2023 Subaru Forester Key and Keyless access with push-button start system Base

With its smart key and keyless entry system and push-button start, the 2023 Subaru Forester stands out as a beacon of convenience and innovation in the world of car technology, which is always changing. The Forester is known for being tough, versatile, and able to handle all kinds of weather, but it is also a perfect blend of traditional workmanship and modern improvements. With this system, Subaru takes convenience to a new level by making it easy for drivers to open, get into, and start their Forester. In this full introduction, we go into detail about how the key and keyless entry system of the 2023 Subaru Forester works, showing how well precision engineering and modern connectivity work together. As a sign of how much Subaru wants to improve the driving experience, this feature is not just a luxury but an important part of the Forester’s character. It promises a new era of ease and accessibility on every trip.

2023 Subaru Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)

NOTE
For models with “keyless access with push-button start system”, refer to “Keyless access with push-button start system”
The following keys are provided with the vehicle.

1. Master keys
2.  Valet key
3.  Key number plate

These keys can be used in the following locations.

• Ignition switch
• Driver’s door
• Glove box (except the valet key)

The valet key fits only the ignition switch and door locks. You can keep the glove box locked when you leave your vehicle and valet key at a parking facility.

NOTE
Locking/unlocking using the remote keyless entry system can also be controlled with the buttons on the key. 

CAUTION
Do not attach a large key holder or key case to either key. If it bangs against your knees while you are driving, it could turn the ignition switch from the “ON” position to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position, thereby stopping the engine.

 Key number plate
The key number is stamped on the key number plate attached to the key set. Write down the key number and keep it in another safe place, not in the vehicle. This number is needed to make a replacement key if you lose your key or lock it inside the vehicle. 

Keyless access with a push-button start system (if equipped)

Subaru Forester key fob
The following access key fobs are provided with the vehicle.

1.  Access key fobs
2. Key number plate

The “keyless access with push-button start system” allows the following functions to be performed when the access key fob is being carried.

• Locking and unlocking of doors, rear gate and fuel filler lid (For details, refer to “Locking and unlocking by holding the access subaru forester key fob”)
• Starting and stopping the engine (For details, refer to “Starting and stopping the engine (models with push-button start system)”
• Arming and disarming the alarm system (For details, refer to “Alarm system)

NOTE

• Locking/unlocking using the remote keyless entry system can also be controlled with the buttons on the access key fob. For details, refer to “Remote Subaru keyless entry system”
• Carefully store the key number plate supplied with the access key fob. It is necessary for vehicle repair and additional registration of access key fobs. 

An emergency key is attached to each access key fob.

1. Release button
2. Emergency key

Press the release button of the access key fob to take out the emergency key. The emergency key is used for the following operations.

• Locking and unlocking the driver’s door. Locking and unlocking the glove box.

NOTE
The glove box can be kept locked when the vehicle and the access key fob (with the emergency key removed) are left at a parking facility.

Safety precautions

WARNING
If you wear an implanted pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator, stay at least 8.7 in (22 cm) away from the transmitting antennas installed on the vehicle.
The radio waves from the transmitting antennas on the vehicle could adversely affect the operation of implanted pacemakers and implanted defibrillators.

If you wear electronic medical equipment other than an implanted pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator, before using the keyless access with push-button start system, refer to “Radio waves used for the key-less access with push-button start system” mentioned later, and contact the electronic medical equipment manufacturer for more information. The radio waves from the transmitting antennas on the vehicle could adversely affect the operation of the electronic medical equipment. “Radio waves used for the keyless access with push-button start system”

• The keyless access with a pushbutton start system uses radio waves of the following frequency* in addition to the radio waves used for the remote keyless entry system. The radio waves are periodically output from the antennas installed on the vehicle as shown in the following illustrations.
  *: Radio frequency: 134 kHz

CAUTION

• Never leave or store the access key fob inside the vehicle or within 6.6 ft (2 m) around the vehicle (e.g., in the garage). The access key fob may be locked inside the vehicle, or the battery may discharge rapidly. Note that the push-button ignition switch may not turn on in some cases depending on the location of the access key fob.
• The access key fob contains electronic components. Observe the following precautions to prevent malfunctions.
  • It is recommended to have the access key battery replaced at an authorized SUBARU dealer to avoid the risk of damage.
  • Do not get the access key fob wet. If the access key fob gets wet, wipe it off immediately and let it dry completely.
  • Do not apply strong impacts to the access key fob.
  • Never leave the access key fob in direct sunlight or anywhere that may become hot, such as on the dashboard. It may damage the battery or cause circuit malfunctions.
  • Do not wash the access key fob in an ultrasonic washer.
  • Do not leave the access key fob in humid or dusty locations. Doing so may cause malfunctions.
  • Keep the access key fob away from magnetic sources.
  • Do not leave the access key fob near a personal computer or home electrical appliance.
  •  Do not leave the access key fob near a battery charger or any electrical accessories.
  • Do not apply metallic window tint or attach metallic objects to the windows.
  • Do not fit nongenuine accessories or parts.
• If the access key fob is dropped, the integrated emergency key inside may become loose. Be careful not to lose the emergency key.
• When travelling in an aeroplane, do not press the button of the access key fob. If any button of the access key fob is pressed, radio waves are emitted and may affect the operation of the aeroplane. in a bag, take measures to prevent the buttons from being pressed accidentally.

NOTE

•  The operational/non-operational setting for the keyless access function can be changed. 
• For detailed information about the operation method for the push-button ignition switch while the keyless access function is switched to the non-operational mode, refer to “Access key fob – if access key fob does not operate properly.
• The keyless access with a push-button start system uses weak radio waves. The status of the access subaru forester key fob and environmental conditions may interfere with the communication between the access key fob and the vehicle under the following conditions, and it may not be possible to lock or unlock the doors or start the engine.
  • When operating near a facility where strong radio waves are transmitted, such as a broadcast station and power transmission lines.
  • When products that transmit radio waves are used, such as an access key fob or a remote transmitter key of another vehicle.
  • When carrying the access key fob of your vehicle together with the access key fob or the remote transmitter of another vehicle.
  • When the access key fob is placed near wireless communication equipment such as a cell phone.
  • When the access key fob is placed near a metallic object.
  • When metallic accessories are attached to the access key fob.
  • When carrying the access key fob with an electronic appliance such as a laptop computer.
  • When the battery of the access key fob is discharged.
• The access key fob is always communicating with the vehicle and is continuously using the battery. Although the life of the battery varies depending on the operating conditions, it is approximately 1 to 2 years. If the battery becomes fully discharged, replace it with a new one.
• If an access key fob is lost, it is recommended that all of the remaining access key fobs be reregistered. For reregistration of an access key fob, contact a SUBARU dealer.
• For a spare access key fob, contact a SUBARU dealer.
• Up to 7 access key fobs can be registered for one vehicle.
• Do not leave the access key fob in the storage spaces inside the vehicle, such as the door pocket, dashboard or inside the corner of the cargo area. Vibrations may damage the key fob or turn on the switch, possibly resulting in a lockout.
• After the vehicle battery is discharged or replaced, initialization of the steering lock system may be required to start the engine. In this case, perform the following procedure to initialize the steering lock.

1.  Turn the push-button ignition switch to the “OFF” position. 
2.  Open and close the driver’s door.
3. Wait for approximately 10 seconds.

When the steering is locked, the initialization is completed.

• Do not leave the access key fob in the following places.
  •  On the instrument panel
  • On the floor
  • Inside the glove box
  • Inside the door trim pocket
  • On the rear seat
  • In the cargo area

If you do, the following situations may occur.

• The access key fob is mistakenly locked inside the vehicle.
• A false warning issues although no malfunction actually occurs.
• No warning issues even when a malfunction occurs.

Locking and unlocking by holding the access key fob
When the access Subaru Forester key fob is carried within the operating range, the doors, rear gate and fuel filler lid can be locked/unlocked just by touching the door handle.

NOTE
The vehicle can also be locked/unlocked with the remote keyless entry system. 

Operating ranges

1. Antennas
2. Operating range (approximately 16 to 32 in (40 to 80 cm))

When the access key fob is within either of the operating ranges of the front doors, the LED indicator on the access key fob flashes. When the keyless access functions are disabled, the LED indicator does not flash unless a button on the access key fob is pressed.

NOTE

• If the access Subaru forester key fob is placed too close to the vehicle body, the keyless access functions may not operate properly. If it does not operate properly, repeat the operation from farther away. If the access key fob is placed near the ground or in an elevated location from the ground, even if it is in the indicated operating range, the key-less access function may not operate properly.
• When the access key fob is within the operating range, it is possible for anyone, even someone who is not carrying the access key fob, to operate the keyless access function. Note that the keyless access function can be operated only by the door handle, door lock sensor, rear gate opener button or rear lock button in the operating range in which the access key fob is detected.
• It is not possible to lock the doors, rear gate and fuel filler lid using the keyless access function when the access key fob is inside the vehicle. However, depending on the status of the access key fob and the environmental conditions, the access key fob may be locked inside the vehicle. Before locking the vehicle, make sure that you have the access key fob.
• When the battery of the access key fob is discharged, or when operating it in a location with strong radio waves or noise (e.g., near a radio tower, power plant, broadcast station or an area where wireless equipment is used), or while talking on a cell phone, the operating ranges may be reduced, or the keyless access function may not operate. In such a case, perform the procedure described in “Locking and unlocking” 
• The doors may lock or unlock when the car is being washed or exposed to a significant amount of water that contacts the door handle while the key fob is still in the operating range.

How to lock and unlock
It is possible to perform the following operations when you are carrying the access key fob.

• Lock and unlock the doors.
• Lock and unlock the rear gate.
• Lock and unlock the fuel filler lid.

NOTE

• It is not possible to lock the doors, rear gate, and fuel filler lid using the keyless access function when the push-button ignition switch is in the “ACC” or “ON” position. 
• If the door handle is gripped with a gloved hand, the door lock may not be released.
• If the door lock sensor is touched three times or more repeatedly, the system will ignore the sensor operation.
• When performing the locking procedure too quickly, locking may not be complete. After performing the locking procedure, it is recommended to pull the REAR door handle to confirm that the doors have been locked.
• If any of the doors (or the rear gate) is not fully closed, the following will occur to alert you that the doors (or the rear gate) are not properly closed.
  •  An electronic chirp sounds five times.
  • The hazard warning flashers flash five times.
• It is possible to lock the doors even when one of the doors is open. After performing the locking procedure, close the opened door or rear gate to lock it.
• Within 3 seconds after locking the doors and the rear gate using the keyless access function, it is not possible to unlock doors and/or the rear gate using the keyless access function.
• When locking, be sure to carry the access key fob to prevent locking the access key fob in the vehicle.
• The setting of the hazard warning flasher operation and the volume of the audible signal can be changed by your SUBARU dealer. Contact your SUBARU dealer for details. Also, the setting of the hazard warning flasher operation can be changed by operating the combination meter display (color LCD).

Locking with the door lock sensor

Carry the access key fob, close all doors including the rear gate, and touch the door lock sensor on the door handle. All doors including the rear gate and fuel filler lid will be locked. Also, an electronic chirp will sound once and the hazard warning flashers will flash once.

Locking with the rear lock button

Carry the access key fob, close all doors including the rear gate, and press the rear lock button. The rear gate, fuel filler lid, and all doors will be locked. Also, an electronic chirp will sound once and the hazard warning flashers will flash once.

Locking with the power rear gate lock button

Power rear gate lock button

Carry the access key fob, and press the power rear gate lock button. It will close automatically, and the rear gate, all doors and the fuel filler lid will be locked. Also, the hazard warning flashers will flash once, and an electronic chirp will sound once.

Unlocking

Carry the access key fob, and touch the sensor behind the door handle.

• The driver’s door handle:
  Either the driver’s door and fuel filler lid will unlock, or all doors and the fuel filler lid will unlock.
• The front passenger’s door handle: The fuel filler lid, rear gate and all doors will be unlocked.

Also, an electronic chirp will sound twice and the hazard warning flashers will flash twice.

Unlocking rear gate

Rear gate opener button

Carry the access key fob, and press the rear gate opener button. Either only the rear gate will unlock, or all doors and the fuel filler lid will unlock. Also, an electronic chirp will sound twice and the hazard warning flashers will flash twice.

Door unlock selection function
When the door is unlocked using the keyless access function, only the doors that were set can be unlocked.

The settings can be changed with the following methods.

• The setting can be changed by operating the combination meter display (color LCD).
• The setting can be changed by a SUBARU dealer.

Unlock using PIN Code Access
When all doors including the rear gate are locked, you can unlock the doors (including rear gate) without a key by pressing the rear lock button.

Rear lock button

NOTE
PIN Code Access will be helpful if the key fob is accidentally left in the vehicle. It is recommended that a 5-digit security code (PIN code) be registered.

Registration for a PIN code

Steps		Operation	Time from the previous step
1		Turn off the ignition switch.	—
2		Close all doors (including rear gate).	—
3		Press and hold the “” button on the access key fob, and press and hold the rear lock button until a chirp sounds.	Within 5 seconds
4		Press and hold the “” button on the access key fob until a chirp sounds.	Within 30 seconds
		The PIN code is inputted by using the rear lock button within 30 seconds after the chirp sound of step 4. For example, to register “32468” as the PIN code, perform the following procedure.	Within 30 seconds
5	(1)	Press the button three times.
	(2)	After a chirp sounds once, press the button twice.
	(3)	After a chirp sounds once, press the button four times.
	(4)	After a chirp sounds once (ding), press the button six times.
	(5)	After a chirp sounds once (ding), press the button eight times.
6		Perform step 5 again within approximately 30 seconds after the chirp starts sounding intermittently.	—
7		All doors will be unlocked and locked. Then the PIN code will be registered.	—

 

NOTE
Press the “ ” button within 30 seconds of step 6 to end the preparation mode and move on to the registration stage. Unless the “ ” button is pressed within 30 seconds after step 6, the PIN code registration will be canceled.

NOTE

• Press the rear lock button ten times to enter “0”.
• Change the PIN code frequently to protect your vehicle from theft.
• If you have lent your vehicle to another person, confirm that the PIN code has not been changed or deleted. If the PIN code has been changed or deleted, reregister a new PIN code.
•  If you make an error during the registration procedure, press the or button on the access key fob. Then, start over from the procedure described in “Preparation for registering a PIN code”.
• To protect your vehicle from theft, you cannot register a string of the same five numbers together, such as “00000”, nor “12345” as a PIN code.
• . Do not register your vehicle license plate number or simple numbers such as “11122” or “12121” as a PIN code. Doing so will increase the risk of vehicle theft.
• When you try to register “22222”, the registered PIN code will be deleted. You cannot unlock the doors by PIN Code Access until a new code is registered.
• After registering a new PIN code, make sure that you can unlock the doors using the PIN code.
• The PIN code cannot be deleted.
• while the keyless access function is disabled by operating the access key fob.
• Reregister the PIN code in the following cases.
  • When you forget the PIN code.
  • When you want to change the PIN code.

Unlocking
Perform step 5 described in “Registration for a PIN code”.

NOTE

• You cannot unlock by PIN Code
  Access in the following cases.
  • When the access key fob is within the operating ranges.
    When the ignition switch is in the “ACC” or “ON” position.
• If you make an operation error during the unlocking procedure, start over with the unlocking procedure after waiting for 5 seconds or longer. . To protect your vehicle from theft, a buzzer will sound if incorrect PIN codes are entered five times continuously. If this occurs, you cannot unlock the doors by PIN Code Access for 5 minutes.

 Power saving function
The keyless access function will be disabled in the following cases to protect the access key fob battery and the vehicle battery.

• Case 1: When the keyless access function and the remote keyless entry system have not been used for 2 weeks or longer while all doors are locked.

Operate one of the following items to recover the keyless access function:

• Unlock the doors by any procedure other than gripping the front passenger’s door handle.
• Lock the doors.
•  Open a door and then close it.
• Case 2: When the access key fob has been left in the operating range for 10 minutes or longer while all doors are locked.

Operate one of the following items to recover the keyless access function:

• Unlock the doors by gripping the door handle.
• Unlock the doors by pressing the rear gate opener button.
• Lock the doors by touching the door
• Lock or unlock the doors using the remote keyless entry system.
• Lock or unlock the doors using the power door locking switch.
• Open either of the front doors.

Power saving function of access key fob

This function stops the access key fob from receiving signals and helps minimize the battery consumption of the access key fob.

1. Press the “ ” button twice while holding the “ ” button.
2.  Confirm that the LED indicator blinks 4 times to notify that the setting is complete.
   When the access key fob is in the power save mode, the keyless access function and push-button start system will not be available.

To cancel the power save mode, press one of the buttons on the access key fob.

Disabling the keyless access function

WARNING
If you wear an implanted pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator, perform the procedure described in “By operating the driver’s door” P123 to disable the keyless access function. If you perform the procedure described in “By operating the access key fob” P122, the operation of an implanted pacemaker or implanted defibrillator may be affected by the radio waves from the transmitter antenna.

When the vehicle is not going to be used for a long time or when you choose not to use the keyless access function, the key-less access function can be disabled.

NOTE

• The locking and unlocking function by the remote keyless entry system is not disabled.
• To start the engine while the functions are disabled, perform the procedure described in “Starting engine

Disabling functions

• By operating the access key fob

If you have registered a PIN code for PIN Code Access, you can disable the keyless access function by operating the access key fob. For details about registering a PIN code, refer to “Unlock using PIN Code Access”

1. Open the driver’s door.
2. Rotate the lock lever toward the lock position.
   
3. Press and hold the “ ” button and “ ” button on the access key fob simultaneously for more than 5 seconds.

A chirp will sound, and the function will be disabled.

By operating the driver’s door

FAQ

Useful Link

View Full User Guide: Subaru Forester 2023 Base User Guide

Subaru Forester 2023 New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles User Guide

2023 Subaru Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)