'Security' light on permanently

[diem]

Hi all,

I was surprised that a forum search didn't turn up an answer to this, but since earlier today the 'security' light on the dash of my '07 OB has been on permanently, whether the car is running or not. Before I go into any more detail, what do y'all think that indicates?

The manual says that this'll happen if a counterfeit key is used to start the car. Now I recently purchased a spare key and keyless entry fob from my local dealer which the programmed for me (at great cost!), and I've used it to start the car successfully before today without issue. Today the only difference is that for the first time I used it having started the car with the remote starter. Surely if the key had been considered counterfeit it would have shut down the engine? And the key/fob still opens and starts the car. For all these reasons I'm not convinced that it's the newish key that's the problem, but am keen to hear what you think (and your suggestions for clearing the light - it's bugging me!).

Thanks for any suggestions or advice,

Ian

[diem]

Really no-one? Well that's a first for me here - getting no replies at all!

Ah well, good news is that after a few days and a few trips the light went out by itself. I guess it was some sort of software glitch relating to using the new key and the remote starter; I'll post here if I figure out exactly what happened.

yan

[1 Lucky Texan]

look thru your owner's manual for 'valet mode'.

not sure, but on some systems, if you accidentally enter valet mode, I think it turns that light on solid.

[diem]

Thanks man,

Yeah I'd seen that in the manual and discounted it, though I can't now recall why.

This morning though, I used the same remote starter and the light was on when I got to the car, and has stayed on since. Will do some more testing now that I've narrowed it down to the one remote starter fob, and will check the manual again re. valet mode.

Thanks again,

yan

[Shadow 1100]

Don't have a Remote Starter but maybe it's telling you your battery is low in the remote. Or one of your buttons is stuck.

[diem]

Originally Posted by Shadow 1100

Don't have a Remote Starter but maybe it's telling you your battery is low in the remote. Or one of your buttons is stuck.

I checked the batteries and both cells show 3V, so I don't think that's it. The surface mount button seems to operate nicely and flashes the LED so I don't think the button's stuck.

@1 Lucky Texan: I re-checked the manual and apparently on my model in valet mode the Security light will flash once every 3 seconds, so it's not that in my case.

My current hypothesis is that the dealership messed something up when they reprogrammed the complete key set when I got the replacement key. They told me that there was nothing they'd do to the remote starter fobs but one of them doesn't illuminate the Security light and one does

It's tricky to troubleshoot because once the light's triggered it takes a couple of days before it goes out, but if I get a eureka moment I'll post back here.

Thanks for all the input folks,

Ian

[1 Lucky Texan]

there may be instructions to 're-register' or w'ever it's called, the fobs to the system at Subaru Research Site- specs, prices, options, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009.. Outback, Legacy, Forester, WRX, STI, Impreza, Tribeca, BRZ, XV Crosstrek

might be helpful but ????

[diem]

There is! Could come in handy - thanks man

[canubaru]

i would talk to the dealer. you bought the item there and they did the work AT GREAT COST and it does not work right.

[diem]

Originally Posted by canubaru

i would talk to the dealer. you bought the item there and they did the work AT GREAT COST and it does not work right.

Yeah I think you're right. I followed the instructions at cars101.com for re-registering the remote, but it turns out that doesn't clear the fault code so the light stays on regardless.

I spoke to the dealer and indeed the remote starters are linked into the immobiliser (I guess this should be obviously really!) and could cause the solid Security light. I've booked it in on the promise that if their programming mistake caused the issue then they'll not charge me a cent. Will post back in a week after the appointment...