Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2003 Subaru Outback F6-3.0LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Keyless Entry Transmitter: Testing and Inspection
Keyless Transmitter
REPLACEMENT
TRANSMITTER REGISTRATION
NOTE:
- A maximum of four transmitters can be registered for each individual vehicle.
- When replacing or adding the transmitter (key), registration is also necessary.
- Finish the operation from step (1) through (4) within 45 seconds.
1. Sit on the driver's seat and close all doors and rear gate.
2. Open the driver's door.
3. Close the driver's door.
4. Turn the ignition switch from ON to LOCK ten times within 15 seconds.
NOTE: Do not start the engine at this time.
5. The horn chirps one time to indicate that the system has entered in the programming mode.
6. Open the driver's door.
7. Close the driver's door.
8. Press any button on the transmitter that you wish to program into the system.
9. Horn will chirp two times to indicate that the transmitter has been programmed.
NOTE: Repeat steps (6) through (9) for an additional transmitter.
10. Remove the ignition key from the ignition switch.
11. The horn will chirp three times to indicate that the system has exited the programming mode.
12. Check the keyless entry system properly operates by operating each transmitter.
REPLACEMENT
TRANSMITTER REGISTRATION
NOTE:
- A maximum of four transmitters can be registered for each individual vehicle.
- When replacing or adding the transmitter (key), registration is also necessary.
- Finish the operation from step (1) through (4) within 45 seconds.
1. Sit on the driver's seat and close all doors and rear gate.
2. Open the driver's door.
3. Close the driver's door.
4. Turn the ignition switch from ON to LOCK ten times within 15 seconds.
NOTE: Do not start the engine at this time.
5. The horn chirps one time to indicate that the system has entered in the programming mode.
6. Open the driver's door.
7. Close the driver's door.
8. Press any button on the transmitter that you wish to program into the system.
9. Horn will chirp two times to indicate that the transmitter has been programmed.
NOTE: Repeat steps (6) through (9) for an additional transmitter.
10. Remove the ignition key from the ignition switch.
11. The horn will chirp three times to indicate that the system has exited the programming mode.
12. Check the keyless entry system properly operates by operating each transmitter.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.