2000 Subaru Forester
Key Replacement - Save vs Dealer in Ventura County

Q: What kind of key does the 2000 Subaru Forester use?

The 2000 Forester uses a standard turn-key ignition with a separate keyless entry remote. The key itself starts the car. The remote is a standalone fob with four buttons that controls the door locks remotely. The two work independently, so if the fob dies or loses programming, you can still get in with the physical key and drive normally.

Q: Why does the dealer take so long on Subaru key and remote jobs?

A few reasons stack up. On older models like the 2000 Forester, dealers may not keep the remote in regular stock, so they order it by VIN and schedule programming separately, which splits the job across two visits or more. On top of that, dealer service departments prioritize newer vehicles and warranty work, so an older key job can sit low in the queue. With a mobile tech, the job comes to the car.

Q: My 2000 Forester fob works sometimes and cuts out at other times. What is going on?

Intermittent operation on a fob this age usually points to one of three things: a battery that is on its way out even if it tested okay, a contact inside the fob that has corroded or shifted slightly, or a cracked solder joint on the board from years of being dropped or squeezed. CR2025 cells can read as acceptable on a basic tester but still drop voltage the moment the fob tries to transmit.

Q: Can I buy a replacement fob online and program it myself to a 2000 Forester?

Some owners have reported success using an onboard programming sequence on early 2000s Foresters, since this generation predates the locked-down security architecture on newer vehicles. That said, results vary depending on the replacement fob, the condition of the car's receiver, and whether the sequence is executed correctly. If it does not take on the first attempt, repeated failed tries can complicate things.

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2000 Subaru Forester
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2000 Subaru Forester Remote Replacement - Fast, Affordable & Professional

A woman in Marina West called on a Tuesday afternoon. She had a 2000 Subaru Forester, two kids, and a fob that had stopped talking to the car. The lock and unlock buttons just sat there doing nothing. She had already swapped the battery herself, which was the right first move, and the new CR2025 made no difference. She needed the car the next morning.

She mentioned the dealer. I did not push back on it. She had already called them and heard "we'd have to order the fob and get you scheduled" and knew that road led somewhere past Thursday.

I was at her place in Marina West within the hour. Popped the fob open, checked the contacts, confirmed the battery was seated correctly. The fob itself had a hairline issue on the board, visible when I looked close. She needed a replacement fob, not a repair.

I had a compatible unit on the van. Programmed it to the car on site, walked all four buttons, confirmed the locks were responding cleanly from across the lot.

She was set before dinner. The dealer comparison came up again at the end, almost as an afterthought. She just said "way less" and laughed. That covered it.

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2000 Subaru Forester

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M

Marianne S.

Aug 2022

★★★★★

“I had two fob keys made for my Subaru. Marco provided excellent service and persevered through three parts orders to get the keys I needed. He is very thorough in making sure everything is working properly. Communication and punctuality are also to be commended.”

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Rosie A.

Dec 2025

★★★★★

“Got locked out at Pacific View Mall. EZ Car Keyz pulled up fast, opened the car without any damage, and even made a spare key right there. Great mobile locksmith service for lockouts and key duplication in Ventura. Super quick response time.”

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Dec 2025

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“Tim was super fast, super nice, and super proficient and deserves all the five star reviews! He didn’t even ask me to review him which is crazy these days. Thanks Tim!”

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On-site 2000 Subaru Forester key service review - EZ Car Keyz Oxnard CA

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Subaru Forester Mobile Service FAQ

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How long does the Subaru dealer take for key replacement on a 2000 Forester?▼

It depends on whether they have the fob in stock. For an older model like this, dealers sometimes have to locate or order the correct remote, which can push the timeline out by days before you even get to a programming appointment. If you already have a compatible fob and just need it programmed, a dealer who knows the car can often turn it around in one visit.