Drive through any Spokane parking lot and a third of it is Subarus. That makes Subaru keys the single most common car key job we do, so here is the model-by-model picture.
Older Outback, Forester, Legacy, Impreza
Earlier models use an edge-cut key with a transponder chip and, usually, a separate remote for the doors. Copies are quick and cloning from a working key is often possible, so a spare is inexpensive to add. Lost all keys? We cut from the VIN and program through the OBD port at the car.
Later turn-key models
From roughly the mid-2010s many Subarus moved to a laser-cut blade with the remote built into the key head. These need the milling machine and a full programming session, both of which are in the van. Expect the job to take about half an hour at your kerb.
Push-start Crosstrek, Outback, Ascent, WRX
Current push-start models use a proximity smart key with an emergency blade hidden inside. If the fob dies, hold it against the start button — the car will read the chip directly and start. If the fob is lost, we program a new one on site and delete the lost one from the car so it can never be used.
Common Subaru symptoms and what they mean
- Security light flashing, engine cranks but will not start: transponder not recognised — programming, not a battery
- Doors will not lock from the fob but the car starts: fob battery
- "Key not detected" on the dash after a jump start: fob needs re-pairing
- Key turns stiffly or sticks in the ignition: worn blade — cut a fresh one before it snaps
Where we do it
Anywhere in Spokane County — your driveway on the South Hill, the ski-area lot after a day at Mount Spokane, the trailhead at Riverside State Park. Everything is in the van. See the Subaru key page for the model table.
Making a spare while you still have one
If you have a single working Subaru key, adding a spare now takes a few minutes and often no programming session at all — the chip is cloned from the original. After a loss it becomes a full lost-key job. For the price of one visit you avoid the tow, the wait and the second visit.
Questions Subaru owners ask
My Outback has a separate remote — can you replace just that?
Yes. The remote and the key chip are separate on those years, so a lost remote does not need a new key, and a broken key does not need a new remote.
The new key starts the car but the alarm chirps when I open the door.
The key is programmed but the remote portion is not paired, or the car needs a lock-unlock cycle to sync. Two-minute fix — call and we walk you through it.
Can you do the EyeSight / Starlink models?
Yes; those systems are separate from the immobiliser. Programming is done through the same diagnostic port.
Where we do Subaru keys
Everywhere a Subaru goes: Mount Spokane, 49 Degrees North, the Centennial Trail lots, Riverfront Park, and every driveway between Cheney and Deer Park.
