HELP!! Outback H6 for sale, won't start, immobiliser fault?

[thegoose]

Hi, I'm hoping someone can help with this. I have a really nice 2003 Outback H6 that came with just 1 key, with alarm button integrated in the key head (small square button). When using the car it to be started within 30 seconds after unlocking with the remote, otherwise it had to be locked and then unlocked (i.e. now at the start of another 30 second period).

This is probably all pretty normal but then I parked it up one day (inside) and now it won't do anything at all. I replaced the remote battery but it made no difference, the car battery is fine and it's now on a trickle charger anyway.

I'm no expert on these but I believe that 2003 was around a model change over time, so here's a photo to help you determine which model it is.


I want to get it advertised for sale but obviously can't until it starts, so I'd be really grateful of any help. Thanks.

[daveenty]

Same model as mine.

I also only have one key and am worried about something like this happening.

There's a page HERE which goes into great detail about Subaru alarms and keys.

Suggest making a brew before you start reading it as it gets heavy.

[thegoose]

Thanks, that looks useful although my key isn't like any pictured. It says to try turning ignition on and off 3 times and it'll start on the 4th, so I'll try that.

As yours is the same perhaps you could tell me what you think mine's worth? Leather, twin sunroofs etc, 142k, just serviced, new front discs & pads, new tyres, incredibly good condition, MOT August.

[daveenty]

Difficult to say what it's worth, I suppose it's whatever someone wants to pay for it.

On a popular auction site they're advertised from £500 upwards, with one at £3k + albeit a low mileage example.

IMO the H6 is always going to be worth a bit more than the 2.5 due to the trim levels and the bigger chain driven engine. The latter was the reason for buying mine.

I'd expect to get around £1800 - £2200 for mine with 102,000 on it, though that's with a new exhaust and four new winter tyres, with the original (re-furbed when I get round to doing them) alloys and tyres thrown in.

Having said that, this is the time of year to be selling a reasonably priced/cheap AWD car.

Mine's not for sale by the way as the next few months are the reason it was bought.

Hope you get yours sorted out.

[Ved]

Hope you sort it. Does it have any life on he dash when the key is turned or is it purely the final stage to start the engine? Can you hear the fuel pump prime?

Great car by the way. Have own the fat cousin in that exact colour scheme

[thegoose]

Ved said:

Hope you sort it. Does it have any life on he dash when the key is turned or is it purely the final stage to start the engine? Can you hear the fuel pump prime?

Great car by the way. Have own the fat cousin in that exact colour scheme

All lights up etc just doesn't crank, not listened for fuel pump but I'm pretty sure it's immobiliser related since it's not responding to key button being pressed.

[Ved]

thegoose said:

Ved said:

Hope you sort it. Does it have any life on he dash when the key is turned or is it purely the final stage to start the engine? Can you hear the fuel pump prime?

Great car by the way. Have own the fat cousin in that exact colour scheme

All lights up etc just doesn't crank, not listened for fuel pump but I'm pretty sure it's immobiliser related since it's not responding to key button being pressed.

Sounds most likely yes. Keep us up to speed. It may actually be cheaper to get a mobile fitter to stick a new Cat1 alarm in. At least you'll have two keys to disarm it then.

The car is worth between 2 and 2.5k btw

[thegoose]

Thanks. I'd rather just get the current one by-passed/disabled, the expense of a new one seems unnecessary.

[xaby82]

Try switching the key to the on position, if all the lights light up and your sure everything is charged, including the key, then press the button on the keys then you should (hopefully) hear a click and it will (hopefully) start up then.

[thegoose]

I went to it today and after a couple of tries the key button worked - quite a relief. I'm very grateful for everyone's help though.


It's advertised at £2490 which puts it comfortably £500 less than any other Outback on autotrader, so fingers crossed it'll find a new home soon.

[addyman]

Does yours have a keypad behind a little cover just below the headlight adjuster to the right of the steering wheel?

If so then you can override the immobiliser with the code obtained from a Subaru dealer.

Cover looks smal and almost hidden n mine.

Also the keys can be reprogrammed yourself once you have this nmber. Tr instructions are in the manual for the immobiliser in the car manual book....if you have it....

[thegoose]

Thanks, I'll have a look for the keypad next time I go to the car. I don't have anything with the code though - would I be able to get it from Subaru?

[Ed.]

The keypad on mine is on the door of the glove box, it would have been fitted by the first UK dealer so positions may vary. Mine is a 2001, the sigma alarm/immobiliser remotes can be programmed yourself but the car has to be programmed by a dealer or specialist to recognise new transponder key. I used subaru4u to program the car to accept keys I bought online.

If you don't have a code and can't find a keypad it may not have the sigma system fitted, not sure if it was an option or standard.

Edited by Ed. on Tuesday 26th November 11:16