Bantum's '05 Forester ...

[Bantum]

Well I've gone and pulled the trigger on the purchase of a '05 SG9 Forester ... !



It needs a bit of work to get back on the road, but should come good for a cheap runabout ...
Will add more as time permits / things come to hand.
Ciao, Bantum ...

[Bantum]

I do have a Query : I have a non functioning key fob ( The remote won't lock / unlock ) - I've replaced the battery, but it's still not working ...
There is a red flashing 'key' warning light on dash. I've read in manual that I might need to 'synchronise' the transmitter by pressing lock / unlock six times continuously ... ( not tried it yet )
Any pointers in how to diagnose / fix ?
Cheers, Bantum ...

[El_Freddo]

Hmmm… dunno how to make the key fob talk to the rest of the car to lock and unlock the doors.

I do know that flashing key light on the dash is the immobiliser light. The vehicle operates because it detects a small transponder chip in the fob when you put the key into the ignition switch.

There will no doubt be a YouTube video or a write up somewhere about the procedure to program the fob to your car.

And congrats on the purchase!

Cheers

Bennie

[Subyroo]

You could try asking the guys over at https://www.offroadsubarus.com/ or you could try the Liberty Forum too, I don't imagine there would be any difference (if any) between models http://forum.liberty.asn.au

Found this information on the Club Liberty Forum...

You CANNOT program the immobiliser yourself.
A special programming tool is required that only registered locksmiths carry.

The remote entry can be reprogrammed DIY, but, alas, the immobiliser cannot.

The Liberty can support up to 4 key sets and all must be presented for reprogramming when it is performed.

I had a third key made for my Liberty. I bought a second hand key from ebay. That gave me the remote entry fob.
Then I got a key blank off ebay.
The friendly locksmith cut the new key, supplied a new transponder chip fitted the purchased remote entry fob and then reprogrammed all three keys for the remote entry and immobiliser.
He had a special multi vehicle immobiliser "learning-tool" that plugged into the diagnostic port under the dash.
The remote entry is reprogrammed by connecting two green connectors behind the driver's side foot well scuff plate.
He charged me $90 for the service.

The whole project cost me about $135 for 2nd hand key, key blank and cutting and reprogramming.

Looks like you will have to find a friendly Auto Locksmith with the programming tool or bend over for a Dealership.

[Bantum]

Thanks Guys, will post some images when I get round to it.



Re key fob - The battery had gone flat prior to my purchase, so as far as I know will only need to be 're-sync' to the system. There seems to be a few options mentioned there to try out next time I'm near the car. I've also looked into getting a second key ( as I'm missing a spare ) & will have to get that cut & programmed. Fun & games to be had with how to do it by the look of it.

Another thing for me to consider is what to do with the paint on roof / bonnet as it has faded / peeled badly, thinking of putting a vinyl wrap over it, anybody got experience doing that ?
Ciao, Bantum ...

[El_Freddo]

You’d want the best possible coat of paint under that vinyl for the longevity of the vehicle.

I say that as I’ve got a mate that owns a 1971 ZD ford fairlane with a vinyl roof. The whole thing is COVERED in thick rust under the vinyl cover - you can see it under some of the splits that are now present.

Dunno who would do them these days. You might be better to get a wrap done but a) it needs a good paint surface to bond to and b) I think you’ll find it will cost the same if not more than a partial respray.

Make some inquiries to see what the pros say as we don’t really know (unless someone happens to work in that industry).

Taking about wraps - I saw some Audi hatch wrapped in a pearl white that was sort of harlequin and went to a light salmon pink colour as you drove past. Very intriguing and eye catching!

Cheers

Bennie

[Bantum]

A couple of pre - purchase shots :







It lost the front Nudge Bar somewhere along the way, so will have to replace at some stage.

Cheers, Bantum ...

[Bantum]

Well that worked a treat, just followed the instructions from the manual & now have a functioning key fob ...

For those interested - you'll need to do the following after replacing battery in Key Fob :

To enter the programming mode :
1. Press “unlock” button to disarm the security system.
(If your vehicle is equipped with the optional security
system.)
2. Open the driver’s door and sit in the driver’s seat.
3. Close the driver’s door. ( make sure all doors are shut )
4. Place the ignition key into the ignition switch and
cycle the switch from LOCK to ON Ten times within 15
seconds. Be sure to stop at the LOCK position. The
horn will sound once to indicate that you are in the
transmitter programming mode.
NOTE: You must finish the next step ( opening the driver’s
door) within 45 seconds of starting this procedure,

To program the transmitters :
1. Open the driver’s door.
2. Close the driver’s door.
3. Press and release any button on the transmitter
that you wish to program into the system. The horn will
sound twice to indicate that the transmitter has been
programmed.
Any additional transmitters can also be programmed
at this time. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for an additional
transmitter.

To exit the programming mode:
1. After all of your transmitters are programmed, remove
the key from the ignition switch.
The horn will sound three times to indicate that the
system has exited the programming mode.
2. Make sure that the keyless entry system properly
operates by operating each transmitter.

There were a few more notes / diagrams on 'how to' in the actual manual, but you get he gist of it.
Just needs a song line to go along with the movements ...

Cheers, Bantum ...

[Subyroo]

Good to hear that you got it sorted out.

[El_Freddo]

Good to hear that you got it sorted out.

And even better with the effort to share the process here!

Cheers

Bennie

[Bantum]

Got a few more things to add :



& spent time polishing out the headlights :





And a spare key :



Just got to get it cut next ...

Ciao, Bantum ...

[Bantum]

Key Cut :



More parts to go :



More to come ...

Ciao, Bantum ...

[Bantum]

Got a new set of Fog's to go :



Nice quality switch :



Interesting light Spread :



Note the current draw :



Will have to pull the front end apart to install them but, any pointers on this ?

Ciao, Bantum ...

[Subyroo]

Do you have a 2005 Subaru Factory Service Manual?

[Bantum]

I do have the American version :



The bumper removal process should be fairly strait forward, but the actual light install will be the tricky bit - I won't know till I've seen behind where it should go when we'll be able to tell what's missing - Not sure if the mounting brackets are all there as yet ... :/

On a side note, managed to get my OBD II dongle thingy to sync up & check for error codes - none found, so all good on that front ...





There be some data shots to come ( TBA ) - No error codes found ...

P.S - There seems to be a loose pin connection as the dongle keeps dropping out, might have to pull the back of plug out to find the culpret ... ;/

Cheers, Bantum ...

[El_Freddo]

I reckon you’ll find that the brackets for the lights to mount into are not there.

If you’re able to, the best thing to do would be to grab a bumper that’s got the fog lights fitted and throw that on the Foz. You might need to get the matching rear bar as I reckon they’ll be colour coded - which could mean some paint action is needed (at which point is it easier/cheaper to get a closed door respray done on it..?

Cheers

Bennie

[Bantum]

Well I took some time to work out how to get the bumper off to check what's there :







Bonus the wiring for them fog lights is there, but will have to find some way of mounting them as the brackets are not ... :/
Add : I checked the wiring & plug to the switch in dash is also there, but no actual switch, so will need to add that to the list.

Will await more parts before tackling it again .

Cheers, Bantum ...

[Bantum]

could mean some paint action is needed (at which point is it easier/cheaper to get a closed door respray done on it..?

Yeah - that's not going to happen ...
I might give a DIY wrap a go but ...

TBC ... ( will update when it arrives )

Meanwhile did some repairs to the Cover : Before & after shots ...





Tip : If your ever wanting to melt plastic - get a heavy duty iron or blow torch, found that out the hard way ...

Ciao, Bantum ...

[El_Freddo]

I might give a DIY wrap a go but ...

TBC ... ( will update when it arrives )

Ciao, Bantum ...

Ooh this will be interesting!! I’ll get the popcorn

Cheers

Bennie

[Bantum]

While awaiting the wrap - Did some Internet searching for info on dash pods :



Any body installed on of these ? - I could also do a 3d printed one ...

Add : also installed some of those LED's :



& replaced some pedal covers :





Will also need to get the windscreen fixed at some stage ... :/

Cioa, Bantum ...