Subaru Key Fob Replacement: FCC IDs, Chips & Programming

Replacing a Subaru key fob comes down to reading the generation off the customer's existing key: 2006–2009 Legacy, Outback and Tribeca use a 4-button remote head key (FCC ID CWTWBU745, 4D-62 chip, 433 MHz); 2008–2019 non-proximity cars use a B110 / TOY43R transponder blade with the Subaru "G" 4D-82 chip; 2014–2020 push-button cars use the HYQ14AHC smart key on 315 MHz; and 2017–2022 cars use the HYQ14AHK smart key (Subaru "H" 8A chip, 434 MHz). Match the FCC ID and part number on the back of the fob, confirm the frequency, and program with an OBD tool — Subaru does not offer a customer onboard procedure for transponder or smart keys. Car Key Source stocks aftermarket keys for each of these generations plus Lonsdor LT20 boards and KEYDIY DAT17 blades for universal-key jobs.

How do I identify which Subaru key the customer needs?

Start with the part the customer still has. Subaru prints the FCC ID and a Subaru part number (88835-xxxxx for smart keys) on the back of the fob, and that pair tells you the generation faster than the model year does, because Subaru changed keys mid-cycle on several models.

If there is no key at all, work from the vehicle: a push-button start car needs a smart key; a turn-key ignition with a chunky plastic head needs a transponder key or remote head key. Then check the door lock keyway, because Subaru used more than one profile in the 2000s and 2010s.

The two smart keys overlap between 2017 and 2020, and they are not interchangeable — HYQ14AHC and HYQ14AHK sit on different frequencies and different chip families. On a 2017–2020 Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, WRX or Crosstrek, read the FCC ID off the existing key or check the vehicle's build date before you order. If the customer has lost everything, confirm the part number through the dealer parts desk with the VIN.

Which Subaru models use which key?

The catalog rows list models per generation, which is the fastest way to sanity-check a job before you drive out.

• CWTWBU745 remote head key (2006–2009): Legacy, Outback, Tribeca. Turn-key ignition, 4 buttons, blade cut separately.
• B110 / TOY43R transponder (2008–2019): Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, WRX, STi, XV Crosstrek. No remote on the head; the remote, if any, is a separate keyless entry unit.
• HYQ14AHC smart key (2014–2020): BRZ, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, WRX, STi, XV Crosstrek. Push-button start.
• HYQ14AHK smart key (2017–2022): Ascent, BRZ, Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, WRX, STi. Push-button start.

The cross-reference part numbers matter on the HYQ14AHK: 88835-FL03A, 88835-FL030, 88835-FL03B and 88835-FL03C all describe the same board family, so a customer quoting any of those suffixes is asking for the same aftermarket part.

What keyway and blade does a Subaru use?

Subaru high-security blanks from roughly 2008 onward are the B110 profile, which cross-references to TOY43R and TR47R — the same 10-cut Toyota-family profile you already carry for Toyota work. Older Subarus used the DAT17 profile, and some 2000s Legacy and Outback locks are cut on the Nissan NSN14 profile. Verify on the lock before cutting: a quick look at the door cylinder tells you which family you are dealing with.

For universal flip keys built on Xhorse or KEYDIY remotes, the DAT17 blade is sold as a separate insert. Car Key Source stocks a KEYDIY DAT17 flip key blade (#65), 10-pack, which fits both KEYDIY and Xhorse universal flip remotes. For picking and decoding, the Original Lishi TOY43R 2-in-1 covers Subaru door and trunk on the B110 / TOY43R profile, and the Original Lishi NSN14 2-in-1 covers Subaru locks cut on the Nissan profile.

Aftermarket or genuine OEM for a Subaru?

Every Subaru row in the Car Key Source catalog today is aftermarket, graded AM. There is no genuine OEM Subaru fob listed at the moment, so if a customer insists on a dealer-branded part, that is a dealer order. The aftermarket units are listed against the vehicles they program to, and the programming guarantee applies: if a key or remote won't program on the vehicle we listed it against, it is refunded within 30 days of delivery and we pay the return freight. The two conditions are that the vehicle matches the listing and the part comes back resaleable.

The practical difference for a locksmith is that aftermarket Subaru smart keys carry an emergency blade slot and the same button layout as the factory key, but the shell finish can differ. Tell the customer what they are getting and quote accordingly. For the broader trade-off, read aftermarket vs genuine OEM car keys.

How is a Subaru key programmed?

Subaru transponder keys and smart keys are programmed through the OBD port with a diagnostic key programmer. There is no onboard, customer-performed procedure for transponder or proximity keys on the generations above. Add-a-key on a car with one working key is a short OBD session on most Autel, Lonsdor and Xhorse tools; all-keys-lost on the smart-key generations takes longer because the tool has to read immobilizer data before it will accept a new key. Check your tool's Subaru coverage for the exact model year before you commit to the job, especially on 2017–2022 cars with the 8A "H" chip.

Two workflow notes from the bench:

1. On HYQ14AHK cars, confirm the tool supports the 8A Subaru H chip, not just Toyota 8A. Coverage differs between tool generations.
2. On B110 / TOY43R transponder keys, the G chip is an 80-bit 4D — a tool that only handles 40-bit 4D will not add it.

The general programming workflow is covered in how to program a key fob.

Can I use a Lonsdor LT20 board for a Subaru smart key?

Yes, for the smart-key generations. Lonsdor's LT20 series is a family of adjustable-frequency smart key PCBs that drop into a Subaru or Toyota shell and are generated with a Lonsdor tool. Three of them apply to Subaru:

The advantage is stock consolidation: one board covers the frequency you meet on the day, and the shell is chosen separately. The disadvantage is tool dependency — LT20 boards are generated with Lonsdor equipment, so do not buy them if your van runs Autel only. For the comparison with vehicle-specific fobs, see universal remote or vehicle-specific fob and the Lonsdor board guide.

What Car Key Source stocks for Subaru

All vehicle-specific Subaru rows below are aftermarket (AM). Universal boards and blades are listed separately.

FCC lookups: HYQ14AHC, HYQ14AHK, CWTWBU745. In-stock orders placed by 4 PM ET (Mon–Fri) leave the warehouse the same business day. US orders ship from our Florida warehouse; Canadian orders ship from Ontario — nothing crosses the border, so there is no customs, duty or brokerage for the buyer. Trade pricing is unlocked with an approved wholesale account — most applications are approved instantly; apply here.

If the Subaru you need is not on this list, use the sourcing request path and give the trade desk the FCC ID and part number.

FAQ

Are HYQ14AHC and HYQ14AHK Subaru smart keys interchangeable?

No. HYQ14AHC runs on 315 MHz and HYQ14AHK runs on 434 MHz with the Subaru H (8A) chip, so the wrong one will neither program nor operate the remote functions. Read the FCC ID on the customer's existing key, or confirm by VIN, before ordering a 2017–2020 car.

Does a Subaru key fob need to be programmed by the dealer?

No. Subaru transponder and smart keys program through the OBD port with a professional key programmer, and both add-a-key and all-keys-lost are routine for locksmiths with current Autel, Lonsdor or Xhorse tools. The dealer route is only necessary if you do not have coverage for that model year.

What chip is in a Subaru transponder key?

2006–2009 remote head keys use a 4D-62 chip; 2008–2019 B110 / TOY43R transponder keys use the Subaru G chip, an 80-bit Texas 4D (4D-82); 2017–2022 smart keys use the Subaru H chip, an 8A-type RF430 transponder. Verify the year on the vehicle, because the transitions did not happen on the same year for every model.

What key blank does a Subaru use?

Most 2008 and newer Subarus use the B110 profile, which cross-references to TOY43R and TR47R. Older cars used DAT17, and some 2000s Legacy and Outback locks are on the Nissan NSN14 profile, so check the door cylinder before you cut.

Is there a genuine OEM Subaru key fob at Car Key Source?

Not at the moment. Every Subaru row in the catalog is aftermarket, graded AM, and is covered by the programming guarantee against the vehicles it is listed for. Genuine OEM parts for other makes are listed on the site's OEM hub.

Can I change the battery in a Subaru fob instead of replacing it?

Often yes. If the fob still programs and only the range has dropped, a fresh coin cell fixes most complaints; see how to change the battery in a Subaru key fob before you sell a replacement.