What year ranges does this Subaru Impreza Key Fob guide cover?

This guide covers the source-backed clusters 2001u20132004, 2005u20132007, 2008u20132009, and 2010u20132013 for keyless-entry remote programming.

Does this guide program the remote only or also the transponder?

The instructions cover keyless-entry remote programming. Immobilizer/transponder programming for starting the vehicle is a separate process and may require professional tools or dealer authorization.

What if the programming steps do not work?

If the vehicle does not provide the expected horn/tone/light confirmation cues, verify the correct year range and timing windows, replace the key fob battery as a first troubleshooting step, and restart the sequence rather than adding steps.

When should DIY switch to professional help?

Switch to professional help when the vehicle repeatedly will not enter programming mode, timing windows cannot be met consistently, or remote compatibility is uncertain.

Subaru Impreza Key Fob Programming by Year

Can you program a Impreza fob without the dealer? For most years, yes. Pick your year for the route and best next step.

☎ Call (833) 439-8636

Find your year

Year	DIY onboard?	How it programs	Working fob?	Erase risk	Confidence	Best next step
2001–2004	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	No (all-keys-lost OK)	Possible	Med	Follow the steps below
2005–2007	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	No (all-keys-lost OK)	Possible	Med	Follow the steps below
2008–2009	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	No (all-keys-lost OK)	Possible	Med	Follow the steps below
2010–2013	No	No - needs a programmer/tool	Yes (1 working)	Possible	Med	We bring the tool to you

Subaru Impreza key types & programming facts

Subaru Impreza keys during 2001–2013 range from conventional metal keys with separate keyless-entry remotes to integrated remote-head keys with built-in transponder chips. Programming generally requires pairing both the immobilizer transponder and the keyless-entry remote to the vehicle using either onboard procedures or a diagnostic tool, depending on year and system design. Some later remote-head keys also differ by market (U.S. vs. Canada), so matching FCC ID, frequency, and part number to the VIN is critical when ordering replacements.

Key types used on the Impreza:

standard mechanical key (non-transponder) with separate keyless-entry remote (2001-2007* (implied by later introduction of transponder/remote-head keys; specific Impreza years not explicitly stated in sources))
transponder key with separate keyless-entry remote (by 2009-2010 and later, as 2009-2013 Impreza uses an electronic remote fob and later remote-head keys specify embedded chips)
remote-head key (integrated key + remote, 4-button) with transponder chip (2011-2016 Impreza listed for remote-head key FCC CWTWB1U811 (USA/Canada))
remote-head key (4-button) with transponder chip, Canada-specific frequency (2012-2016 Impreza Canada-only, FCC CWTWBU766, 433 MHz, part 57497-FJ031)

Common fob FCC IDs: CWTWB1U819, CWTWB1U811, CWTWBU766 — check the back of your fob; we confirm the exact variant on site.

2001–2004 Subaru Impreza

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.

Show the programming methods (22 steps)

Preparation

Programming step

1 Sit in driver's seat with all doors and lift gate or trunk closed and unlocked.

Close the doors

2 Open and close the driver's door one time before programming sequence.

Programming step

3 Ensure key available for ignition; do not start vehicle during procedure.

Programming step

4 Expect dash lights to come on when key turned to ON position.

Doors lock-cycle (confirm)

5 Be aware of horn beep confirmations during sequence.

Programming sequence

Insert the key

1 Insert key in ignition and turn from OFF to ON then back to OFF ten times rapidly.

Programming step

2 Do not start vehicle; timing must be within allotted window for success.

Cycle the ignition ON/OFF

3 Horn should beep one time after tenth cycle if sequence entered correctly.

Close the doors

4 Open and close the driver's door one time after hearing first horn beep.

Press / hold a fob button

5 Press any button on the remote to receive two horn beeps confirming programming.

Multiple remotes and limits

Close the doors

1 Open and close the driver's door and press a button on each additional fob to program sequentially.

Press / hold a fob button

2 Repeat door open/close then button press for each additional remote.

Press / hold a fob button

3 Each successful remote press confirmed by two horn beeps.

Programming step

4 Complete all remotes programming before finalizing sequence.

Finalizing and testing

Remove the key

1 Remove key from ignition when done; horn should beep three times upon removal.

Wait / timing window

2 Wait two minutes after finishing programming before testing remotes.

Press / hold a fob button

3 Press Lock on remote to lock doors and activate alarm system.

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

4 Press Unlock to disarm alarm and unlock driver's door on first press.

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

5 Press Unlock again to unlock remaining doors and trunk.

Troubleshooting and replacements

Programming step

1 Replace key fob battery if remote not working.

Programming step

2 Do not add or assume additional steps beyond provided instructions.

Programming step

3 Refer to site sections: Home, Disclaimer, YouTube, Privacy Policy for more info.

Keys & fobs that fit the 2001–2004 Impreza

Aftermarket Remote Key FobOther/UnknownView fob →

For the 2001–2004 Impreza: Impreza key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2005–2007 Subaru Impreza

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Show the programming methods (20 steps)

Programming Steps

Programming step

1 Deactivate alarm if equipped.

Close the doors

2 Open driver’s door, get in vehicle and close door; ensure all other doors are closed.

Turn ignition to ON

3 Within 15 seconds, turn ignition to ON and back to LOCK 10 times; leave key in ignition.

Programming step

4 Horn will sound once to indicate entry into programming mode.

Close the doors

5 Within 45 seconds, open and close driver’s door and press LOCK or UNLOCK on remote to program.

Programming Additional Remotes

Programming step

1 Repeat opening and closing driver’s door for each additional remote.

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

2 Press LOCK or UNLOCK on each remote being programmed.

Programming step

3 Horn will sound twice after each remote is successfully programmed.

Programming step

4 Continue process for desired number of remotes before exiting programming mode.

Remove the key

5 Remove key from ignition after final remote is programmed to exit programming mode.

Exiting and Confirmation

Remove the key

1 Remove key from ignition when last remote has been programmed.

Programming step

2 Horn will sound three times to indicate exit of programming mode.

Doors lock-cycle (confirm)

3 Test remote(s) after programming to confirm operation.

Programming step

4 Horn sound patterns serve as feedback for entry, successful programming, and exit.

Programming step

5 Leave key in ignition throughout programming until last remote is done and exit is signaled.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Programming step

1 Replace key fob battery if key fob not working.

Programming step

2 Verify alarm is deactivated before starting programming.

Programming step

3 Ensure all other doors remain closed during programming sequence.

Wait / timing window

4 Follow timing windows: 15 seconds to start sequence and 45 seconds to program remotes.

Programming step

5 Use horn sound cues to verify correct progression through programming steps.

Keys & fobs that fit the 2005–2007 Impreza

Aftermarket Remote Key FobOther/UnknownView fob →Subaru Smart Key Fob (FCC ID DAT17)Smart KeyView fob →

For the 2005–2007 Impreza: Impreza key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2008–2009 Subaru Impreza

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Show the programming methods (19 steps)

Initial Entry Sequence

Close the doors

1 sit in driver’s seat and close all doors and rear gate/trunk lid

Close the doors

2 open and close the driver’s door one time

Wait / timing window

3 Time window: perform next actions within 45 seconds after step 2

Close the doors

4 open and close the driver’s door once again

Turn ignition to ON

5 turn ignition key from LOCK to ON 10 times within 15 seconds

Programming Feedback & Error Conditions

Programming step

1 Successful ignition sequence: electronic tone sounds once, buzzer continues, interior light flashes until registration completion

Programming step

2 Failure after timing lapse: no tone, buzzer, or lamp flash; restart procedure

Wait / timing window

3 During registration: tone will sound for 30 seconds when prompted; must enter numbers before tone stops

Wait / timing window

4 Errors caused by delays: exceeding 45 seconds, 15 seconds, or 5 seconds between inputs leads to restart at specified step

Code Entry Method

Press / hold a fob button

1 Entry mechanism: use power door lock LOCK button to enter digits as repeated presses

Press / hold a fob button

2 Digit entry rule: press LOCK the same number of times as each digit (e.g., 8 presses for digit 8)

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

3 After each digit series: pull lock knob to UNLOCK side within five seconds

Wait / timing window

4 Full code repetition: after entering all eight digits once, re-enter entire eight-digit code a second time starting with leftmost digit

Wait / timing window

5 Completion cue: when eighth digit entered second time, electronic tone will sound for 30 seconds

Troubleshooting & Additional Notes

Programming step

1 If tone stops before starting entry: restart sequence beginning with step 3

Wait / timing window

2 If interval between pushes exceeds five seconds: restart from part 4 (ignition sequence)

Programming step

3 Repeated mismatches or multiple errors: specific limits (error occurs six times or five times) require restarting earlier steps as directed

Programming step

4 Programming additional remotes: repeat procedure beginning with part 4 for each additional transmitter

Remove the key

5 Final step: remove key from ignition switch and test remotes; consider battery replacement if fob not working

Keys & fobs that fit the 2008–2009 Impreza

Aftermarket Remote Key FobOther/UnknownView fob →Subaru Smart Key Fob (FCC ID DAT17)Smart KeyView fob →

For the 2008–2009 Impreza: Impreza key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2010–2013 Subaru Impreza

Professional programming required

Professional programming for the 2010–2013

This year needs a programmer/scan tool - there is no owner-followable onboard sequence. A mobile locksmith confirms your key type and FCC ID, then programs it on site.

Call (833) 439-8636

Keys & fobs that fit the 2010–2013 Impreza

Aftermarket Remote Key FobOther/UnknownView fob →Subaru Smart Key FobSmart KeyView fob →Subaru Smart Key Fob (FCC ID DAT17)Smart KeyView fob →Subaru Remote Head Key (FCC ID TOY43R)Remote KeyView fob →

For the 2010–2013 Impreza: Impreza key replacement & all compatible fobs →

How we validate this guide

Year coverage comes from our consolidated vehicle programming dataset. Route-level programming status is reviewed against internal route sheets and available manufacturer, security-access, and professional tool references. Exact button sequences are marked source-verified only when we have year/equipment-specific support; where a year is labeled “route verified, steps vary,” we confirm the exact fob, trim, and prompts before programming. Reviewed for route and safety by Mohammad H. Abdelhadi, ALOA-Certified Master Locksmith.

Year	Route status	Exact steps
2001–2004	Route verified	General guidance
2005–2007	Route verified	General guidance
2008–2009	Route verified	General guidance
2010–2013	Route verified (tool)	Professional route

Common questions

What type of key does my 2011–2013 Subaru Impreza use?

Many 2011–2013 Impreza models use a 4-button remote-head key with an internal transponder chip, identified for this range with FCC ID CWTWB1U811 or similar OEM references.

How do I know which Subaru Impreza key fob to order?

Check the back of your existing fob for its FCC ID and part number, or have a dealer or locksmith verify the correct remote using your VIN before ordering.

Are Canadian Subaru Impreza key fobs different from U.S. versions?

Yes. Certain 2012–2016 Canadian Impreza models use a 4-button remote-head key with FCC ID CWTWBU766 at 433 MHz, which is different from common U.S.-market frequencies and parts.

Can you program a Impreza key fob without going to the dealership?

For most years, yes - the route is onboard relearn or an OBD tool, both of which a mobile locksmith handles at your location.

Does this program the remote only, or the transponder key too?

It depends on your key type. Tell us your FCC ID and we will confirm.

What if my year says professional programming required?

Those years need a programmer or security access; we bring the tool to you and program it on site.

How much does it cost?

It depends on year, key type, and whether you have a working key. Call (833) 439-8636 for a firm price before we dispatch.

Need your Impreza fob programmed? We come to you, 24/7.

Call (833) 439-8636 Get a quote