Subaru Remote Head Key (FCC ID DAT17) – Legacy & Outback 2009-2014

By Mohammad H. Abdelhadi, ALOA-Certified Master Locksmith, mobile automotive locksmith. Reviewed by Ray Obar, Master Locksmith. Updated June 1, 2026.

Fitments for the Subaru Remote Head Key (FCC ID DAT17) include the 2009-2014 Subaru Legacy and the 2009-2014 Subaru Outback. Across both of these mid-size platforms, the unit integrates remote locking functions and transponder-based immobilizer authentication into a single housing. Each Subaru Remote Head Key (FCC ID DAT17) communicates with the vehicle’s body control module and engine immobilizer system during a coded handshake at 315 MHz. Owners replacing the fob should expect a key-cutting step for the DAT17 blade profile followed by electronic programming of the 4D60-6B transponder chip. When ordering a Subaru Remote Head Key (FCC ID DAT17), confirm year-model compatibility and verify the blade cut matches the original lock cylinder.

Transponder and RF Specifications for the Subaru Remote Head Key (FCC ID DAT17)

The transponder inside this remote head key is a 4D60-6B chip manufactured by Texas Instruments. The 4D series from TI uses a rolling-code encryption scheme that generates a unique challenge-response sequence each time the key is inserted and turned to the ON position. The 6B variant specifically denotes a Subaru-coded sub-group within the broader 4D60 family, meaning a blank 4D60 chip alone will not function unless it carries the correct 6B designation. Locksmiths sourcing aftermarket units should verify this specification on the chip itself or in their diagnostic tool’s part library before beginning the cloning or programming procedure.

On the radio-frequency side, the device transmits at 315.0 MHz, the standard operating frequency for Subaru remote keyless entry systems sold in the North American market. This frequency governs the lock, unlock, and panic button signals sent from the key head to the vehicle’s RF receiver module. Because the transponder immobilizer link and the remote keyless entry link are separate subsystems, each requires its own programming step — a detail that matters when performing a complete key add.

DAT17 Blade Profile and Mechanical Cutting

The DAT17 keyway is a high-security profile associated with several Subaru models from the late 2000s through the mid-2010s. The blade features a laser-cut (sidewinder) track milled into one or both faces, which engages an internal sidebar mechanism inside the ignition lock cylinder and door locks. Cutting a DAT17 blank requires a code-cutting machine capable of internal-cut profiles — standard edge-cut duplicators cannot produce this blade geometry.

When cutting by code, the locksmith references the key code stamped on the original key tag or retrieved from the vehicle’s lock cylinder. If code information is unavailable, impression or decode methods specific to Subaru sidebar locks may be used, though these approaches are more time-intensive. A properly cut blade should insert and turn smoothly in the ignition barrel without binding; any resistance indicates a depth or spacing error that must be corrected before proceeding to electronic programming.

Programming Procedure Overview

Programming the remote head key to a 2009-2014 Legacy or Outback typically involves two distinct phases: transponder registration and remote function pairing. The transponder registration writes the 4D60-6B chip’s unique identifier into the vehicle’s immobilizer ECU, enabling the engine to start. This step usually requires a professional-grade diagnostic tool or dedicated key programmer with Subaru protocol support. On-board programming (using only the ignition and existing master keys) may be available for adding a key when at least one working master key is present, but tool-assisted programming is the standard approach when no working keys exist.

Remote button pairing links the 315 MHz RF transmitter inside the key head to the body control module so that lock, unlock, and panic commands are recognized. Some Subaru models allow a manual pairing sequence executed through a specific ignition-on/off cycle combined with button presses, while others require the diagnostic tool to complete the process. Locksmiths should consult model-year-specific procedures, as the exact sequence differs between the Legacy and the Outback despite their shared platform architecture.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Considerations

Original equipment remote head keys for the Legacy and Outback carry a higher price point but guarantee factory-spec blade tolerances, chip calibration, and RF output power. Aftermarket alternatives are widely available and can reduce cost significantly; however, quality varies by supplier. Key criteria to evaluate when selecting an aftermarket unit include correct 4D60-6B chip designation, proper 315 MHz crystal frequency, and accurate DAT17 blade blank dimensions.

A common aftermarket issue involves chips labeled generically as “4D60” without the 6B sub-code. These blanks may physically fit the shell but will fail transponder registration because the immobilizer ECU expects the Subaru-specific encryption group. Confirming the 6B identifier before purchase avoids wasted programming attempts and potential customer callbacks. Reputable aftermarket manufacturers clearly mark the chip sub-type on packaging or on the chip’s glass capsule.

When to Contact a Professional Locksmith

Vehicle owners who have lost all copies of their key face an all-keys-lost scenario that requires specialized equipment to reset the immobilizer module and register a fresh 4D60-6B transponder. This procedure is beyond the capability of standard OBD-II scan tools and should be handled by an automotive locksmith experienced with Subaru immobilizer systems. Mobile locksmith services can typically perform the full job — blade cutting, transponder registration, and remote pairing — at the vehicle’s location, eliminating the need for a tow to a dealership.

Even when a spare key exists, having a backup programmed proactively is advisable. The cost of adding a key while a working master is available is substantially lower than the all-keys-lost rate, and it provides insurance against the inconvenience and expense of an emergency lockout. For the 2009-2014 Legacy and Outback, the remote head key remains a practical and cost-effective solution compared to later proximity-based smart key systems.

Related help: Subaru auto locksmith, car key replacement, car key programming.

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