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Subaru Outback Key Fob Programming

Updated 2026 2005–2009 5 model years

The Subaru Outback key fob has to be programmed by an automotive locksmith or dealer — there is no at-home procedure. Below is the exact replacement fob you need for each model year (FCC ID and part number), the battery it takes, and what programming costs.

Shop Subaru Outback key fobs on Amazon Match the FCC ID for your year (table below) before you buy.

Every Subaru Outback model year

Key fob programming method, fob type and battery for each Subaru Outback model year
Year	Programming	Key fob	Battery
2009	Locksmith or dealer Locksmith or dealer	Remote Head Key, Transponder Key · 4-button	CR1620 battery on Amazon
2008	Locksmith or dealer Locksmith or dealer	Remote Head Key, Transponder Key · 4-button	CR1620 battery on Amazon
2007	Locksmith or dealer Locksmith or dealer	Remote, Transponder Key · 4-button	CR2025 battery on Amazon
2006	Locksmith or dealer Locksmith or dealer	Remote, Transponder Key · 4-button	CR2025 battery on Amazon
2005	Locksmith or dealer Locksmith or dealer	Remote, Transponder Key · 4-button	CR2025 battery on Amazon

2009 Subaru Outback

Remote / key fob programming

This remote can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new remote, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement remote below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Key programming

This key fob can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new fob, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement fob below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Replacement key fobs

Find your key type below, then match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob — or, for a plain transponder key, the blank code — to be sure of the right part.

Remote Head Key

One piece: a cut metal blade with the lock/unlock buttons built into the head.

4-button Remote Head Key

FCC ID: CWTWBU766
OE part #: 57497-AG45A, 57497-AG48A
Frequency: 433 MHz
Chip: TEXAS ID 4D 62

Transponder Key

4 versions

A cut metal key with a chip in the head. No buttons.

Transponder Key

Key blank: AF01653002
OE part #: X251

Transponder Key

Key blank: AF00007362
OE part #: SUB2, X271

Transponder Key

Key blank: SUB-1
OE part #: JMA-SUB1, SUB1, X251

Transponder Key

Key blank: SUB-3
OE part #: SUB2, X271

Photos show the OEM part for each number listed. Aftermarket replacements sold online are often slightly different in appearance — the FCC ID, not the shape, is what determines whether a fob will work with your car.

2008 Subaru Outback

Remote / key fob programming

This remote can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new remote, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement remote below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Key programming

This key fob can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new fob, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement fob below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Replacement key fobs

Find your key type below, then match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob — or, for a plain transponder key, the blank code — to be sure of the right part.

Remote Head Key

One piece: a cut metal blade with the lock/unlock buttons built into the head.

4-button Remote Head Key

FCC ID: CWTWBU766
OE part #: 57497-AG45A, 57497-AG48A, 57497AG48A
Frequency: 433 MHz
Chip: TEXAS ID 4D 62

Transponder Key

4 versions

A cut metal key with a chip in the head. No buttons.

Transponder Key

Key blank: AF01653002
OE part #: X251

Transponder Key

Key blank: AF00007362
OE part #: SUB2, X271

Transponder Key

Key blank: SUB-1
OE part #: JMA-SUB1, SUB1, X251

Transponder Key

Key blank: SUB-3
OE part #: SUB2, X271

Photos show the OEM part for each number listed. Aftermarket replacements sold online are often slightly different in appearance — the FCC ID, not the shape, is what determines whether a fob will work with your car.

2005–2007 Subaru Outback

Remote / key fob programming

This remote can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new remote, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement remote below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Key programming

This key fob can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new fob, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement fob below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Replacement key fobs

Find your key type below, then match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob — or, for a plain transponder key, the blank code — to be sure of the right part.

Remote

A separate key fob that only handles locking and unlocking.

4-button Remote

FCC ID: NHVWB1U711, PQTDORM12
OE part #: 5931637, 88036-XA010, 88036XA010
Frequency: 433 MHz

Transponder Key

4 versions

A cut metal key with a chip in the head. No buttons.

Transponder Key

Key blank: AF01653002
OE part #: X251

Transponder Key

Key blank: AF00007362
OE part #: SUB2, X271

Transponder Key

Key blank: SUB-1
OE part #: JMA-SUB1, SUB1, X251

Transponder Key

Key blank: SUB-3
OE part #: SUB2, X271

Photos show the OEM part for each number listed. Aftermarket replacements sold online are often slightly different in appearance — the FCC ID, not the shape, is what determines whether a fob will work with your car.

2005–2007: CR2025 battery on Amazon
2008, 2009: CR1620 battery on Amazon

2005–2007 Subaru Outback key fob battery

Your 2005–2007 Subaru Outback key fob uses a CR2025 3V lithium coin cell. A fresh one typically lasts 3–5 years.

Buy Energizer CR2025 Lithium Coin Batteries (4-pack) on Amazon

How to replace the battery

1 Find the seam or small slot on the edge of the remote.
2 Twist a coin or small flathead in the slot to split the case open.
3 Remove the old coin cell and note the + side.
4 Fit the new battery with the + side matching, then close the case.
5 Press a button to confirm the LED lights, then test at the car.

Battery tips

Use a fresh, name-brand 3V lithium cell — bargain cells drain quickly.
Try not to touch both faces of the new battery; skin oils shorten its life.
If the remote still doesn't work after a new battery, it may need re-syncing or programming.

2008, 2009 Subaru Outback key fob battery

Your 2008, 2009 Subaru Outback key fob uses a CR1620 3V lithium coin cell. A fresh one typically lasts 3–5 years.

Buy Energizer CR1620 Lithium Coin Batteries (4-pack) on Amazon

How to replace the battery

1 Look for a small notch or screw on the side of the fob where the key blade meets the buttons.
2 Pry the housing apart with a coin or small flathead (or remove the screw).
3 Pop out the old coin cell, noting its orientation.
4 Insert the new battery the same way up, then snap the case shut.
5 Test the buttons — if they work, you're done.

Battery tips

Use a fresh, name-brand 3V lithium cell — bargain cells drain quickly.
Try not to touch both faces of the new battery; skin oils shorten its life.
If the buttons still don't respond after a new battery, the remote may need re-syncing or programming.

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