Little Known Feature Lets You Unlock Your Newer Subaru Without A Key
There are times when you don’t want to carry your car keys, like when you are running, mountain biking, kayaking, or surfing. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to leave the keys someplace safe? There is a little known feature for the newer Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, WRX, WRX STI, Impreza, and Legacy that allows you to unlock your vehicle without using the key fob.
You can even use the feature to unlock your car if you lose your keys or if they get locked in the car. If you need to stay light on a hike, you may also want to leave the key locked inside the car. You can easily get back inside using a customized feature called Pin Code Access. This feature has been offered on some Subaru models since 2014, so check your owners manual to see if it’s available on your Subaru.
Here’s how Pin Code Access works
First, you need to disable the keyless entry feature on your Subaru and then program a five-digit code using the lock button in your trunk or lift-gate. After you lock your Subaru and head out on the trail (leaving the fob hidden inside the vehicle), you can return after your adventure and unlock your driver’s side door by entering the five-digit code you set on the trunk release or lift gate lock button.
And you don’t need to worry about someone figuring out the code and driving away in your vehicle. There are over 100,000 possible combinations with a five-digit code.
The Pin Code Access is a cool feature, but on newer Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, WRX, Impreza, and Legacy models with Subaru Starlink Safety and Security, you can use your iPhone to unlock your all-wheel-drive vehicle and you can remotely start the vehicle, defrost your windows and warm your seats before you head out for the weekend.
To use this feature requires activation with a subscription. It includes a one-year trial subscription to Safety Plus that allows smartphone connectivity. Check with your Subaru dealer for details.
If you need to leave your car keys behind, newer Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, WRX, WRX STI, Impreza, and Legacy allow you keyless outdoor time because Subaru offers this little known feature called PIN Code Access. Watch the video below to see how to program your Subaru.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates at Torque News!
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Photo credit: Subaru USA