Keyless entry - Outback 2001

indy · Post by **indy** » Thu Dec 06, 2012 5:00 pm

Hey guys, so as of yesterday, I'm finally a proud owner of an 2001 3GEN MY02 outback, still using my L series to drive around until i do the timing belt in the outback (its on 197k).

The car only came with 1 key, and the key it came with the key less/remote entry doesn't work. Turning the key in the drivers door will lock/unlock all doors, but using the remote it wont.
I replaced the battery in the key, and checked the fuse in the drivers side panel (i'm assuming thats the only fuse for the key less entry) and still nothing!

Having had an L series with no electric options whatsoever, its not a great deal to me, but would be nice if i could get it working.
Just wondering what the next step is to do/troubleshoot, other then take it to Subaru and fork out a few hundred?

Post by **TOONGA** » Thu Dec 06, 2012 8:00 pm

there is a remote for sale on ebay

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/01-02-03-Sub ... 35bc5bf4f9

directions to get it to work as well

TOONGA

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Thu Dec 06, 2012 8:06 pm

I think the remote needs to be re=programmed - Its common issue for Gen 3 Outback/Liberty. I would recommend you to get another key as well like what Toonga said.
Cheers
AP

indy · Post by **indy** » Thu Dec 06, 2012 9:02 pm

Cheers, thanks for the replies guys!
I tried "reprogramming" the key that i have for the outback, but i couldn't manage to get into programming mode. Will try again with the following instructions listed in that Ebay listing tomorrow:

"Unlock all doors, foot on brake, all doors closed. Cycle key quickly but carefully on-off appr 10 times until the car honks one time.
Do not turn the key far enough to start the car, just to the 'on' position so the dashboard lights up.

When the horn honks, open and close the driver's door, press any remote button and that's it.
Program another remote? Quickly open and close the driver's door again and push a button on the 2nd remote. That's it.

When you're done, remove the key and the horn should honk 3 times. You're all set.
Sometime it takes more than 10 on-offs to set program mode. Open/close the door, lock/unlock etc, wait 10 minutes, then try again."

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Fri Dec 07, 2012 5:01 am

I doubt that will work because there is no connection between the keyless entry controller and the horn, so it must be for another model.

This is from the Gen3 FSM I have

1. TRANSMITTER REGISTRATION
NOTE:
A maximum of 3 transmitters can be registered for
each individual vehicle.
1) Remove the side sill cover at the driver's side,
then connect the registration connectors at the
front pillar lower section.
2) Unlock the door lock.
3) Press any button of the transmitter twice to be
registered.
4) The door lock will automatically lock and unlock
in sequence. This indicates the completion of transmitter
registration for the first transmitter.
5) If registration of another transmitter is now to be
carried out, repeat procedure 3) and 4).
6) Disconnect the registration connectors after the
completion of all registration operations. After confirming
the operation of the door lock using the
newly registered transmitter(s), reinstall the side sill
cover at the driver's side.

The plugs are single pole plugs and I think are opaque in colour, should be behind the cover to the right of the accelerator pedal

indy · Post by **indy** » Fri Dec 07, 2012 10:00 am

I think Gannon is on the money when it comes to reprogramming the key for the Outback, as i tried the other way and no luck! However i removed the drives side sill as in gannons instructions and found this:

I followed the instructions, plugged in the plug, unlocked drivers door and pressed the button on remote twice....... and nothing

Tried it again and again and still nothing.
It looks as if this is the correct procedure for the 01 outback, but either the chip in the key, or something else is not working.

Heres the key i have, and chip:

Seems i need the COJ12 FOB, so far nothing on ebay

Might try the wreckers.

tambox · Post by **tambox** » Fri Dec 07, 2012 10:14 am

Sometimes the problem is the buttons that you press.
They become resistive and effectively do nothing.
When you press the buttons, you should feel a slight "click" as the spring pops.
Sometimes spraying them with "contact cleaner" will clean them up.
You will need to spray them several times and press/release while spraying.

There are some people that have a chinese electronic key cutter system. It is supposed to copy/simulate any type of electronic key/fob systems. I was told (have not seen) that it can do any OEM system.

indy · Post by **indy** » Fri Dec 07, 2012 12:55 pm

Thanks tambox, will try and get my hands on some contact cleaner. Went to jaycar yesterday to get the battery, wish i got some then lol.
The buttons however seem to click fine, they make a nice crisp clicking noise. I will try it anyway but somehow doubt its that in this case.

So far:

Checked Keyless entry fuse in drivers side fuse box
Replaced remote battery
Tried reprogramming, using the connector method. no response from remote

Any other suggestions?
Also if i do get my hands on one from ebay (assuming my current one is a dud), is it just as simple as reprogramming the new key to the car (using above method). Or is it more complex then that?

tambox · Post by **tambox** » Fri Dec 07, 2012 1:24 pm

Beware, a lot of used ones are faulty or intermittant.
The plug method is the correct way, I have done many like that.
As you have the key type, the fob type are not usable.
You need another key, but the keys have their own chips for the ignition dissable.
Its not a easy to sort out the key type system, the fob was much more sensible.
Thats why its worth putting the effort into fixing yours. Generally its the buttons that wear or a connection problem on the circuit board. The electronics are pretty good.
Or if you are lucky, swap it from another key type that is working.

tambox · Post by **tambox** » Fri Dec 07, 2012 1:32 pm

And dont forget to clean the contacts for the batteries and the batteries. check them for any signs of fingerprints (contact cleaner and a cotton bud, will tidy them up) or corrosion. They need to be spotless, correct polatity and voltage. Dont assume the batteries that came out were correct, they may fit, but it was'nt working.

indy · Post by **indy** » Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:15 pm

Okay update. Still haven't got my hands on some contact cleaner, closest place is about 30 mins away and just haven't had time. Hopefully this weekend i will be out that way to pick some up.

I did after a few hours of searching stumble across a key on ebay UK:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/181039441755 ... 1497.l2649

Same key as mine, it is used and untested so its a gamble, however in much better condition than mine so hopeful. Got it for $20 shipped so i thought its worth a shot and couldn't find it anywhere else on the net, guessing it will take awhile to arrive though.

If after i try contact cleaner, and the original remote still fails to work, is it as simple as reprogramming the key i purchased off ebay (if it works) using the connector method. Or does it need to be taken back to the dealer (subaru). I keep reading conflicting things on the internet about only the dealer can do it?

ie. Can a key, that is not the ORIGINAL key for the car, be programmed, or is that something only subaru can do?

littlewhiteute · Post by **littlewhiteute** » Fri Dec 14, 2012 7:02 pm

I have the same key in my '02 WRX.

The remote can be programmed at home, I have done two other remotes for backup.

The transponder chip for the immobiliser can only be done by Subaru.

tambox · Post by **tambox** » Fri Dec 14, 2012 7:26 pm

The key will be useless, unless its the same cut, or still enough meat to be cuttable to match yours, then get it programmed by Subaru.
I do not know if overseas keys use the same frequency range for remotes, as that may be controlled by government rules, or may not.
The connector method will program the remote, if it works, if its the correct frequency and pulse pattern.

You can get a non imobiliser key cut by any locksmith, then remove the imobiliser tab from your good key and silicone it to the steering lock.
This has been done due to the cost of OEM keys. It means your imobiliser no longer works.
Or you can electrically bypass the imobiliser, to allow you (or anybody else) to use any cheap key that has been cut to suit.
A lot of people want more than one key and a willing to do this for convinience.

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Sat Dec 15, 2012 8:56 am

How do you electronically bypass the immobiliser? I thought this has been tried before and the ecu simply wont operate without the signal from the immobiliser.

tambox · Post by **tambox** » Sat Dec 15, 2012 5:15 pm

If you follow the wiring diagram, there is are 3 wires that go from the imobiliser to the computer.
Simulate what the imobiliser sends on these wires.

OR, not tried, the imobiliser, throught the CPU controls the pump relay earth, cam angle sensor and crank angle sensor connection. It shows CPU pin connections for either systems with or with out the imobiliser, so swap the wires to the non imobiliser pins. This may be CPU type dependant or not????

Subyroo · Post by **Subyroo** » Sat Dec 15, 2012 8:44 pm

tambox wrote:I do not know if overseas keys use the same frequency range for remotes, as that may be controlled by government rules, or may not.
The connector method will program the remote, if it works, if its the correct frequency and pulse pattern.

The overseas Keyless Remotes use a different frequency to ours, I have been chasing a PCB for the keyless remote to my 03 Forester for the past 12 mths and I'm still looking.

I bought a 2nd hand key from a wrecker took the PCB out of it, put it into mine and had my Subaru workshop use a genuine subaru key coding device on it and it still failed.

If there has already been 3 keys coded (includes any of your own recoding) to the transmitter you will need to have it cleared by Subaru or a workshop that at least has the Subaru Coding Device.

I have all but given up on getting a replacement PCB and having 2 x keys with Kelyless Remotes.

tambox · Post by **tambox** » Sat Dec 15, 2012 8:55 pm

On the 2000/1 outbacks, the plug method lets you reset the reciever and you can self program 3 remotes.

The imobiliser key system can be set or reset by Subaru, provided you give them all of your keys.

Varying frequencies/codes between countries are common.

Subyroo · Post by **Subyroo** » Sat Dec 15, 2012 9:07 pm

tambox wrote:On the 2000/1 outbacks, the plug method lets you reset the reciever and you can self program 3 remotes.

The imobiliser key system can be set or reset by Subaru, provided you give them all of your keys.

Varying frequencies/codes between countries are common.

But once you reach that 3 remote limit it has to be reset by Subaru the plug will not let you reset it, well it works that way with my Forester anyway, my workshop had to clear the transmitter before they could even start to try and use their machine.

tambox · Post by **tambox** » Sun Dec 16, 2012 6:33 pm

Interesting comment, Subyroo, as I have only ever added 1 or 2 central locking control remotes.

Theoretically, it comes down to who programmed the remotes last time, Subaru dealer or not and what they did when they programmed them.
The car would have come with 2 remotes when new. Adding one still fits in the three remotes theory.
Adding two, when there was only one fits in the three remotes theory, provided it had been reset (if required) by someone, for the one only remote.

I do not know, BUT, I have never had a problem adding one or two remotes, using the plug method.

indy · Post by **indy** » Sun Dec 30, 2012 2:31 pm

Okay so i received my second hand Key from the UK, looked in much better condition than the one i currently have with the car. Put a new battery in it, attempted to program it in.................. and nothing

Either both keys are stuffed, or something with the actual control unit is. Anyway i've decided to ditch it all together, and go with something similar to this:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Car-Remote-C ... 2ec0a49b11

$13 shipped. Two keyless remotes.
My girlfriends dad has put a fair few of these into friends/neighbours cars now, and said the quality suprised him and they are relatively easy to install.

Theres alot of different kits to choose from, with different remotes etc.
I've given up on the original key-less entry and am going to just install this.