Key fob woes

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Randall-in-Mpls
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Key fob woes

Post by Randall-in-Mpls »

Hi, all. I had an account here years ago, but couldn't recover it. (Long gone computers and email address.)

Recently, my only working key fob started acting like it had a low battery. After installing a new battery and syncing per instructions, it will not retain the sync, and quickly begins to act like the battery is depleted. (Won't respond when the button is pushed. Full to faint flicker on the LED.) I managed to get the (stock Alpine) security system into programming mode to re-associate the fob, but it made no difference. My "working" fob is now no different than the other I retired several years ago.
Has anyone here had a similar experience? Do the fobs begin eating batteries when they get old?
What are my options? Are the replacements on eBay any good?

Thanks.
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Guacamole
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Re: Key fob woes

Post by Guacamole »

I have to replace mine at least once per 6 months. Coworker with an 06 Forester's has to replace his around the same timeframe.
What's this LED you're referring to? There's no lights on the stock Subie fobs.
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Randall-in-Mpls
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Re: Key fob woes

Post by Randall-in-Mpls »

Do you replace the batteries, or the remotes?
There is an LED on the '05 Baja's remote, just above the orange Lock button.
This morning, the car battery was dead. I've read about this happening. Apparently, programming mode can cause the security system to run the battery down. I'll need to research this some more.
I suspect the remote failures might be cold solder joints at the batter contacts. I'll try to resolder one tonight.
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Guacamole
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Re: Key fob woes

Post by Guacamole »

I'm not familiar with that. The stock Subaru fob for all Bajas was this kind:
Image

I'm assuming you have this kind?
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joedavex
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Re: Key fob woes

Post by joedavex »

I've had this one for my son's '05 since 2019 and it's been working fine.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HMDNEAQ
Of course it's currently unavailable but I'm fairly sure it's a generic item, any of the similar ones will be equivalent quality.
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joedavex
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Re: Key fob woes

Post by joedavex »

Guacamole wrote: Mon Jan 17, 2022 3:35 pm The stock Subaru fob for all Bajas was this kind:
Image
Interesting, I've never seen that fob. My '05 came with a car starter remote that was aftermarket and one of my '04s had the generic version and the other came without any fob.
You learn something new everyday! Thanks for the info.
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Randall-in-Mpls
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Re: Key fob woes

Post by Randall-in-Mpls »

Mine's got the Alpine system, same as the Outback thru '04.
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/keyless.html#alpine
Randall-in-Mpls
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Re: Key fob woes

Post by Randall-in-Mpls »

I got impatient and tried resoldering during my lunch break. I must have bridged something, because the the LED is on any time the battery is installed. (It normally lights up when a button is pushed.)
I gave up and ordered a pair of aftermarket replacements on eBay. I should have them within a week.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/352011121055?f ... BM-uv9lc1f
After ordering, I found another pair on the 'Bay for a couple $ less. That always seems to happen.
20Baja06
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Re: Key fob woes

Post by 20Baja06 »

What issues are those of you with the original fob seeing that is making you replace them so often? It's a point of curiosity for me as mine unlocks but won't lock the vehicle.
-Brian
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