alfista

Hi All,

New member here. Did a couple of googles for ideas on this topic but figured I'd ask the pros.

We just inherited a 2001 Forester from my mother who moved to florida. It is the entry level model without remote keyless entry and she only had one key to give us. I know we're going to lock ourselves out of it at some point.

What is the best way, if possible, to add remote keyless entry to the vehicle? Should I do this before or after I go and get additional keys made from the dealership? A trip to the hardware store and a home depot hasn't turned up successful in getting a spare key made.

Any other important improvements I should consider?

Thanks!

Jason

jgrote

I just bought a 99 and had keys made at Lowes. For keyless entry, you'll be best off getting an aftermarket alarm installed. Even the most basic will control your locks if you already have power locks. Remote power windows and start are usually add-ons. Alarms are sort of a pain in the butt, because you have to cut open the wiring harness under the dash, so it is usually easier to just have a shop do it. They get so little in labor for it, that it's just not worth DIY unless you're looking for a reason to spend a day on your back, under your driver's seat.

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04 X a/t
00 L a/t w/ 200K!

singincanary

You should be able to get a key at most stores, suprised HD didn't have the blank. Try Lowes I guess.

As for keyless entry, you can either buy the OEM pieces (check with the vendors here for pricing) or you can get an aftermarket unit, usually with remote start or alarm. Definately get a pro to install it. The price is reasonable and the job is cleaner.

Depending on where you are in NY I may have a friend that can help. He's in the Hudson Valley (Orange County) area and does amazing work. He'd done alarms and remote starts on 5 of our cars.

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I miss my turbo, and my 6-speeds of fun.

neoshi

Here's an option if you want to stay with an OEM key:

CONFIRMED: 09 Legacy Integrated Key Fob Works On 03-08 Foresters (W/Immobilizer Too!)

Supposedly, your 01's square remotes work on the 03-05 non immobilizer vehicles, so the method I used should work for you too.

More info: Subaru Keyless Entry, Security Alarm, Immobilizer Key, Remote Start Systems. Most years and models

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05 XS

bbottomley

Assume that you've verified that it's not installed, and not just that you don't have the original remotes?

Wow, lots of negatives there.

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2003 XS Premium MT >180k miles! ● 2005 Impreza 2.5 RS MT ● Robin-Subaru Powered Generator

superheropunk

I had keyless entry on my 2000 and didn't even realize it. A quick look under the driver side dash will let you know if you have it or not.

I bought some Subaru keys from ebay but was not impressed with the quality (may have been fakes). Ended up buying off ebay ilco blank with the rubber ending and have been impressed.

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2000 Forester L
150,000 miles and beyond!

alfista

Thread Starter

Thanks everyone for the reply. I'll check it out and let you know what I do.

blockwood

I believe I too have a 2001 Forester S that has a remote key entry built in. Just purchased it used and only came with standard keys. Is there a way to find out if I have the ability to use remote entry?

How would I find that if indeed it is included as I suspect?