According to cars101.com, not all, 2005 models were equipped with the immobilizer which is based on (i.e. needs) the use of keys with transponders. It looks as if some "higher" trim models in both the Legacy and Outback series had it, but not the lower trims. I wouldn't be surprised if Subaru supplied the same design keys for all models.

The immobilizer prevents the engine from starting, or will shut it down soon after starting, if the proper coded signal is not received from the key transponder. But if there's no immobilizer, then you can use any key that fits, whether or not it includes the transponder in the head.

Do you have the Owners Manual?

 

transponder

My 2005, 2.5i, MT, has no transponder.

I have had mixed success with copied keys since the copy machine will copy the wear patterns, and I get a new old key. This car seems pickier about key quality than other cars I've owned.

I have had the dealer cut new keys ($10) which work perfectly.

 

Why the **** does everyone go to eBay to research keys?

Lol. . .sorry. . .day job.

Ok, here's the skinny: unless yours is a GT or was intended for a different market (Canada, for example), it's probably not transponder in 05. Any locksmith worth his brass shavings can scan the key and tell instantly if it has a chip or not, yours truly included.

Call the dealer with your VIN, they can tell you. Or go to a locksmith that specializes in autos. . . but for the sake of all things with 6 star logos on them, put your faith in a human being with catalogs/resource guides in front of them rather than online flea markets.

If you want a properly-cut key, go to the dealer or ask a locksmith to decode and code cut you one. We do it without folks asking as better than half the car keys that come in are worn past the point where we could duplicate them successfully anyway.

 

here's the scoop

First, thank you all for taking the time to respond. I appreciate it.

So, here's the scoop.

The parts manager says in all of his years he's never encountered this.

Apparently the specified part number for my key is for a key that looks exactly like the transponder key, but is itself not chipped. And this is what was misleading. My key looks like a transponder key, but is an ordinary key.

I was able to get a new key for about $12. Whew. Problem solved and for a lot less than I imagined.

 

I had a 2005 Subaru Legacy Outback that took a plain flat metal key.
Now I have a 2005 Subaru Legacy Outback that has a fancier looking key that I have been told many times, has a transponder....but I lost it in the snow.
I went to the dealership to get a replacement key based on the VIN number. To my surprise, they cut me a key from a plain flat metal blank!! The key doesn't work. It only turns the door lock a little- not enough to unlock it- and it doesn't turn in the ignition at all. The people at the dealership say the reason it doesn't work is because the lock cylinder is worn and so the new key and the old lock cylinder don't work together. I am wondering if that is the real reason or if the real reason is that the key needs a chip in it. If the key need a chip and doesn't happen, what happens when you try to start the car? Does the key turn without starting the car? Or does the key fail to turn?