First of all, I need to say that if you want to learn how to bypass the immobilizer system in Subaru to get someone's car, you will not find any information in this article. I discourage you from even thinking that way as it will most likely lead you directly to prison. Also, I won't give an instruction in this article to avoid issues and claims.
If you own a Subaru, you may feel the urge to disable its immobilizer when it malfunctions. In this case, you still have not many choices and shouldn't dig in the immobilizer. Otherwise, you will pay the dealership afterward much more than you would pay for a tow truck initially. But still, let's look at some cases before you leave!
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The only case you would love to bypass the immobilizer
I don't know why this question is asked so often by Subaru owners, but the only reason for you to try and disable the immobilizer system is the glitch in the system itself. When it just blocks your car from starting.
But the thing is you will never know that it's actually the immobilizer. If you have the proper key and have opened the car in a proper way, the immobilizer shouldn't disturb you much. The only way it can malfunction is if the immobilizer is broken and thus your car doesn't start.
I strongly advise checking other possible reasons why your Subaru may be cranking but not starting. Examples are as follows:
- bad ignition;
- problems with fuel consumption;
- low battery power;
- low key fob battery;
- problems with the ECU;
- problems with the engine;
- affected starter motor.
In 99% of cases, one of these reasons will cause cranking and not starting issues. Immobilizers are extremely rarely in charge of the problem.
Can you theoretically disable the immobilizer in your Subaru?
It's possible but for this, you will need to strip the entire front panel to just locate the immobilizer box. It would be too easy if the box was located somewhere in an easily reachable place. Also, you will need to know something about how the electrical system in your car works to connect cables directly bypassing the immobilizer wiring.
Also, you will need to vandalize some wiring and this will cost you much more to repair than if you just pay for a tow truck to get your car to the dealership. I suppose, you will pay at least about $1000 to have everything back and working after you successfully disable the immobilizer unit in your Subaru vehicle.
So, of course, I recommend against this in all cases. If your car doesn't start, there must be another reason for that. If you are sure it's the immobilizer, just get your car towed to the dealership or to any other repair shop near you and have the vehicle inspected and repaired properly.
What are the cases when an immobilizer can block your Subaru from starting?
There are several issues that may trigger the immobilizer issues in your Subaru vehicle. Here are some of them:
- the key fob is not properly recognized, so your car may crank but it won't start;
- there is no key fob in the car - the engine will not even crank, in this case;
- the ECU is faulty and sends wrong signals - the car may crank but it won't start;
- the battery is too low - one of the possible things to malfunction is the immobilizer;
- the immobilizer is damaged - it may get water damage or mechanical issues in car crashes;
- the ECU commands the immobilizer to not allow you to start the engine.
The last point is pretty interesting. Some Subaru ECUs may use the immobilizer to cut the fuel supply when something is wrong with the engine. For example, the vehicle may register anomalies with the timing or issues with local overheating and it will just cut off the fuel supply to avoid extra damage to the engine.
Sometimes, it's possible to overcome these difficulties just by waiting for some time or disconnecting the battery for 5 minutes. But, in most cases, your Subaru will need some repair and attention.
Final thoughts
Although disabling the immobilizer doesn't sound like something really complicated, in a modern car you will not be able to do that without some knowledge and experience. Be careful when even trying to do that because, in the end, you will have to pay hundreds of dollars to have things back working properly.
Pay attention to other possible reasons why your vehicle doesn't want to start. Very often, you will find some more logical reason than the glitchy immobilizer.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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