really wasn't happy with the range but was willing to accept everything at that point. Being that the factory RS was fairly inexpensive, I just decided to avoid having anyone hacking into my wiring. Not saying the factory RS is the best thing going. There are pros and cons of both. But for me $100. to purchase, install myself and $50. for dealer programming seemed like the way to go.
Here is one discussion on RS pros and cons. There are at least 5.
2011 Outback Aftermarket Remote Starter

[mpnret]

Here is what I did a while ago. It's not perfect but it works. I always planned on doing a redesign and making it pretty and then posting some pictures but never got around to it.
I am sure there are a million things that can be used but when I decided to do something the first thing I saw on my workbench was a large picture hook. After putting some custom bends in it, the hook end goes under the weather stripping and clamps onto edge of the metal body. The other end holds the switch closed. You can slide it up and leave it in place if you want the switch to work. But to be honest, I really don't care that much about the engine shutting off when I open the door.

[sube_fresh]

For those that have done something like this. Does the car behave strange when you get in, and it running, and you put your key in? Or does it just work?

[SeattlePaddler]

Originally Posted by sube_fresh

For those that have done something like this. Does the car behave strange when you get in, and it running, and you put your key in? Or does it just work?

It just works.

[SeattlePaddler]

Originally Posted by go12

If me, would have oem starter remote removed,and add an after market one!

I'm glad I'm not you. I specifically went with the OEM remote start after all my research and forum reading. I too got a great deal of $107 for my RS, installed myself (Subaru is prewired for the OEM RS, not for aftermarket kits), and $30 at the dealership for the programming. The RS works perfect, it doesn't void any warranties and I have peace of mind knowing it's not going to screw with any of my other electronics like the aftermarkets can. The quick little fix I came up with disables an additional security feature I don't care for and I can say I have no regrets.

[mpnret]

Originally Posted by sube_fresh

For those that have done something like this. Does the car behave strange when you get in, and it running, and you put your key in? Or does it just work?

It works with a couple of caveats. First your security light will be on when you remote start your car, insert the key and drive away. It will go out next time you start your car and seems to affect nothing. Second you will be approaching and entering your remote started car without a dome light on. Neither one is that big of a deal.