What year ranges does this guide cover?

This Subaru Tribeca Key Fob guide is limited to the source-backed year clusters: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009u20132011, 2012, and 2013 (USA & Canada).

Does this program the remote only, or also the transponder for starting?

The Subaru Tribeca Key Fob procedure described here is for keyless-entry remote functions using an 8-digit transmitter code. It does not claim to program an immobilizer or transponder for starting.

What if the programming steps do not work?

If a Subaru Tribeca Key Fob attempt does not work, use vehicle feedback and timing windows as the decision point; no tone/buzzer/interior light feedback typically indicates a timing miss and the need to restart.

When should DIY stop and a mobile automotive locksmith be contacted?

Switch from DIY to professional help when programming mode cannot be entered reliably, when timing windows cause repeated errors, or when only one working remote remains and lockout risk is a concern.

Can a replacement remote still be programmed using this method?

A replacement remote can be used only if it is compatible with the year cluster and has a readable 8-digit transmitter code from the bag label or inside the remote.

Subaru Tribeca Key Fob Programming by Year

Can you program a Tribeca 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
2006	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	No (all-keys-lost OK)	Possible	High	Follow the steps below
2007	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	No (all-keys-lost OK)	Possible	Med	Follow the steps below
2008	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	No (all-keys-lost OK)	Possible	High	Follow the steps below
2009–2011	Confirm	Confirm with us	—	Possible	Med	Call to confirm your trim
2012	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	—	—	High	Follow the steps below
2013	No	No - professional only	—	—	Med	We program it on site

Subaru Tribeca key types & programming facts

2006–2008 Subaru Tribeca models use an immobilizer system that requires a correctly coded transponder chip in the key plus a matching remote for keyless entry. Programming typically involves registering the transponder to the vehicle’s immobilizer and pairing the remote, often requiring locksmith or dealer equipment for the transponder portion. Battery replacement and remote case opening can be done by the owner, but electronic coding generally is handled by a professional.

Key types used on the Tribeca:

remote-head key (integrated remote with transponder chip blade) (2006-2008)
separate remote + transponder chip key blade (2006 (B9 Tribeca remote, key blade not integrated per listing))

Common fob FCC IDs: NHVWB1U711, CWTWBU745, 2AOKM-SB2 — check the back of your fob; we confirm the exact variant on site.

2006 Subaru Tribeca

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 (20 steps)

Preparation & Initial Steps

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 driver's door one time to begin sequence.

Cycle the ignition ON/OFF

3 Ensure all steps performed within 45 seconds of initial door cycle.

Programming step

4 Repeat opening and closing driver's door one time as part of sequence.

Turn ignition to ON

5 Be ready to turn ignition and listen for electronic tone and buzzer.

Ignition Sequence & Feedback

Turn ignition to ON

1 Turn ignition key from LOCK to ON 10 times within 15 seconds.

Programming step

2 One electronic tone sounds once when ignition sequence accepted.

Programming step

3 Buzzer continues sounding and interior light flashes while registering codes.

Programming step

4 Absence of tone/buzzer/lamp indicates timing error and requires restart.

Close the doors

5 After ignition steps, open and close driver's door once within 45 seconds.

Code Entry Procedure

Wait / timing window

1 Electronic tone sounds for 30 seconds; start entering code before tone stops.

Press / hold a fob button

2 Use power door lock button to LOCK the same number of times as each digit.

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

3 After each digit series, push to UNLOCK side (pull lock knob to UNLOCK) within five seconds.

Wait / timing window

4 Enter full 8-digit transmitter code, then repeat entire 8-digit entry a second time.

Wait / timing window

5 If interval between pushes exceeds five seconds or second entry mismatches, an error occurs and restart required.

Error Handling & Additional Notes

Programming step

1 If steps not performed within specified time windows, perform procedure again starting with specified part numbers.

Programming step

2 Up to six consecutive errors during certain parts triggers restart from part 3.

Wait / timing window

3 If code second-entry mismatch occurs five times, restart from part 3.

Programming step

4 After programming additional transmitters, repeat procedure beginning with ignition step (part 4).

Remove the key

5 Remove key from ignition switch when finished and test remotes; battery replacement suggested if remote not working.

For the 2006 Tribeca: Tribeca key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2007 Subaru Tribeca

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Show the programming methods (20 steps)

Preparation steps

Close the doors

1 Sit in the 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 to start sequence

Programming step

3 All steps must be completed quickly and within specified time limits

Programming step

4 Replace key fob battery if remote fob not working suggested before programming

Programming step

5 Option to replace key fob provided via linked resources

Ignition and entry into programming mode

Close the doors

1 Open and close the driver’s door once within 45 seconds before ignition sequence

Turn ignition to ON

2 Turn ignition key from LOCK to ON 10 times within 15 seconds to initiate programming

Programming step

3 Electronic tone will sound once and buzzer will continue while interior light flashes during registration

Programming step

4 Failure to meet timing results in no tone, no buzzer, and no interior lamp flash; restart required

Close the doors

5 After initial ignition sequence, open and close driver’s door once within 15 seconds to trigger 30-second electronic tone

Code entry procedure

Press / hold a fob button

1 Before tone stops, press power door LOCK button the number of times equal to the leftmost digit of the transmitter code

Wait / timing window

2 After entering digit presses, push UNLOCK within five seconds to confirm that digit

Wait / timing window

3 Repeat for all remaining seven digits of the code, pressing UNLOCK within five seconds after each series

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

4 After completing eight digits, within five seconds push LOCK to UNLOCK one time and then re-enter full 8-digit series again

Wait / timing window

5 Successful second entry of eighth digit triggers a 30-second electronic tone; tone stops when number entry begins

Error handling and repeats

Programming step

1 If operations not performed within time windows, an error occurs and registration must be restarted at specified steps

Wait / timing window

2 Interval between knob presses exceeding five seconds causes an error; restart from part 4 (ignition step)

Wait / timing window

3 If code entered second time does not match first time, repeat beginning with part 5; repeated errors have limits (five or six times referenced)

Programming step

4 To program additional transmitters, repeat procedure beginning with part 4 for each transmitter

Remove the key

5 After programming all transmitters, remove key from ignition switch and test remotes

For the 2007 Tribeca: Tribeca key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2008 Subaru Tribeca

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Show the programming methods (24 steps)

Vehicle & setup requirements

Programming step

1 Driver seated and all doors plus rear gate/trunk closed

Programming step

2 Drivers door opened and closed once to begin sequence

Programming step

3 All steps must be completed within specified time windows (45s, 15s, 5s)

Programming step

4 Up to four transmitter codes can be programmed into the system

Programming step

5 Key must be removed from ignition after finishing programming

Ignition & timing sequence

Turn ignition to ON

1 Turn ignition key from LOCK to ON 10 times within 15 seconds

Programming step

2 Electronic tone sounds once; buzzer continues and interior light flashes during registration

Wait / timing window

3 Failure to perform steps within 45 seconds produces no tone/buzzer/flash (error)

Close the doors

4 Additional open/close of drivers door required within 45 seconds and then once within 15 seconds to trigger 30s electronic tone

Programming step

5 If the electronic tone stops before starting entry, procedure must be restarted at step 3

Code entry procedure

Press / hold a fob button

1 Use power door LOCK button to enter digits; LOCK button pressed number of times equal to leftmost digit

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

2 After entering a digit series, pull lock knob to UNLOCK within five seconds

Programming step

3 Repeat entry for all eight digits of the transmitter code

Programming step

4 After completing first full series, repeat entire eight-digit entry starting with leftmost digit

Wait / timing window

5 Electronic tone will sound for 30 seconds when the eighth digit is entered the second time

Error conditions & retries

Wait / timing window

1 If interval between pushes exceeds five seconds, an error occurs and procedure restarts at part 4

Programming step

2 If number entry not started before the electronic tone stops, restart at part 3

Wait / timing window

3 If second entry does not match first, an error occurs and restart at part 5

Programming step

4 If an error occurs six times, restart at part 3; if an error occurs five times (specific mismatch), restart at part 3

Programming step

5 Failure to perform operations within required windows prevents tone and indicates an error

Post-programming & troubleshooting

Programming step

1 Test remotes after removing key from ignition

Programming step

2 Up to four transmitters can be added by repeating procedure beginning at part 4

Programming step

3 Replace key fob battery if remote not working before reprogramming

Programming step

4 Options available to find battery or replace key fob (links mentioned)

For the 2008 Tribeca: Tribeca key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2009–2011 Subaru Tribeca

Professional programming required

Professional programming for the 2009–2011

Programming for this exact year/trim is confirmed case-by-case. A mobile locksmith confirms your key type and FCC ID, then programs it on site.

Call (833) 439-8636

For the 2009–2011 Tribeca: Tribeca key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2012 Subaru Tribeca

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Show the programming methods (20 steps)

Preparation

Close the doors

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

Close the doors

2 Open and close driver’s door one time

Programming step

3 Ensure no one else operates a transmitter within range during programming

Programming step

4 Have all remotes and their eight-digit codes available before starting

Programming step

5 Replace remote battery if key fob not working prior to programming

Initial registration sequence

Close the doors

1 Within 45 seconds after first door open/close: open and close driver’s door once again

Turn ignition to ON

2 Turn ignition key from LOCK to ON 10 times within 15 seconds

Programming step

3 Electronic tone will sound once; buzzer will continue and interior light will flash until registration complete

Wait / timing window

4 Failure to perform steps within 45 seconds causes error; restart procedure

Close the doors

5 After ignition sequence, within 45 seconds open and close driver’s door once; electronic tone will sound for 30 seconds

Entering code digits

Press / hold a fob button

1 Before tone stops, press power door LOCK button number of times equal to leftmost digit of code (e.g., 8 -> 8 presses)

Wait / timing window

2 After entering digit presses, push to UNLOCK side within five seconds; repeat for each of the remaining seven digits

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

3 After finishing eight digits, within five seconds push LOCK->UNLOCK one time and repeat full eight-digit entry again

Wait / timing window

4 Electronic tone will sound for 30 seconds after entering eighth digit the second time

Wait / timing window

5 Interval between presses must not exceed five seconds; exceeding causes error requiring restart

Error handling and deleting old remotes

Programming step

1 If tone stops before starting entry, error occurs; restart from step 3 or specified step

Wait / timing window

2 If interval between knob presses exceeds five seconds, perform procedure again starting with part 4 (or part 3 after six errors)

Wait / timing window

3 If second-entry code does not match first-entry code, error; repeat beginning with part 5 (after five errors restart at part 3)

Programming step

4 To delete lost transmitter codes: program four valid transmitter codes into system (single transmitter programmed four times, two transmitters each twice, three transmitters with one repeated)

Remove the key

5 After programming all remotes, remove key from ignition and test; ensures only current transmitter codes remain in memory

For the 2012 Tribeca: Tribeca key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2013 Subaru Tribeca

Professional programming required

Professional programming for the 2013

This year requires professional programming (security access / tool). A mobile locksmith confirms your key type and FCC ID, then programs it on site.

Call (833) 439-8636

For the 2013 Tribeca: Tribeca 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
2006	Route verified	General guidance
2007	Route verified	General guidance
2008	Route verified	General guidance
2009–2011	Needs confirmation	Professional route
2012	Route verified	General guidance
2013	Professional-only	Professional route

Common questions

What kind of key does my 2006–2008 Subaru Tribeca use?

Most 2006–2008 Tribeca models use a 4‑button remote-head key that combines the remote and the transponder key blade in one unit. Some listings also show a separate remote option for 2006.

Can I program a new Tribeca key fob myself?

The remote-head key contains a transponder that usually requires locksmith or dealer programming equipment, while the remote functions may be programmable or paired during the same professional service.

Which FCC IDs are associated with Subaru Tribeca remotes from this period?

Documented FCC IDs for Tribeca-related remotes include NHVWB1U711 for a 2006 B9 Tribeca remote and CWTWBU745 and 2AOKM-SB2 on remotes used with 2006–2008 Tribeca/Legacy models.

Can you program a Tribeca 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 Tribeca fob programmed? We come to you, 24/7.

Call (833) 439-8636 Get a quote