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2005 subaru outback keyfob problems

12K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  rjrapier  
#1 ·
I have 2005 Subaru Outback and both of my key fobs are not working. I tried reprogramming on both fobs according to programming instruction in owner manual and Youtube videos, didn't work. I bought a refurbished fob from online retailer and tried multiple times and still not working. Any advice??
 
#4 ·
For the original remotes, it is somewhat common for the buttons on the circuit board inside to physically come off and no longer work. But this is usually only one button and on mine it was the "lock" button. The remote still functioned for all the other buttons.

When you went to program the remotes, how far did you get in the programming procedure? I know that it is a completely convoluted process of trying to tap out that code using the buttons on the door.

Is it possible that there is something wrong with the keyless entry module inside the vehicle? Are there any other electrical issues with the vehicle? Did the electric lock on the tailgate function properly? Did other things in the tailgate area stop working like the wiper or reverse lights? The wiring in the tailgate wiring boot is notorious for breaking and causing all sorts of electrical issues throughout the vehicle.

Also check the fuses to make sure none are blown.
 

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#8 ·
For the original remotes, it is somewhat common for the buttons on the circuit board inside to physically come off and no longer work. But this is usually only one button and on mine it was the "lock" button. The remote still functioned for all the other buttons.

When you went to program the remotes, how far did you get in the programming procedure? I know that it is a completely convoluted process of trying to tap out that code using the buttons on the door.

Is it possible that there is something wrong with the keyless entry module inside the vehicle? Are there any other electrical issues with the vehicle? Did the electric lock on the tailgate function properly? Did other things in the tailgate area stop working like the wiper or reverse lights? The wiring in the tailgate wiring boot is notorious for breaking and causing all sorts of electrical issues throughout the vehicle.

Also check the fuses to make sure none are blown.
Is there a way to fix this without having to replace the remotes? I have one remote that lock button doesn't work and the other remote the unlock button doesn't work...
 
#5 ·
things I checked

First, I checked inside the keyfob and cleaned up all dust inside and check the connection in key fob and replaced the battery. I know it's not battery or connection of key fobs.
When I reprogrammed, the car responded all steps until the door lock moved to lock and unlock position after entering key fob combination number entry twice. but after that the key fobs are still not responding and after so many trials, now the door lock moves when I enter the key fob combination second time and it shouldn't be according to Youtube videos. I have 3 key fobs now and they all have same problems. I checked electric wiring, lighting and everything else are all fine. I am not sure about receiver part of the vehicle though. All I checked in the car part is fuse number 3 and 15 according to manual and they both are intact.
Thanks for your responses all.
 
#7 ·
First, I checked inside the keyfob and cleaned up all dust inside and check the connection in key fob and replaced the battery. I know it's not battery or connection of key fobs.
When I reprogrammed, the car responded all steps until the door lock moved to lock and unlock position after entering key fob combination number entry twice. but after that the key fobs are still not responding and after so many trials, now the door lock moves when I enter the key fob combination second time and it shouldn't be according to Youtube videos. I have 3 key fobs now and they all have same problems. I checked electric wiring, lighting and everything else are all fine. I am not sure about receiver part of the vehicle though. All I checked in the car part is fuse number 3 and 15 according to manual and they both are intact.
Thanks for your responses all.
I need to go back through the procedure I used to pair the remote, but if I recall, there was something different that I had to do that wasn't in the instructions anywhere and the pairing failed if it wasn't done at the end.
 
#10 ·
Had the same issue here, both keyfobs the lock switch came completely off the board. One of them the unlock switch was loose, but still worked intermittently. I open them up, cleanup the pads and switch contacts with a pencil eraser, and soldered the two lock switches back on the board. Resoldered the one unlock switch that was loose. Now I have two fully functional keyfobs again. Not sure how long they will last, we shall see.