Subaru STI Lost Car Key Replacement – All the Information You Need to Get a New Subaru STI Key. Tips, Costs, Your Options, and More.

Subaru STI car keys replacement
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In this article:
Subaru STI replacement car keys – Introduction

Automotive locksmith coding a Subaru STI key fob
Have you lost your Subaru STI car key? – How do I get a replacement key? What options do I have?

Ignition cylinder and parts
Subaru STI key replacement near me – things to remember before calling a locksmith
Subaru STI car key replacement cost

Key coding and programming machine for Subaru STI keys
Can I get a replacement Subaru STI key by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

Automotive locksmith is connecting the coding machine to the car’s obd to program new keys
Subaru STI key programming – which keys can you program yourself? how to program your key & more.
Keyless entry information Subaru STI

Remote key fob for a Subaru STI
Introduction:
Subaru STI was introduced in 2015. This model has three versions and four types of keys:
Remote key fobs: 2015 to 2021.
Transponder chip key: 2015 to 2019.

An automotive locksmith coding a new Subaru STI key
- Please keep in mind that while some keys or key fobs may look the same, they have different capabilities/frequencies/keyways. Therefore, having the right key or key fob is essential.
- Already have your key? Need information to guide you through programming your Subaru STI key fob or transponder key?
Quick access or go to FAQ
Click on the type of key you had or your year model below to get the most accurate information:
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FAQ:
Q: I lost my Subaru STI car keys. I don’t have a spare, so need a replacement. How and where can I get a replacement key?
Generally speaking, you have three options:
- Call an automotive locksmith that offers a mobile service for Subaru STI cars. We can help you with that.
- Tow the car to the dealer.
- Order a key online and have the dealer or locksmith cut and program it for you (if necessary).

Transponder key – Subaru inside look
A word of caution: The type of key you need depends on the year and model of your Subaru STI. Therefore, the options for getting a new key made and programmed depend on whether you need a remote, an intelligent fob, push to start button, a transponder, or a regular key.

Rekey kit to change Subaru STI ignition cylinder parts
A: For a more detailed explanation, including tips on SAVING TIME AND MONEY, please visit our blog post: How to get a replacement key.
Not ready to call for service just yet? Click here for some GREAT ideas on how to find lost car keys.

MaxiIM 508 car key programming machine for Subaru models
Q: Subaru STI key replacement near me – How to find a locksmith or dealer and what should you tell them?
First, make sure you have the exact year, make, and model, e.g., 2019 Subaru STI.
In addition, write down the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the car located on the left side of the dashboard near the mirror. The VIN helps the locksmith or dealer verify the year, make, and model of the car and determine which key you had.
Also, keep in mind that many locksmiths offer mobile service and travel up to 30 miles radius from where their store is located. Therefore, depends on your location, it might be a good idea to expand your search and call for a few additional quotes, even if on the map, these locksmiths seems to be far from you.

All Subaru STI key fobs and transponder keys must be coded with the car on-site
Remember,
Their distance as you see on the map, is their business address, not their physical and current location. All you have to make sure, is that they carry the right equipment to cut and program your Subaru STI key.
You can also try and call a few Subaru dealers near your location, but remember that you will need to tow the car there.

Subaru car key coding machine
Finally, make sure you can show ownership of the car by having the necessary documents – title, ID, insurance card, etc.
Q: Subaru STI key replacement cost – How much does it cost to replace a Subaru STI key without the original? What is the average price?
In short, replacing a Subaru STI key can cost between $190 to $370. The cost depends on a number of factors:
- The type of key you need
- The car’s year of manufacture
- Time of day & your location
- Where you get a key replacement (dealer, automotive locksmith, online, etc.)
- Availability of code to cut a new key
- Original ignition or not
The type of key you had and the year the car was manufactured are the most important factors for identifying if you need a chip, intelligent fob, “push to start”, remote, regular “non-transponder” key. The newer the car is, the better the security features the key has. On later models, you can therefore expect to pay more than $250 for a replacement key.

“Lishi tools” used by an automotive locksmith to decode Subaru STI keys
Also,
the price depends on where you get a key replacement. Did your replacement key come from the dealer, or an automotive locksmith? Or did you get it online? Click here to get a more detailed explanation of how to get a replacement key.
The dealer usually charges about 10% to 15% less for the replacement key than a locksmith would charge. However, you will likely have to tow the car there to program the new key or remote. Therefore, the total price is usually higher.

New Subaru chip keys coded on-site
Furthermore,
consider that if you have a locksmith come out and make you a new key outside regular business hours, the price may increase.
Finally,
If you have previously had your ignition cylinder replaced, which is quite common in older cars, this probably means that the code for the key may not be useful. In such cases, the key will have to be cut manually by a locksmith, or you will have to change the ignition again, and here the dealer can’t help.

Tool to check chip value of Subaru car key
For a more detailed explanation and GREAT TIPS on how to save money, please visit our blog post: Car keys replacement costs
Tips for Subaru STI key fob replacement – What to ask and verify before and after you get a new key fob:

Subaru STI key fob replacement – Emergency key and battery
Very often when people get a replacement key fob, there are certain things they forget to check and ask the dealer or locksmith.
We gathered here the most relevant information and tips to make sure you won’t face a problem down the road.
First,
Make sure to get the key code of your Subaru STI key fob – Every key fob, has a unique code which locksmiths and dealers use to know the exact cuts to match your ignition, door and trunk cylinders.
Obviously, this code is different from one car to another. This key code costs money, and before the locksmith or dealer cut you a new key fob, they must pay to get the code from the Subaru database, which may cost them up to $100. Make sure you write down this key code and keep it in a safe place. In case you lose your Subaru STI key fob again in the future, it will cost you less to get a replacement, and the process will be faster.

Emergency key and key fob – Subaru
Second,
Verify they cut you the emergency key, and that it works on the doors cylinders and trunk – Every key fob comes with an emergency key attached to it. The emergency key can be used to access the car in case the battery is dead.

Verify the emergency key is working smoothly on all cylinders

Uncut emergency key on cutting machine – Automotive locksmith
Sometimes, when locksmiths or dealers program a new replacement key fob, they forget to cut the emergency key as well.

Emergency key after it was cut
Make sure they cut you the emergency key and that it works for each door and the trunk to avoid a future lockout situation. It should work smoothly, just like your house key. Don’t be lazy, check it on site.

Emergency key cut – Make sure they cut it for you and check it works
Finally,
know which battery your Subaru STI key fob has – These key fobs, like all key fobs, are battery operated. Make sure you know the type of battery you need and keep a spare one. (Subaru STI key fobs usually use CR-2032 and CR-1632 batteries)
Q: Can I get a Subaru STI key replacement by its VIN?
A: That depends on the year of manufacture of your car and the type of key you had.
The VIN gives dealers or automotive locksmiths the option of accessing the key code on file – i.e., to cut you a replacement key by code which makes the process fast and easy. There are however two things to consider:
- If your vehicle is older than 10 years, Subaru dealers will no longer have its key code record, so an automotive locksmith will be your only option to get a replacement key.
- For vehicles equipped with a transponder system and/or a remote/intelligent key/fob key, the codes should be available. However, as coding is required, you will have to either tow the car to the dealer, or have an automotive locksmith come and code the key on site.
Q: Subaru STI key programming – which keys can you program yourself? Which keys require a programming tool? & more
A: Subaru has different types of keys. Some require programming, and some don’t. All transponder chip keys and/or smart key fobs need to be programmed. This process requires a special programming machine that only an automotive locksmith or the dealer has. There is no need to program non-transponder metal keys.
To make things simple, we divided all Subaru keys into two categories:
- No programming needed (Non-transponder keys).
- Keys that need to be programmed (Transponder or remote keys). These keys required the expertise of an automotive locksmith or the dealer.
No programming needed:
Subaru non-transponder keys are metal keys that have no chip in them, so no programming is needed.
Subaru STI has none of this key type – all Subaru STI keys have a chip and need to be programmed.
For Subaru STI keys that need to be programmed, you will need an automotive locksmith or the dealer:

Car key coding machine for Subaru key fobs and transponder keys
These keys, also known as remote smart keys, intelligent keys or key fobs, and transponder keys, have a security chip. Programming is needed. Also, a special machine is needed to program them. An automotive locksmith or dealer should do it for you. This process must be followed for most models made after 1998.
HYQ14AHK, HYQ14AHC, HYQ14ACX, CWTWBU766.
Keyless entry information for the Subaru STI:
For year models 2015 to 2021, there is a built-in keyless entry in the remote key fobs.
Subaru STI key fob battery – important information: How to replace, size, cost, and more.
Subaru STI model has different kinds of keys. If your model uses a key fob, here is some important information you should know about the battery.
There are 2 types of remote key fobs that are battery operated:
Key fob: (like in the picture below)

Subaru STI remote key fob battery replacement information
Watch a short video here: how to replace Subaru STI remote key fob’s battery, type of battery and more:
Key fob: (like in the following picture)

Subaru STI remote key fob battery replacement information
Watch a short video here: how to replace Subaru STI remote key fob’s battery, type of battery and more:
Things to remember when your Subaru STI key fob battery is dead:
First, even if the key fob’s battery is dead, you still can unlock and start your STI. You can use the emergency key provided with the key fob to unlock the doors as shown below:

Subaru key fob and emergency key

The key fob on the inside – Emergency key and chip
How to start Subaru STI with a dead key fob?
You can start your Subaru STI by pushing the “Start” button with your key fob. The car’s computer recognizes the chip inside the key fob and authorizes the process.

Push the “start” button with your dead key fob to start the car like in this picture
This way, you will be able to start your vehicle EVEN if the key fob battery is dead.
Subaru STI key fob battery information:
Subaru STI key fobs are battery operated. Every two years or so, or when the battery is low, you may need to change the key fob battery. Here is all the information you need.
The type of battery you need is a CR-1632 for HYQ14ACX and a CR-2032 for HYQ14AHK, HYQ14AHC. The average price for these batteries is about $5.
You can order CR-1632 online here and CR-2032 here.
Also, you can find it at Home Depot, Walmart, AutoZone, etc.
Here is some general information about the Subaru STI key fob battery:
Type of battery: CR-1632 lithium

CR-1632 key fob battery replacement
Size: Diameter – 20 mm, height – 3.2 mm
Type of battery: CR-2032 lithium

CR-2032 key fob battery replacement
Size: Diameter – 20 mm, height – 3.2 mm
Finally, remember that your battery life depends on several factors such as usage, weather conditions, etc. To better protect your Subaru STI key fob and extend its battery life, it may be a good idea to have a key fob cover or a case. You can order a key fob cover here.
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