Lost Car Keys Replacement

All You Need to Know about Car Keys, Programming and more

Program Subaru keys & Remotes made easy. All the information you need to know how to program new Subaru key without the original, how to make a duplicate, which keys you can program yourself, procedures For Keyless entry, what you should know before and more.

 

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Subaru Car Keys Replacement - Program Procedure
Subaru Car Keys Replacement – Program Procedure

 

In this article:

Introduction to programming Subaru keys

Subaru key programming – Can I do it myself or special equipment is needed?

Tips for programming your new key

How can I save money on getting a duplicate or a new Subaru remote key made?

Subaru programming procedure – How is it actually done?

Subaru key programming cost of a replacement key

I already have a programmed key, I just need a duplicate – Subaru duplicate key cost

 

Introduction to programming Subaru keys

Most Subaru models, made after 1999 require some type of programming to start the car. That includes transponder keys and remotes.

Non Transponder keys, i.e. regular metal keys, don’t require any programming and therefore only need to be cut to start the car.

Here we will go over the different type of keys and show you a simple way to save a lot of money in case you lost your key or just need a duplicate made.

The process of making a new key to start the car involved, basically, two phases:

 

A. Cutting a new key :
"Blank" Uncut Subaru Key - Needs to be cut and programmed
“Blank” Uncut Subaru Key – Needs to be cut and programmed

That means cutting a blank key to match the ignition and will be able to turn the ignition to “ON” or “RUN” position”.  You can call the dealer or a locksmith to cut the key for you. Keep in mind, you will have to provide proof of ownership and the VIN number.

 

B. Program the key –

Most of Subaru models made in the past 20 years are equipped with some sort of transponder security feature.

Non-Transponder Subaru Key - No Need To Program
Non-Transponder Subaru Key – No Need To Program

Therefore, the key or remote will have to be programmed to start the car. By saying “programmed” it means the car’s computer must be able to recognize the key as “authorized key”.

Authorized keys may be added by programming those keys with a special programming machine that the dealer has or most automotive locksmiths.

Either a locksmith or a dealer can program the key for you. A locksmith can provide on-site service.

In case you choose the dealer, the car will have to be towed there if all keys are lost.

The programming procedure can be relatively expansive, especially if you lost all your keys and can’t start the car.

However, we have gathered here for you a few important tips on how to save a lot of money in case you need a new key. Keep reading for more information.

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Transponder key programming – Can I do it myself or special equipment is needed?

All Subaru Transponder keys and remotes can only be programmed with special programming machine. Therefore, only a dealer or locksmith can program the keys for you.

However, there is a way to make the process much cheaper and affordable. Below, we will give you instructions on what is the best way to do that. It shouldn’t take a lot of your time and can save you a lot of money.

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A few tips before you start the process of programming a new car key for Transponder models:

Once you program a new key, ALL previous keys will not start the car.

In other words, if you find your old key after programming the new one, it will not work.

Therefore, we highly recommend having at least two new cut keys and program both of them.

That is only relevant when you don’t have a key at all. In case you have a working key, and just need a duplicate, both keys will work.

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How can I save money on getting a duplicate or a new Transponder key/remote made?

As we explained above, the process of getting a new key involves cutting the new key and program it.

When you call a locksmith or the dealer, they will charge you for a service call, the actual key, the labor of cutting the key and programming.

Fortunately, you can save the money of the key by ordering it online, and only have them cut and program it. This alone will save you about $50-$100 as the locksmith or the dealer make a profit by selling you the key as well.

True, it may take a longer time to get the key from Amazon but if you are not in a big rush or need a key ASAP, we recommend you do that. This is especially true if you only need a duplicate made.

 

Bottom line, how and what should I do?
Remote Subaru Key fob - Need To Program
Remote Subaru Key fob – Need To Program
  1. Order your key online – Make sure you get the right key. In case you get the wrong key or remote programming will not be possible. You can look up your exact key for your Subaru model Here. Simply choose your model and year and get it online. You can order your key here.
  2. Call the dealer or locksmith – Explain to them you already have the key/remote and would like it to be cut and/or programmed. In addition, ask for the quote on this procedure.
  3. In addition, keep in mind, the process usually cost somewhere between $80-$150, depends on the type of key/remote you have.
  4. Finally, schedule a time with them to have it done. Remember to provide them with the exact year, make and model, VIN number and make sure you have a proof of ownership.

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Subaru programming procedure – How is it actually done?

Subaru transponder and remote car keys, also known as key fobs, smart keys or push to start keys, are the latest generation of security car keys.

Therefore, onboard programming or self-programming is not available for these type of keys or remotes and an additional equipment or programming machine is necessary to complete this process.

An automotive locksmith or the dealer will have to connect this machine to the car’s computer to start the programming procedure.

Below, a few examples of Subaru remote key fobs that require programming machine:
Subaru Remote Car Key - Programming Required
Subaru Remote Car Key – Programming Required

 

Subaru Transponder Car Key - Programming Required
Subaru Transponder Car Key – Programming Required
Below, an example of a programming machine (MVP Key programming), used by the dealer or an automotive locksmith to program Subaru transponder remote key fobs:

 

Car Key Programming Machine For Subaru Key Fobs
Car Key Programming Machine For Subaru Key Fobs

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Subaru key programming cost – How much does it cost to program a new Subaru transponder key and remote.

As stated above, getting your Subaru key online and having the dealer or an automotive locksmith can save you a lot of money. If you need to order your key, you can do it HERE.

Subaru Key / Remote Programming Cost
Subaru Key / Remote Programming Cost

Programming a new Subaru key, assuming you already have a blank key, basically involves two phases:

 

1. Cutting the key or remote so it will fit your car’s ignition.

Before the key can be programmed, it needs to be cut to fit your car. The way an automotive locksmith or the dealership do that is by “pulling” the key code, using your VIN from the database. This cost them money and therefore, they charge you for it. (Unlike when you already have a cut key and just need a duplicate)

 

2. Program the key or remote – To actually start the car.

The programming procedure is simply a process to let your car know that the new key is “authorized” to start the car. That being done by connecting a programming machine to your car’s computer.

Both the dealer and an automotive locksmith will have to do the same thing, however, the prices vary:

Subaru Key / Remote Programming Cost
Subaru Key / Remote Programming Cost
Cost of programming Subaru key by the dealer:

These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Subaru car.

Cutting the key: Usually around $70

Programming the key: Usually around $90

In addition, you will have to two your car to the dealer which is an additional expanse of $70(estimate)

Total estimated cost: $230

Subaru Key / Remote Programming Cost
Subaru Key / Remote Programming Cost

 

Cost of programming Subaru key by an automotive locksmith:

These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Subaru car, your location(as a locksmith will come to you) time of day etc.

We checked the prices during regular business hours, same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:

Cutting the key: Usually around $50

Programming the key: Usually around $60

In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50

Total estimated cost: $160

In conclusion, as you can see, the price of replacing and programming your Subaru key is not cheap and therefore we highly recommend to make an extra key while replacing your key as it much cheaper than making a new one once you lost all your keys.

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Call Us Now: 800-223-1453 OR click to order online!

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I already have a programmed key, I just need a duplicate – Subaru duplicate key cost

Subaru Duplicate Key Cost - By Dealer & Automotive Locksmith
Subaru Duplicate Key Cost – By Dealer & Automotive Locksmith

 

The price of making a duplicate Subaru key is cheaper than making an original key when all keys are lost for two main reasons:

  1. You already have a cut key – That means no need to “pull” a code from the database.
  2. Your car’s computer already “knows” that one key is authorized to start the car and therefore we can use that key to add some more. (Note that not in all models and years it’s possible)

 

Here is the average cost of getting a duplicate Subaru key by the dealership and an automotive locksmith:
Cost of duplicate a Subaru key by the dealer:

These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Subaru car.

Cutting the key: Usually around $10

Programming the key: Usually around $90

Total estimated cost: $100

Subaru Key Duplicate Cost
Subaru Key Duplicate Cost

 

Cost of duplicate a Subaru key by an automotive locksmith:

These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Subaru car, your location(as a locksmith will come to you) time of day etc.

We checked the prices during regular business hours, same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:

Cutting the key: Usually around $10

Programming the key: Usually around $60

In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50 or you can drive your car to the locksmith shop and save this expanse which we obviously recommend

Total estimated cost: $70

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Call Us Now: 800-223-1453 OR click to order online!

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Useful links:

Subaru main page

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