Loki123

Hello to each and every one of you!

Short story long; I bought a 2005 2.0, 4X4 Legacy estate, equipped with an immobilizer. It was cheap, but I liked it because it looked and sounded fine, and it was well taken care of. I took it to a garage for pre-MOT check... 8 weeks later and 3 grand less, it needed only welding of the sills, above the shocks and on subframe. Being a welder and now having 3 grand short, I took things into my own hands. Not preeeeeety, but it will do (used arcwelding, as I do not have MIG yet). Anyhow,

I got to pick some wooden shed off Marketplace a few days ago and kept going in and out of it, locking and unlocking the car, using the single button key fob. It would only work at short distance, but it would work. Mind you, it was rainy as hell that day so it got wet. All of a sudden, it stops working. I enter it, being finished, and the car would not start.

The key turns on all of the accessories. The lights (indicators, inside and outside) work, windows, manual locking, AC, and horn- everything is in order. But, when I press the key button for the last click (to turn on the engine) nothing happens! No messages on the dash, no cranking, no clicking, no crunching, no noise.


I have checked the battery voltage, and it is just shy of 12 V. Everything works at normal power.

I have replaced the fob battery, 1620, 3V type. Nothing happens yet again. I have checked the old battery, and it seems that it is also just shy of full capacity. The circuit board in the fob looks quite fine, no corrosion to be seen, no loose parts.

I have looked at the fuse box in the driver's side and the starter relay fuse seems alright, as well as some in the engine bay fusebox.

Now, I thought the immobilizer might not recognise the key transponder after changing the battery, so I tried using the key pad and overriding it, with a Internet provided bypass code (since I never received a PIN myself). After doing that I would have generated a new PIN, and I would potentially pair the fob. The keypad showed no life itself. No red light flashing or any dashboard messages when I press the buttons, whether or not my key was in, or out of ignition. It simply did not do anything after I pressed any key.


I would try to do the bypass, but I believe the immobilizer would activate before I make a turn.


Oh, and before this...episode... the car would start normally. Press the key fob to unlock the car, enter the car, put the key in, turn it to ACC position, wait for the dash lights to go off, press the key fob button to deactivate immobilizer and turn the key simultaneously, and the engine goes on from first try. I did, however, notice that the car likes to sometimes crank/crunch a second after the engine turns on (like if I kept holding the key to ON, after the engine has already started).


Please help a newbie Subaru owner! I really like it so far, and hope to camp in it as often as possible, as I used to do while traveling through the United States as a student (although it was the earlier Outback model)! Now it is sitting in front of someone's driveway, being cold and wet.



Thank you in advance!

JdmSti2006

is it cobra alarm?
have You red key flashing on dash?

Don Clark

Single button key would suggest it's a UK car fitted with a Sigma M30 alarm.
Battery just shy of 12V - needs to be put on charge



The key transponder is linked to the ECU via its body integrated unit (BIU).The ECU has it's own immobiliser circuits.
As mentioned above is there a flashing red key symbol on the dash when the key is out of the ignition which clears when the key is inserted?
The pcb in the key controls the sigma alarm and without a proper pin or working key will need outside help to reset.
The alarm in turn controls the keyless entry via the BIU.
The alarm also has a starter cut circuit.
Never heard of an Internet bypass code for the Sigma. (UK cars have different security to US versions.)
Copy of the alarm users manual attached.
As the keypad appears dead and potentially the alarm module, have you checked ALL the fuses in both the engine bay main fuse board and the fuse board behind the dash lower panel/coin box with alarm keypad by the drivers right knee?

Loki123

Thanks for a fast reply ti both of you. The key symbol on the dash flashes in an interval yes, until I turn it on. Then it stops. I will have to check which alarm system it is. It's written in the manual, but it's in the car atm.

Loki123

Hi Don! Much appreciation for your reply.
​​​​​​ I will have to double check the alarm system name and get back to you. I've got it in the manual, but it's not with me at the moment. Oh wow! Of all the things, the battery was the last in line of suspicion. I have a mobile charger and I will do just that- charge the battery until it's at maximum.

The car dashboard has a flashing red key symbol until I put the key into the ignition, yes. So I was right saying thst bypassing would not really be worth it?

As far as I've read, the "code* I was about to enter prompts a PIN change operation. I wanted to try it but the keypad didn't show life, as previously stated. I am attaching the link I found with the "code" below. I hope it's not bogus!
https://uk.subaruownersclub.com/foru...5-keypad-code/


I have not checked all of them. It was grim weather and my fingers decided not to cooperate anymore. I have checked the relevant starter fuse and relay fuse. I will get the clamp and probe light tester for this task.


As previously stated, I will try to charge the battery, hoping it will be enough to solve this problem, and check ALL of the fuses. If it doesn't, what should I look at?
I forgot to mention that, after changing the fob battery, it still didn't want to remotely lock or open the car door.

Don Clark

So the ECU still recognises the key transponder so ECU immobilser is deactivated

The link you have shared just quotes what is covered in the Alarm operators manual as attached to my previous post.
No "special" code, but does require know the existing PIN or having a "working" radio key - which it seems you currently don't have unless the power supplies to the alarm module have blown a fuse as your keypad also appears dead.
Here is the basic alarm wiring diagram for the MY04 UK Legacy, so should be the same/similar to yours as both should be B13 models (what is the 4th character of the "model code" shown on the VIN plate - BP5?)



If it is only a blown fuse and the alarm comes back to life but the key still doesn't work you may need to seek the help of an auto electrician or a Scorpion / Toad (owners of Sigma) alarm specialist.

JdmSti2006

link is about m30-sigma alarm new pin
fuses first maybe some broken wire

Loki123

Thank you all for fast replies. I'm actually positive I will get this fixed before the garage does (queues are horrible!)
So my key fob is recognized, so I don't have a program it. Gotcha.

I am currently in the car, charging the battery, so I checked the alarm manual- identical to your link. I didn't want to rush before the ore and say something that isn't true. Now I know it's the same alarm system.
I hope that, by charging the battery, my keyless entry will work, so I can then change the PIN to something memorable. Hope is the key word and no puns were intended.

Yes sir, the 4-6th characters on the VIN plate are BP5. I will now study the diagram.



Because of the missing PIN or malfunctioning circuits?

Loki123

Thank you all for fast replies. I'm actually positive I will get this fixed before the garage does (queues are horrible!)
So my key fob is recognized, so I don't have a program it. Gotcha.

I am currently in the car, charging the battery, so I checked the alarm manual- identical to your link. I didn't want to rush before the ore and say something that isn't true. Now I know it's the same alarm system.
I hope that, by charging the battery, my keyless entry will work, so I can then change the PIN to something memorable. Hope is the key word and no puns were intended.

Yes sir, the 4-6th characters on the VIN plate are BP5. I will now study the diagram.



Because of the missing PIN or malfunctioning circuits?

Loki123

Thank you all for fast replies. I'm actually positive I will get this fixed before the garage does (queues are horrible!)
So my key fob is recognized, so I don't have a program it. Gotcha.

I am currently in the car, charging the battery, so I checked the alarm manual- identical to your link. I didn't want to rush before the ore and say something that isn't true. Now I know it's the same alarm system.
I hope that, by charging the battery, my keyless entry will work, so I can then change the PIN to something memorable. Hope is the key word and no puns were intended.

Yes sir, the 4-6th characters on the VIN plate are BP5. I will now study the diagram.



Because of the missing PIN or malfunctioning circuits?

Loki123

Hmmmm I've posted yesterday but for some reason I don't see my reply. Luckily I've copied the text.

Thank you all for fast replies. I'm actually positive I will get this fixed before the garage does (queues are horrible!) So my key fob is recognized, so I don't have a program it. Gotcha. I am currently in the car, charging the battery, so I checked the alarm manual- identical to your link. I didn't want to rush before the ore and say something that isn't true. Now I know it's the same alarm system.I hope that, by charging the battery, my keyless entry will work, so I can then change the PIN to something memorable. Hope is the key word and no puns were intended. Yes sir, the 4-6th characters on the VIN plate are BP5. I will now study the diagram. Because of the missing PIN or malfunctioning circuits? EDIT: Ive charged the battery to 12.7V and the issue is still info. However, I've received a PIN code from the Subaru dealership . Shout out to Birmingham office (the Leicester dealership ceased to do Scoobie business anymore- that's where the car is originally from), as well as the Kintore/Kemnay office as well. They both gave me the same PIN. I hope no one changed it in the meantime.
I will now try the PIN, but I fail to see how it will work as the keypad still shows no life.

I'll write an update within a few hours. ​​​​​​​

Loki123

Hmmmm I've posted several times yesterday but for some reason I don't see my reply. Luckily I've copied the text. Thank you all for fast replies. I'm actually positive I will get this fixed before the garage does (queues are horrible!)
So my key fob is recognized, so I don't have a program it? Gotcha.
I am currently in the car, charging the battery, so I checked the alarm manual- identical to your link. I didn't want to rush before the ore and say something that isn't true. Now I know it's the same alarm system.I hope that, by charging the battery, my keyless entry will work, so I can then change the PIN to something memorable. Hope is the key word and no puns were intended.
Yes sir, the 4-6th characters on the VIN plate are BP5. I will now study the diagram.
Because of the missing PIN or malfunctioning circuits?

EDIT: Ive charged the battery to 12.7V and the issue is still info. However, I've received a PIN code from the Subaru dealership . Shout out to Birmingham office (the Leicester dealership ceased to do Scoobie business anymore- that's where the car is originally from), as well as the Kintore/Kemnay office as well. They both gave me the same PIN. I hope no one changed it in the meantime. I will now try the PIN, but I fail to see how it will work as the keypad still shows no life. Edit x2
The PIN did not work. The pad showed no life, beeps, flashes... Nothing!

Loki123

Hi all! Thank you for such fast replying. Unfortunately, when typing from phone, my messages would not go through. I have no clue why. So, I will try to remember what I wrote. I have charged the battery to 12.7 V, I have obtained a PIN from the dealership and I found no broken fuses.

I suppose that is the case as the LED flashing stops and the alarm never goes off. However, I still have no radio controlled locking or unlocking, even after 2 fob battery changes.


In the meantime (after several days and failed postings), I have managed to get the PIN code from the Subaru dealership. I have tried typing it into the keypad, as instructed in the manual, but there is no indication that the keypad is working, so I am at the same spot.
The VIN plate 4-6th characters are BP5, yes. I am not an electrician or a mechanic, so I am struggling to see what wiring I am supposed to look at in the diagram. I am unable to find online where there might be a fuse for the keypad, or if it is even existing. Perhaps just its LED died, but I cannot seem to open it.


IAs I have tried most things coming to my mind, without success, I will have to resort to that.
The turning of the key to turn on the engine engages (clicks) the starter relay next to the cockpit fusebox, so I suppose both the relay and the wire leading to it is working. I have charged the battery to 12.7 V, changed the key fob battery twice, tried to use the existing keypad and PIN to reconnect the fob, checked all the fuses and relevant relays (none of them were burnt). I connected the multimeter to the solenoid and it showed the battery voltage and good leads. I tried to jumpstart the solenoid with a wrench and it was spinning, but obviously not starting.
What I am left is the possibility that the key fob is somehow faulty, but I am not seeing any corrosion or broken parts.

Please feel free to throw in additional thoughts or advice!

Thanks!

Loki123

Hi all! Thank you for such fast replying. Unfortunately, when typing from phone, my messages would not go through. I have no clue why. So, I will try to remember what I wrote. I have charged the battery to 12.7 V, I have obtained a PIN from the dealership and I found no broken fuses.

I suppose that is the case as the LED flashing stops and the alarm never goes off. However, I still have no radio controlled locking or unlocking, even after 2 fob battery changes.


In the meantime (after several days and failed postings), I have managed to get the PIN code from the Subaru dealership. I have tried typing it into the keypad, as instructed in the manual, but there is no indication that the keypad is working, so I am at the same spot.
The VIN plate 4-6th characters are BP5, yes. I am not an electrician or a mechanic, so I am struggling to see what wiring I am supposed to look at in the diagram. I am unable to find online where there might be a fuse for the keypad, or if it is even existing. Perhaps just its LED died, but I cannot seem to open it.


IAs I have tried most things coming to my mind, without success, I will have to resort to that.
The turning of the key to turn on the engine engages (clicks) the starter relay next to the cockpit fusebox, so I suppose both the relay and the wire leading to it is working. I have charged the battery to 12.7 V, changed the key fob battery twice, tried to use the existing keypad and PIN to reconnect the fob, checked all the fuses and relevant relays (none of them were burnt). I connected the multimeter to the solenoid and it showed the battery voltage and good leads. I tried to jumpstart the solenoid with a wrench and it was spinning, but obviously not starting.
What I am left is the possibility that the key fob is somehow faulty, but I am not seeing any corrosion or broken parts.

Please feel free to throw in additional thoughts or advice!

Thanks!

Loki123

Hi all! Thank you for such fast replying. Unfortunately, when typing from phone, my messages would not go through. I have no clue why. So, I will try to remember what I wrote. I have charged the battery to 12.7 V, I have obtained a PIN from the dealership and I found no broken fuses.

I suppose that is the case as the LED flashing stops and the alarm never goes off. However, I still have no radio controlled locking or unlocking, even after 2 fob battery changes.


In the meantime (after several days and failed postings), I have managed to get the PIN code from the Subaru dealership. I have tried typing it into the keypad, as instructed in the manual, but there is no indication that the keypad is working, so I am at the same spot.
The VIN plate 4-6th characters are BP5, yes. I am not an electrician or a mechanic, so I am struggling to see what wiring I am supposed to look at in the diagram. I am unable to find online where there might be a fuse for the keypad, or if it is even existing. Perhaps just its LED died, but I cannot seem to open it.


IAs I have tried most things coming to my mind, without success, I will have to resort to that.
The turning of the key to turn on the engine engages (clicks) the starter relay next to the cockpit fusebox, so I suppose both the relay and the wire leading to it is working. I have charged the battery to 12.7 V, changed the key fob battery twice, tried to use the existing keypad and PIN to reconnect the fob, checked all the fuses and relevant relays (none of them were burnt). I connected the multimeter to the solenoid and it showed the battery voltage and good leads. I tried to jumpstart the solenoid with a wrench and it was spinning, but obviously not starting.
What I am left is the possibility that the key fob is somehow faulty, but I am not seeing any corrosion or broken parts.

Please feel free to throw in additional thoughts or advice!

Thanks!

Loki123

Hi all! Thank you for such fast replying. Unfortunately, when typing from phone, my messages would not go through. I have no clue why. So, I will try to remember what I wrote. I have charged the battery to 12.7 V, I have obtained a PIN from the dealership and I found no broken fuses.

I suppose that is the case as the LED flashing stops and the alarm never goes off. However, I still have no radio controlled locking or unlocking, even after 2 fob battery changes.


In the meantime (after several days and failed postings), I have managed to get the PIN code from the Subaru dealership. I have tried typing it into the keypad, as instructed in the manual, but there is no indication that the keypad is working, so I am at the same spot.
The VIN plate 4-6th characters are BP5, yes. I am not an electrician or a mechanic, so I am struggling to see what wiring I am supposed to look at in the diagram. I am unable to find online where there might be a fuse for the keypad, or if it is even existing. Perhaps just its LED died, but I cannot seem to open it.


IAs I have tried most things coming to my mind, without success, I will have to resort to that.
The turning of the key to turn on the engine engages (clicks) the starter relay next to the cockpit fusebox, so I suppose both the relay and the wire leading to it is working. I have charged the battery to 12.7 V, changed the key fob battery twice, tried to use the existing keypad and PIN to reconnect the fob, checked all the fuses and relevant relays (none of them were burnt). I connected the multimeter to the solenoid and it showed the battery voltage and good leads. I tried to jumpstart the solenoid with a wrench and it was spinning, but obviously not starting.
What I am left is the possibility that the key fob is somehow faulty, but I am not seeing any corrosion or broken parts... or there is a missing alarm fuse which I cannot find.

Please feel free to throw in additional thoughts or advice!

Thanks!

Loki123

Hi again!
I've written several times but my posts go through the admin approval and never get po
posted.

So, to recap what I've been up to...
I have:
-charged the battery to over 12V- it didn't do anything.
-gotten the same PIN from two dealerships and the keypad shows no life, no flashes
-tested the battery leads on solenoid and hey're fine, same voltage.
-checked all the fuses I could see
-tried the solenoid bypass and it spins
-looked at the wires on the steering wheel, and they seem to work. When I turn the key to last position I can hear the starter relay click

Is there a separate fuse for the alarm, which I might have missed?

I presume I'm left with three options:
1.​​ The key fob is dead, despite not having any broken parts or corrosion on the PCB
2. The alarm module is dead
​​​​​​3. The car battery needs a change, despite charging (I remembered surface voltage dissipation). I reckon it might be the case of non working keypad.

All help is welcomed!
​​​

​​​​​​

JdmSti2006

i have cobra alarm ,when I bought a car it was bypassed, one place charged me 50 quid for nothing,they just offerd new alarm than I went to Raps at Northampton they fixed it -changed diodes in the alarm unit.
Put power from other car battery via cables and try key pad but doubt it will help

Loki123

I know there will be no shortage of cost if I just go to the garage. Hebce, I'd like to fix it myself. Thr only issue is finding out what's wrong!

In your case a broken LED was the cause of the car alarm system to completely malfunction?

JdmSti2006

Yes few gone, think main unit is under wipers.

Loki123

'Few', as in fuse typo, sorry? I have started disassembling everything. Whish me luck.

JdmSti2006

Few leds/diodes ,no idea how many were are there,just being told that. Overall simply job just time consuming to remove unit and put it back. Good luck ,hopefully You will sort it yourself.

Loki123

How all! After disassembling everything possible, I found out there was a corroded pin. The condensation on the aluminum frame dripped into the clip elements and caused some oxidation. I've cleaned it up and charged the battery some more. Started from the first try

albob

Well done !!!