Impreza Alarm Problem

[WRX Hatch]

A bit of help requested!
My 2003 WRX won't start.
Used fob to get in, alarm disarmed all doors ok.
Put key in as usual within the alloted time (ie dashboard LED 'on') but it wouldn't fire up.
I have tried both of my keys both draw a complete blank.

Car has sat unused for a week but had a very healthy long run last weekend and in fact has a new battery only 3 months old!
I have just checked charge with multimeter & it shows 10v

Alarm functions fine (ie it goes off) if I sit in & arm it & then open doors etc.

So I'm guessing the immobiliser is the issue?

I'm thinking of taking battery off & charging to make sure its very full.
I assume this won't cause any problems?

I'm new to Subaru's so any advice, even the blindingly obvious(!) would be appreciated.

Thanks

[edar]

I had exactly the same problem last year - stranded at a petrol station. I was told by my local Subaru garage that the key had lost its data and wasn't able to talk to the immobiliser - hence you not being able to start the engine. Two things: 1st) see if your local dealer can give you a new code for your sigma alarm - this will overide the system and get the engine going, or, two) you might have to get them to re-programme you key(s). This cost me £60 plus vat per key. You will have to to get your car recovered to the dealer to get keys re-programmed but the cost might be covered by your breakdown policy. Hope you get it sorted as I know how frustrating it is.

[CaptainSlow]

Have a look through the paperwork that came with the car. There should be a couple of stickers that give a four digit code which can be used to manually disarm using the key pad.

Both my Subarus have this (a previous owner had stuck one of the stickers with the code on next the key pad, very thoughtful!)

[mmcd87]

The keypad idea is a good shout - its in the little cubby down the drivers side. The battery voltage sounds quite low. Have you tried a different key?

Have a look here if you have not already - http://www.scoobypedia.co.uk/index.php/Knowledge/E...

Download the related documentation here - http://www.scoobypedia.co.uk/index.php/Knowledge/S...

[WRX Hatch]

Thanks for the top tips.
Two days after my initial posting the keyfobs then both stopped working & the battery output was looking rather weak.
I removed the battery & recharged it (even though it's only 3 months old...).
I also spoke with Subaru Technical Dept & local Main Dealer and got hold of the PIN (which the previous owner didn't know).
I was expecting to have to disarm the immobiliser using the PIN once the battery was refitted...
But no, she fired absolutely fine once the battery was refitted!
Looks like I have an electrical fault of some sort that is flattening the battery & affecting the immobiliser.

[MMTWRX]

Maybe worth getting the battery checked as well, the last one I bought from Halfords had a cell go down whilst still in the warranty period. My Impreza wouldn't turn over after three days following a full battery charge. I took it back once to be told it was ok. I had the Alarm, an after market Toad, checked out for faults but it was fine. Took the battery back again and got the branch manager to test it, result new battery.