TextHow Forester Keys Changed Over the Years
1st Gen (SF): Mechanical Key
No immobilizer, no transponder chip, no electronics at all. Your 1998 to 2002 Forester uses a plain mechanical key, which makes it one of the simplest Subaru key jobs we do. We cut a new one on the spot and you are driving again in minutes.
2nd Gen (SG): Transponder Key
Subaru stepped things up here with the first immobilizer system on the Forester. Your key now carries an Subaru G chip (Texas 4D-60 80-bit) transponder inside it, and the car will not start unless that chip talks to the immobilizer ECU. It uses a standard blade, a CR1632 battery for the 3-button remote, and requires on-board programming to sync.
3rd Gen (SH): Remote Head Key
This generation phased in Subaru's G chip (Texas 4D-60 80-bit) with a high-security HU66 blade. 2009-2010 still ran a separate 4-button keyless entry remote (FCC NHVWB1U711, CR2025) alongside a transponder ignition key. 2011-2013 consolidated into a 4-button remote head key (FCC CWTWB1U811, CR1620). Programming requires OBD-II access and a PIN code pulled from the ECU, which is where our Autel IM608 earns its keep.
4th Gen (SJ): Remote Head Key
Subaru's G chip (Texas 4D-60 80-bit) carried through this generation in a 4-button remote head key with a high-security HU66 blade. Still uses OBD-II programming with PIN extraction, no push-button start on this body. The CR1620 battery sits in the fob head with the chip and remote electronics. All-keys-lost situations on this generation require a full ECU read, so having at least one working key saves you real money.
5th Gen (SK) / 6th Gen (SL): Smart Key
This is where things got serious. Your Forester now uses a proximity smart key with an advanced Subaru transponder, push-button start, and Subaru's Advanced Immobilizer system. Programming requires server authentication through Subaru's system. The emergency blade inside is laser-cut. We handle these through NASTF-certified server access, no dealer visit needed.
Which Key Does Your Forester Use?
A simple metal key with no electronics. No chip, no remote, no battery to worry about. Just a key.
A metal key with a chip hidden inside the plastic head, plus a 3-button remote for locks. The car will not start without the chip being recognized.
Earlier 2009-2010 Foresters carry a 4-button keyless entry remote (FCC NHVWB1U711, CR2025) separate from a transponder key blade. Later 2011-2013 cars consolidated into a 4-button remote head key (FCC CWTWB1U811, CR1620) with the G chip in the head.
A 4-button remote head key (lock, unlock, panic, trunk) with the chip and remote electronics in the head and a non-folding high-security blade. The CR1620 battery sits inside the fob head.
Keep it in your pocket and press the button to start. The emergency laser-cut blade is hidden inside the fob for backup entry if the battery dies.
Pricing by Generation
All prices include key cutting, programming, and on-site testing at your location in Ventura County.
EZ Car Keyz vs. the Dealer
Same OEM-quality key, same programming result. We just do it without the markup.
Skip the Dealer - Call (805) 790-8162Common Forester Key Problems
Transponder Sync Failure
The immobilizer ECU loses its handshake with the transponder chip, usually after a battery swap or failed programming. Your Forester cranks but won't fire. We reset the ECU and re-sync the transponder through OBD-II, about 20 minutes on most 2003-2018 models.
Key Fob Battery Drain
Your 2009-2013 Forester remote head eats CR1632 batteries faster than it should. Range drops, then buttons quit. Usual culprit: worn switch contacts inside the fob housing. We test draw on-site and swap internals into a fresh shell if needed.
Proximity Sensor Failure
People assume their 2019+ smart key is dead when the car stops recognizing it. Nine times out of ten the key battery is fine. The problem is the proximity sensor in the door handle module. We diagnose on-site in Simi Valley, Oxnard, before you spend a dollar.
Blade Wear on High-Security Keys
We check the blade first on any 2009+ Forester intermittently refusing to turn. High-security blades on the HU66 profile wear faster than standard cuts. We cut fresh on-site with a Silca Futura, matched to your lock, not copied from a worn key.
Can You Program a Forester Key Yourself?
You can program keyless entry remotes yourself using the programming button under the dashboard. This only covers the remote lock and unlock functions. There is no transponder to program on this generation.
No DIY option here. The Subaru G chip (Texas 4D-60 80-bit) transponder requires professional programming tools to sync with the immobilizer. You need a locksmith or dealer for this one.
The Texas 4D chip and Subaru Immobilizer II system require OBD-II programming with a PIN code. No self-programming procedure exists for this generation.
The Subaru G chip and advanced immobilizer require diagnostic tools and ECU access. No DIY method available.
Smart key programming requires server authentication through Subaru's system. This is a professional-only job, whether it is us or the dealer.
How It Works
Call or Text Us
Reach us at (805) 790-8162. Tell us your Forester's exact year and what happened.
We Come to You
Anywhere in Ventura County. Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Moorpark, you name it.
Cut and Program
We cut your new key on-site using a Silca Futura for high-security blades or a standard cutter for older models.
Related Services
Did You Know?
Back in 1998, Subaru released the Forester in the US without any immobilizer system at all. That made the early SF generation one of the last mass-produced cars sold in America with a purely mechanical key. No chip, no electronics, just a metal key and a lock cylinder.
KEY REPLACEMENT ACROSS ALL OF VENTURA COUNTY
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