Lost your car key fob or need to program a new one for your 2013 Subaru Forester? Don’t worry, you might be able to program it yourself without a trip to the dealership. This guide provides easy-to-follow instructions to program your 2013 Subaru Forester key fob, saving you time and money.
Understanding Your Key Fob Type
Before you start, it’s important to identify the type of key fob you have. Open the back cover of your key fob. You might need a small bladed screwdriver or Phillips head screwdriver depending on your model.
Once open, locate the ID number inside the remote. It will be an 8-digit number. If you see two rows of numbers, use the row that contains only numbers, without any letters.
Based on the internal components, you might have two types of remotes, as described below for programming purposes:
- REMOTE A: This type allows you to program the remote functions completely following the procedure below.
- REMOTE B: This type will only program the remote buttons to lock and unlock your doors. You will need to get the key cut and the transponder chip programmed by a dealer or locksmith for the key to start your car.
Step-by-Step Programming Guide for Your 2013 Subaru Forester Key Fob
Follow these instructions carefully to program your key fob. It may seem complicated at first, but if you read through the steps and understand the process beforehand, it’s quite straightforward. If you don’t succeed on your first try, don’t worry, you can repeat the process as many times as needed.
Preparation Before You Begin
- Ensure all doors, including the trunk or tailgate, are completely closed.
- Sit in the driver’s seat and close the driver’s side door. Make sure all doors remain shut throughout the initial steps.
Entering Programming Mode
- Turn the ignition key from the “LOCK” position to the “ON” position rapidly 10 times within 15 seconds. “ON” is the position just before you would start the engine. Do not start the car.
- If you have successfully entered programming mode, your 2013 Subaru Forester will respond by flashing its lights and emitting an audible tone. This confirms that the vehicle is ready to program a new key fob.
- If you do not see the lights flash or hear the tone, exit the vehicle, ensure all doors are closed again, and repeat steps 3 and 4.
Inputting Your Key Fob’s ID Code
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Open and then close the driver’s side door. The audible tone should continue, indicating the vehicle is still in programming mode.
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Now, using the 8-digit ID code you located inside your key fob, you will input this code using the door lock button on the driver’s side door panel.
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For each digit of the 8-digit code:
- Press the “LOCK” button the number of times corresponding to the digit.
- Immediately after pressing the “LOCK” button(s), press the “UNLOCK” button once to move to the next digit.
- Repeat this process for all 8 digits of your code.
Example: If your 8-digit code is 12345678 (remember to use your actual code, this is just an example):
- Press “LOCK” once, then “UNLOCK”.
- Press “LOCK” twice, then “UNLOCK”.
- Press “LOCK” three times, then “UNLOCK”.
- Continue this pattern until you have entered all 8 digits.
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After entering all 8 digits, press the “UNLOCK” button one final time.
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Repeat step 7 and 8 again. Enter the entire 8-digit code a second time using the door lock and unlock buttons as described.
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Once you have finished entering the 8th digit for the second time, you should hear a tone that lasts for approximately 30 seconds. This tone confirms successful programming.
Programming Additional Remotes (Optional)
- If you have additional key fobs to program, you must immediately repeat steps 5 through 11 for each additional remote. You need to do this while the vehicle is still in programming mode (during that 30-second tone).
- If you do not have any additional remotes to program, proceed to the next step to exit programming mode.
Completing the Programming
- Remove the key from the ignition.
Programming is now complete for your 2013 Subaru Forester key fob. Test the lock and unlock buttons to ensure they are working correctly. If you have REMOTE B type, remember you may still need to visit a dealer or locksmith for key cutting and transponder programming to start your car.
This DIY guide should help you program your 2013 Subaru Forester key fob quickly and efficiently. Enjoy the convenience of your newly programmed remote!
