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Replacement remote key for 2018 Crosstrek

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30K views 26 replies 14 participants last post by  Alcyone83  
#1 ·
Hi there,

I'm new to this forum so not sure if I'm posting in the right place, but my girlfriend just bought a 2018 Crosstrek Premium that she special ordered from the factory,
and I somehow already lost one of her remote keys. I feel terrible because she was so excited about this being her first brand new car ever and she's already down
one remote key. I want to replace it for her but cannot afford the $340 plus $60 labor that the dealership wants for the new key and "programming" it. I'm wondering
if I have any other options for key replacement, or if I just need to save up and shell out the extra cash to buy it from the dealer? Has anyone ever dealt with this for the 2018's?

Thank you in advance.
 
#10 · (Edited)
I think you're buggered on this one mate. We're guys, we lose things. If she's a good girlfriend she'll forgive you. Eventually. Good thing you're not in Canada. About $500 Canadian not counting programming to replace

I see this is your first post. So you joined the forum in desperation to find a solution to your dilemma. You's got to be really scared. I'll say a prayer for you tonight.:thumbs_up:
 
#11 ·
Thanks for the replies!
I talked to a local locksmith who thinks he might be able to get me the same key from one of his distributors for around $125, all the numbers on it are the same
but it's advertised as a 2017 impreza key.. He ordered it yesterday so we'll see and I'll update after we give it a shot!
 
#14 ·
UPDATE!
So I got the 2017 Impreza key from the local locksmith. He cut it for me but couldn't program it since he didn't have the latest 2018+ Subaru software. However, the dealer
was able to program the key for me for $59.50 (1/2 hour labor) and it works! So out the door I paid $185 for the key and programming, where the dealer was going to charge twice that.
Excited to have saved a quite a bit of money while supporting the locksmith at the same time (and my girlfriend is happy to have a spare key again)!

Just to clarify, the key that we found out works for the 2018 Crosstrek Premium is:

2017 SUBARU IMPREZA H-CHIP KEY
FCC ID: CWTB1G077
IC: 1788F-FB1G077
MODEL: TB1G077
 
#16 · (Edited)
I'm looking for a replacement key for my 2015 Crosstrek Hybrid. I found some on ebay (used) for pretty cheap. The FCC, IC, Model numbers all match what I have on my fob (I have one left). Will that work if I get it programmed? My dealer said they won't program keys purchased from outside sources though. They'll only program fobs purchased directly from them. So I'd have to find a locksmith and hope he can do it.

I did find a locksmith here who quoted me $250 and said he could do it cheaper if I wait a bit while he finds a cheaper source for the fob. He came back to me a few days later saying it will be $340 while the dealer said it will be $450 from him.

Skee - where did you buy your key? Was it online? Did the numbers on the back match the numbers on the back of the fob that you still had?
 
#18 ·
I was advised by both the locksmith and the dealer not to use any knock-off keys and not to try a key that was programmed to another car already because from what I understand, new subarus have a sort of lock-out mode where the ecu completely shuts
down if someone tries to use a key that is not programmed for your specific vehicle. The locksmith also said he hadn't had any luck with the knock off keys and had to return a few. So I would try to stick with an authentic key if you can. The locksmith I used
was able to find me a key on transponderisland.com which is a site only licensed locksmiths can order from, and his cost was $85, so he sold me the key for $125, including having him cut the key for me. The only reason he couldn't program it was because he
did not have the latest software for the 2018's, but I would imagine that most locksmith's would have the software to program a 2015 key. I would call around to a few different locksmiths and see what they say, also maybe suggest they check
transponderisland.com if they are having trouble finding you a replacement. Hope this helps!
 
#17 ·
Skee - sorry I see you bought your key from the locksmith and the numbers matched.

The one I saw on ebay is used. I wonder if that can be re-programmed to work on my car. I'd have to get a blank key too I guess and get that cut.

Too bad my dealer said they won't program it. Like if I just show up there and say my fob doesn't work, they won't do it?
 
#20 ·
The one I'm looking for is for keyless entry with push button remote.

The ones I've seen on ebay are Subaru but they all seem to be used so programmed to another vehicle so I guess those are no good. I'd have to find a new one I guess.

Mine looks like the attached image (well, trying to attach an image).

 
#24 ·
It's been a while since my original post on this. After the failed attempt with the locksmith, I got sidetracked and didn't have time to look for a key for a while. I ended up buying one on Ebay from virginkeys. Took it to the dealer and they programmed it for me. The combined total of the key on Ebay and programming at the dealer was $210. WAY cheaper than the $450 it was going to cost me had I purchased the key fob through the dealer.

I thought I should update the issue here in case anybody else loses their fob.
 
#27 ·
I remember the good old days (to me) with my 01 obw. They had a dedicated pamphlet to show how to program the remote fob. Well, that's now out the window, I'm guessing due to advancement in what they do and a quick dealer buck. It'll take time, but you can find a used remote, just hope it's memory is cleared. Some remotes can be locked, and some happen to stay locked.
Programming on that side is iffy, I had a 06 prius need a remote, and found a leaked document on the 25 steps (no joke), called it the "chicken dance". I'm sure a very similar pattern would be present here. Push to start cars have 2 processes, one to lock/unlock and the other to program to start/stop.