ben1002

So, I bought a Subaru from a friend that had it stolen and crashed. So essentially it had no keys.

Damage wise it was dead central, damage limited to Bonnet, Radiator, Crash Bar, Bumper.

Pulled the front end off and checked everything is still timed correctly. Result!!


So I bought a complete lock and ECU with the little module that also goes on the steering coloumn from a breakers yard, supposed to already be coded. Upon fitting all this I put the key in the ignition. And the red key light comes on solid! So I assumed its not already coded.

After hours of searching I found a mobile locksmith that says he can code subaru keys. He came out a few days ago and opened up the key and there wasnt even a transponder chip in there!!! He ordered in a transponder chip and came back out last night, this time his key coded gave a success message, took a token from his device. But the immo key light in the clocks is still on solid and there is no spark? I have tried the original ecu and transponder unit and also the new ecu and transponder unit and no lock with either.

The vehicle does have a Sigma installed however, this is bypassed in regards to the starter crank and the fuel pump.

Any ideas guys?

Don Clark

What bits have you actually purchased as it's not very clear
Ignition lock and key
Immobiliser ECU
Immobiliser Antenna
Engine ECU
A package similar to this?






There are four items that need to work for the OEM immobiliser to function..
1) Key with transponder chip
2) Immobiliser antenna ( fits around the lock barrel)
3) Immobiliser ECU - communicates between key and Engine ECU
4) Engine ECU
There is also the key switch on the lock barrel.

The Immobiliser ECU holds the info about the key transponder and then communicates with the Engine ECU when correct or illuminates the dash key warning light.
I'm uncertain as to what info the Engine ECU holds and whether it needs to be paired to the Immobiliser ECU to function.

ben1002

The picture you have uploaded is exactly what I bought. Although it then turned out the key was missing the transponder. So my locksmith ordered in the correct transponder chip and installed in the key. He then coded it to the car and received a success message. At this point the key light on the dashboard still will not go out?

I assume the sigma system on this year does not go into the ECU?

Don Clark

The Sigma alarm is entirely separate to the OEM Immobiliser circuitry except that it is integrated into theoperation of the Keyless entry system to combine pcbs and use a one button key as shown above, removing the need for a separate alarm fob.
If the red key symbol remains lit then the Immobiliser ECU is not deactivating it, so is either not energised, is getting the wrong or no information from the key, or all three items are mismatched and will need SSM or Ecutek intervention to code the system.

Thinking about the above, when I previously had to replace my Forester ECU (A/C clutch control failure) the keys had to be re-coded to the new ECU.

ben1002

Very helpful, thank you. I'm assuming its a mismatch issue somehow the car has lost some info somewhere. Where would I find someone with SSM / ECUTek? Or is this a main dealer jobby?

Don Clark

SSM (Subaru Select Monitor) - dealer
Ecutek - Usually a mapper who uses it.