Newer keys (im mobilizers): can I disable it, what options

[idosubaru]

i have 1key and 1 remote for my 2006 Tribeca.

 

Has anyone disabled or tricked the immobilizer functionality?

 

Is s new key dealer programmable only?

 

How about install another ignition and leave the original key in the old ignition tucked away somewhere just to make the computer happy but wire starter to new ignition? Lol

[Fairtax4me]

I'm not up on the immobilizer keys on Subarus, but generally a lock-smith can reprogram them cheaper than a dealer.

 

Most cars seem to have a way to program multiple keys, but sometimes you have to do some digging to find it.

[idosubaru]

Oh wow locksmiths can mess with the ECU or imob box ? I had no clue.

 

Wonder if a tuner can reflash the ECU to remove it?

 

Does the key physically have to be inside the lock cylinder or just close to it or touching it ?

 

Wonder exactly how it reads the RF chip - remotely or theres actually a circuit embedded in the key blank?

[somick]

If you tape the original key to the steering column and use another key in the ignition it may work.

 

I would try it.

 

Sam

[kamesama980]

www.chipkeys.com and www.programyourremote.com are my go-to guide. That being said, neither has info for your year, make, and model so I can't offer any verifiable advise.

 

Yes, there has to be a way to add additional keys to a car. Usually it's open as long as you have 1 or 2 active keys (along the lines of telling the car "I have 2 good keys to prove I'm the owner and I'd like to ad another"), sometimes it requires a dealership scanner. Keep in mind that it's a major component of the anti-theft system, more than just one variable in the PCM and makes it about impossible to hot-wire a car like you see in the movies. They're generally very reliable but getting additional keys can be inconvenient.

 

There's generally a coil around the key switch in the column, the key needs to be in or VERY close to work. There are aftermarket bypasses (like the last line in the OPs post) generally marketed for remote start systems, usually it involves relocating the antenna to a box with an un-cut chip-key in it full time stuck under the dash so the engine will start without a key in the ignition. Unfortunately that also basically makes it about as secure as prior to having the RFID keys so someone could come and hot-wire it because they RFID component is already in the car.

 

Why do you want to make the change?

[idosubaru]

I don't want the cost and cumbersome reliance on the dealer. Glad you like them but it's no value to me. I'm not worried about someone stealing my car for a variety of reasons.

[Fairtax4me]

Not all locksmiths can, but it's getting more common for locksmiths to reprogram keys on vehicles that require dealer/manufacturer specific security clearance. Maybe not for a 2014, but for an 06 I would think you can find one that can. Usually worth at least browsing through the phone directory and making a few calls.

[idosubaru]

Thanks FT. I've got a good relationship with a locksmith, he's a great guy, I'll call him tomorrow.

[kamesama980]

I don't want the cost and cumbersome reliance on the dealer. Glad you like them but it's no value to me. I'm not worried about someone stealing my car for a variety of reasons.

 

I wouldn't say I like it, just that I've never had one fail and I keep track of my keys so it's operation is transparent. Unless it's failed, I see it as spend money at dealership to keep the car working (getting an extra key) as intended vs spend money elsewhere to make it work not as intended which I've seen issues down the line several times without counting theft, hence my inquiring what the reason for removal is.

[idosubaru]

however you want to say - i'm glad you're okay with it? 

 

 

 

 spend money elsewhere.

 

not if it's free?

 

i've lifted, modified, converted, rebuilt, reconstructed, swapped subarus, let people borrow my cars for months at a time, given away cars for free.."not as intended" isn't a concern, i'm not your average driver and don't expect others to do anything remotely close to what i'm doing.

 

back to the regularly scheduled program please!

[kamesama980]

I'm right there with you modding cars to be more what you like and avoiding dealerships. I didn't know your locksmith worked for free. Though you and I may mod to our hearts content remember that noobs through the ages will search (ok, that might be wishful thinking) and find this thread and if it consists of "my locksmith friend did for free to a car I can fix, replace, or afford to lose" it won't be much help.

 

This is the commercial break. The regularly scheduled program is on intermission until you hear back from the locksmith.

[idosubaru]

 I didn't know your locksmith worked for free. 

 

he doesn't.

 

 if it consists of "my locksmith friend did for free to a car I can fix, replace, or afford to lose" it won't be much help.

 

 

he isn't free.