Subaru Forester 2023 Access key fob
Should the 2023 Subaru Forester’s access key fob not function as intended, it is imperative to conduct a methodical troubleshooting procedure. Initially, make sure the battery in the key fob is not running low and, if necessary, replace it with a new one by following the manufacturer’s instructions. If the key fob is still not working, look for any physical damage or corrosion on the key fob or battery terminals, and fix any problems you find. Additionally, confirm that there are no sources of electronic interference nearby and that you are within the functioning range of the key fob. To diagnose and fix any underlying problems with the key fob or the car’s remote entry system, consider reviewing the owner’s manual, getting in touch with Subaru customer service, or visiting a licensed dealership if these solutions don’t work.
2023 Subaru Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Access key fob –If the Access key fob Does Not Operate Properly
CAUTION
Keep metallic objects, magnetic sources, and signal transmitters away from the area between the access key fob and the push-button ignition switch. They may interfere with the communication between the access key fob and the push-button ignition switch. The following functions may be inoperable because of strong radio signals in the surrounding area or a low battery condition of the access key fob.
- Locking/unlocking doors (including the rear gate)
- Switching power status
- Starting engine
In such cases, perform the following procedure. When the battery of the access key fob is discharged, replace it with a new one.
Locking and unlocking
- Release button
- Emergency key
While pressing the release button of the access key fob, take out the emergency key. Lock or unlock the driver’s door with the emergency key in the procedure described in “Locking and unlocking from the outside” P132.
NOTE
After locking or unlocking, be sure to attach the emergency key back to the access key fob.
Switching power status
- Apply the parking brake.
- Shift the select lever to the “P” (Park) position.
- Depress the brake pedal.
- Hold the access key fob with the buttons facing you, and touch the push-button ignition switch with it. When the communication between the access key fob and the vehicle is completed, a chime (ding) will sound. At the same time, the status of the push-button ignition switch changes to either of the following.
- When the keyless access with the push-button start system is deactivated: “ACC”
- Under other conditions: “ON”
- When the keyless access with the push-button start system is deactivated, press the push-button ignition switch with the brake pedal released. The status of the push-button ignition switch then changes to “ON”.
NOTE
If the power does not switch even though the above procedure was followed precisely, contact your SUBARU dealer.
Starting engine
- Apply the parking brake.
- Shift the select lever to the “P” (Park) position.
- Depress the brake pedal.
- Hold the access key fob with the buttons facing you, and touch the push-button ignition switch with it. When the communication between the access key fob and the vehicle is completed, a chime (ding) will sound. At the same time, the push-button ignition switch turns to the “ACC” or “ON” position.
- After the push-button ignition switch turns to the “ACC” or “ON” position, while depressing the brake pedal, press the push-button ignition switch.
If the engine does not start even though the above procedure was followed precisely, contact your SUBARU dealer.
Rear gate – if the rear gate cannot be opened
In the event that you cannot open the rear gate by operating the rear gate opener button, you can open it from inside the cargo area.
- Remove the access cover at the bottom center of the rear gate trim using a flat-head screwdriver wrapped with vinyl tape or cloth.
- Locate the rear gate open lever behind the rear gate trim.
CAUTION
Never operate the rear gate open lever with your fingers because doing so may cause an injury. Always use a flat-head screwdriver or a similar tool.
Models without power rear gate
Models with power rear gate - To open the rear gate, turn the lever to the right position.
Moonroof (if equipped) – if the moonroof does not close
If the moonroof does not close, we recommend that you have the system checked by a SUBARU dealer.
If your vehicle is involved in an accident
If your vehicle is involved in an accident, be sure to inspect the ground under the vehicle before restarting the engine. If you find that fuel has leaked on the ground, do not try to restart the engine. The fuel system has been damaged and is in need of repair. Immediately contact the nearest automotive service facility. We recommend that you consult your SUBARU dealer. Your vehicle has a fuel pump shut-off system. When the vehicle sustains an impact in an accident, etc., the fuel pump shut-off system stops supplying the fuel in order to minimize fuel leakage. However, depending on the impact conditions at the time of the collision, the fuel pump shut-off system may not operate.
Perform the following procedures to restart the engine after the system is activated.
Models without “keyless access with push-button start system”:
- Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” or “ACC” position.
- Restart the engine.
Models with “keyless access with push-button start system”:
- Turn the push-button ignition switch to the “ACC” or “OFF” position.
- Restart the engine.
Automatic door locking/unlocking operation when involved in an accident
When the automatic door locking/unlocking function is ON, all the doors will be locked automatically while driving. When the vehicle sustains a strong impact which may trigger the airbags to deploy, the door locks may be unlocked automatically to enable emergency escape. Generally, an impact sustained from a rear-end collision does not trigger the airbags to deploy. However, if the impact is strong enough to deploy the airbags, it can also trigger the unlocking function. Under such circumstances, the automatic door unlocking function will be suspended and the doors will remain unlocked. Confirm the safety of the surroundings first and carry out the following to retrieve the automatic door locking/unlocking function.
Models without “keyless access with push-button start system”:
- Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position.
- Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
Models with “keyless access with push-button start system”:
- Turn the push-button ignition switch to the “OFF” position.
- Turn the push-button ignition switch to the “ON” position.
NOTE
Depending on the severity of the impact, emergency unlocking may not function.
CAUTION
If the following occurs, there may be a malfunction in the system.
Have the system inspected by a SUBARU dealer.
- The doors unlock automatically while driving.
- With all doors shut, the doors unlock when pressing the lock side of the power door locking switch.
- The automatic door locking/unlocking function does not operate.
FAQ
You can typically unlock and lock the doors by pressing the appropriate buttons on the key fob.
First, ensure you are within the key fob’s operational range. If it still doesn’t work, check the battery and replace it if necessary.
Yes, most vehicles, including the Forester, have a physical keyhole in the driver’s door that can be used to manually unlock the vehicle.
Subaru may provide a physical emergency key inside the key fob, which can be used for manual unlocking and starting the vehicle if needed.
Check the key fob’s battery, button condition, and any visible physical damage. Replace the battery or contact a Subaru dealership for repairs if necessary.
Yes, electronic interference from other devices or sources can disrupt the key fob’s signal. Move to a different location and try again.
It’s possible that the batteries in the door lock actuators need replacement. Consult a Subaru dealership for a thorough inspection.
Reprogramming the key fob typically requires specialized equipment and may need to be performed by a Subaru dealership or a professional locksmith.
Depending on the damage, some key fobs can be repaired, but it’s often more cost-effective to replace them.
Yes, if you have a spare key fob, you can use it while troubleshooting the non-functioning one.
Some vehicles have a procedure for starting the engine without the key fob, usually involving inserting the physical key and following specific steps outlined in the owner’s manual.
Yes, Subaru dealerships can provide replacement key fobs, but they may need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle.
Reprogramming a replacement key fob typically requires access to the vehicle’s onboard computer system, which is a service performed by a Subaru dealership or a professional locksmith.
Subaru may offer a feature to temporarily disable a lost or stolen key fob, preventing unauthorized access to the vehicle. Contact the dealership or refer to the owner’s manual for instructions.
If the key fob battery dies, you can often use the physical key to unlock the doors and access the vehicle. Then, replace the key fob battery as soon as possible.
Useful Link
View Full User Guide: Subaru Forester 2023 Base User Guide
Download Manuals: https://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle-resources/manuals.html
2023 Subaro Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)