ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER

q

PARTS MANAGER

q

CLAIMS PERSONNEL

q

IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.

SERVICE MANAGER

q

© 2016 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2000MY to Current, All Models
SUBJECT: Replacement Key and Immobilizer
Information

NUMBER:
DATE:
Revised:

01-168-09R
06/17/09
08/05/24

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along
with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

OVERVIEW OF THE RETAILER-ONLY SUBARU LOCK INFORMATION SITE
The Subaru Lock Information Site (SLIS) is located at http://lockinfo.subaru.com, and
provides information on how to obtain immobilizer codes and key cut codes for Subaru
vehicles from the 2000MY to present. This bulletin identifies the equipment required to
initialize (reset) the immobilizer code and cut the key blanks, for both immobilizer and
non-immobilizer type keys. Subaru of America began using immobilizer systems in some
2005MY vehicles (please refer to Immobilizer Chart for more detailed information).

KEY BLANK TYPES
Subaru vehicles are equipped with either standard edge cut keys or high security laser cut
keys. All high security keys are equipped with an immobilizer device installed. Some standard
edge cut keys may or may not be equipped with an immobilizer device. Key blanks can be
purchased through normal parts channels. The following page are examples of the Subaru key
blank styles:
There are many different styles of key cuts. Be sure to order the correct blank for your
particular application and verify your key cutting equipment is compatible. Master keys
are shown below.
2005-2007 Legacy & Outback edge
cut key w/immobilizer (also available
without immobilizer)

2008-2011 Impreza, WRX, & STI and
2012-2014 WRX & STI high security
laser cut key w/immobilizer

continued...
CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles,
or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to
do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.

Bulletin Number: 01-168-09R; Revised: 08/05/24

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. IS
ISO 14001 COMPLIANT
ISO 14001 is the international standard
for
excellence
in
Environmental
Management Systems. Please recycle
or dispose of automotive products in a
manner that is friendly to our environment
and in accordance with all local, state
and federal laws and regulations.

Page 1 of 31

2008 Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca edge cut
key w/immobilizer and keyless entry

2009-2013 Forester high security
laser cut key w/immobilizer

2009 Legacy & Outback and 2009-2014 edge
cut key w/immobilizer and keyless entry

2010-2014 Legacy & Outback high
security standard laser cut key
w/immobilizer and keyless entry

2019+ Ascent, 2012+ Impreza, 2013+
Crosstrek and 2014+ Forester, 2015+ Legacy &
Outback,and 2015+ WRX & STI edge cut key
w/immobilizer and keyless entry

2013+ BRZ edge cut key w/immobilizer
and keyless entry

continued...
Bulletin Number: 01-168-09R; Revised: 08/05/24

Page 2 of 31

2013-2014 BRZ keyless access with pushbutton start system access key with inside
cut high security laser cut emergency key,
immobilizer, and keyless entry

2013-2014 Legacy & Outback keyless access
with push-button start system access key
with high security laser cut emergency key,
immobilizer, and keyless entry

2014-2015 Forester, 2014 Crosstrek Hybrid,
and 2015 WRX & STI keyless access with pushbutton start system access key with inside
cut high security laser cut emergency key,
immobilizer, and keyless entry. (Different part
number and key cutting
code from 2013 BRZ.)

2019+ Ascent, 2015+ BRZ, 2015+ Legacy,
Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek and 2016+ WRX,
WRX STI and Forester keyless access with
push button start system access key with
single-sided inside cut high security laser cut
emergency key, immobilizer, and keyless entry.

2023 + Solterra keyless access key with single-sided
inside cut high security laser cut emergency key,
immobilizer, and keyless entry.

continued...
Bulletin Number: 01-168-09R; Revised: 08/05/24

Page 3 of 31

SUBARU VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ENGINE IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
Baja

Forester

Impreza

Legacy

Outback

Tribeca

BRZ Crosstrek

Ascent

Solterra

2005

n/a

2.5XT

STi

2.5GT

2.5XT, 3.0R

--

--

--

--

--

2006

n/a

2.5XT

WRX, STi

All

All

All

--

--

--

--

2007

--

2.5XT

WRX, STi

All

All

2008

--

2.5XT

All

All

All

All

--

--

--

--

All

--

--

--

--

> 2009

--

All

All

All

All

All

All

All

--

--

> 2019

--

All

All

All

All

All

All

All

All

--

> 2023

--

All

All

All

All

All

All

All

All

All

WEB SITE ACCESS: AUTOMOTIVE SECURITY PROFESSIONALS
The public-facing locksmith site (linked off of STIS, via the “Immobilizer Key Access”
button), is a pay site for lock professionals.

WEB SITE ACCESS: AUTHORIZED SUBARU RETAILERS
Authorized Subaru Retailers can access SLIS through Subarunet (under the Service tab,
or by directly following the URL http://lockinfo.subaru.com. Access to the immobilizer
information is restricted to Subaru Dealership Service Managers and Parts Managers. Access
will be granted by using the managers’ SKILS user name. Subaru Parts Managers (PM) and
Service Managers (SM) who are registered in the Dealer Employee Maintenance Database
as such are designated as the only persons at a retailer authorized to access the Subaru Lock
Information System (SLIS). Sharing of access information with other retailer employees is
not allowed.
Access to and use of the SLIS system is provided strictly for internal retailer use. Use of this
system is restricted to Subaru vehicles owned or being repaired by the SM/PM’s respective
retailer as documented by a properly executed and signed repair order with a complaint
requesting a repair requiring the information provided by SLIS.
Use of the SLIS system for any other purpose is strictly forbidden. Anyone found to be
providing lock code or immobilizer information to any entity (outside their respective
retailer for authorized purposes) will have their (and their retailer’s) access immediately
terminated and may be referred to law enforcement officials for prosecution if the VIN
accessed is subsequently reported to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) as a
stolen vehicle.
Note: It is the retailers’ responsibility to perform due diligence by entering or deleting
employees in the SKILS Dealer Employee Maintenance Database. This is especially true
of Service Manager and Parts Manager position changes.
Step by Step Process To Access the Site
• Once on the SLIS home page, the Service Manager or Parts Manager will be asked for
their SKILS user name. At that time, if this is the first time he/she has logged on to the
web site, the password “Welcome” should be used. He/she will then be prompted to create
a new password (this will not change your current SKILS password).
• The Service Manager or Parts Manager will then be prompted to read the disclaimer and
answer “accept” or “not accept”. If they answer “not accept”, the system will not let them
access the immobilizer information.
continued...
Bulletin Number: 01-168-09R; Revised: 08/05/24

Page 4 of 31

• A page will then be displayed, allowing for entry of the full 17 character VIN of the vehicle
in question.
• Provided the VIN is found in the database, the immobilizer Security ID along with the key/
cutting code will appear.
• A charge of $2.80 will be incurred for each immobilizer request.
Note: Costs are $9.95 per transaction.
SOA Warranty will only reimburse an approved warranty claim with an Immobilizer
Code access cost of $2.80 per transaction, as a sublet cost. The public-facing
(professional locksmith) web site’s public access fee of $9.95 will be reduced to $2.80
per transaction, if those fees are submitted as a part of a
warranty claim.

NASTF SECURE DATA RELEASE MODEL (SDRM)
Positive Identification Policy
NASTF SDRM Subaru Parts and Service Managers who are registered in the Dealer
Employee Maintenance Database and are designated as Registry Vehicle Security
Professionals (VSPs) shall comply with the following Positive Identification Policy when
servicing orders for keys, immobilizer reset, or other anti-theft services for vehicles:
1. Inform the Customer - At the time of initial request, ask the customer whether he or
she has identification and authority for the service. Inform them of the requirements of this
Positive Identification Policy.
2. Complete the Form - Upon arrival at the job site or when the customer comes in, the VSP
shall complete an Authorization for Automotive Key Generation and/or Immobilizer System
/ Anti-Theft Services form (aka Form D-1, page 15) that asks for the name, address, phone
number, driver’s license, vehicle make, model and year, vehicle license plate number, Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), odometer reading, and disclaimer and signature. An invoice or
work order that contains all identifying information, when stapled to a duly signed Form D-1,
is acceptable for collection of this customer information. Subarunet.com user name should be
used in place of LSID.
3. Verify I.D. - Verify the customer’s valid photo ID and compare to the information provided
by the customer on the authorization form. The customer must present a valid state issued
driver’s license as proof of identity to qualify for use of Registry services.
4. Verify Authority - Ask the customer to present proof of entitlement, which shall include
at least one of the following: a valid registration certificate, a valid insurance ID card, a valid
insurance policy, vehicle title or a certificate of ownership for the vehicle. The name and
address on the proof of entitlement document must match the information on the driver’s
license to qualify for use of Registry services. In the event that necessary documentation is
locked within the vehicle, the vehicle may be entered to verify the authority of the requestor.
If upon entry to the vehicle, you are unable to verify the authority of the requestor, the vehicle
shall be shut and locked. Do not produce a replacement key, do not provide any key related
information to the requestor and destroy all information acquired from the automaker during
the transaction.
5. Ask for Signature - Require the customer to read and sign Form D-1(page 15). The
customer is attesting to:
continued...
Bulletin Number: 01-168-09R; Revised: 08/05/24

Page 5 of 31

a. the information given by the customer being correct and truthful,
b. the customer having the authority to obtain keys or immobilizer services for the vehicle
and,
c. the customer agreeing to indemnify and hold harmless the service provider and related
parties against liability.
6. File the Form - Keep the completed Form D-1 on file for two (2) years, or longer as
required by law.
7. Compliance with Applicable Laws. The VSP will take all other actions required by
applicable laws. In the event of a conflict between the steps set forth herein and the applicable
laws, the VSP should comply with applicable laws.
8. Sublet work - A mobile VSP doing work for a body shop, garage, or dealership may accept
a legible photocopy of the picture I.D. in order to match it to the registration/title documents.
This cannot be a faxed copy. The shop owner or manager must verify the customer’s I.D. in
person and attest they have done so by signing the bottom of the Form D-1

EQUIPMENT
The Subaru Diagnostic System (SDS) is required to reprogram Subaru immobilizer codes.
See the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) (http://techinfo.subaru.com) for more
information. Instructions for Immobilizer re-initialization for keys, etc., can be found in the
applicable Immobilizer Manual on STIS.

TEACHING OPERATION CODES
A Teaching Operation Code may be needed. The following are the necessary Teaching Codes:
VEHICLE LINE
Legacy
Impreza
Forester
Tribeca

MODEL YEAR
2005-2014
2005~07
2008-2011
2005~08
2009-2013
2006-2014

TEACHING CODE
3781
3178
3781
3178
3781
3781

continued...
Bulletin Number: 01-168-09R; Revised: 08/05/24

Page 6 of 31

KEY CUTTING MACHINERY RECOMMENDATIONS
Subaru of America recommends the use of the Class C Solutions Group “BD Laser Max” and
the “Pro-Source” key cutting machines for standard edge cut and high security laser cut keys.
Consult http://subaru.service-solutions.com for key machine purchases.
BD Laser Max

Pro-Source Key Machine

RETAILER CENTRALIZED KEY CUTTING SERVICE
The Subaru of America Parts Department offers a key cutting service for retailers who
have not purchased the key cutting machine. The service program details can be found on
Subarunet.com, in the Parts Operations area, using the “Key Request” link. Forms, details,
and costs are found in this area of Subarunet.com.

Bulletin Number: 01-168-09R; Revised: 08/05/24

Page 7 of 31

Key Cutting Tips For Using a BD Laser Max
Every Subaru vehicle has a key code that can be found on the original key ring tag and on Subarunet. This code is
known as an indirect (obfuscated) code. To cut a key, the indirect code must be translated to the direct code which is
the actual key cutting depth information.
Behind the scenes there is a database for each key type which converts the indirect key codes into the respective
direct depth codes required to cut a key. In the past Subaru provided third party companies with this database so
they could program their key cutting machines for indirect code cutting. The indirect key code could be typed into
the key machine and the key machine would automatically convert the indirect code into the direct depth code and
cut the key.
For security reasons Subaru is no longer providing this database. The keys for newer Subaru models must be cut using the direct method. The direct code cut depth information for a given key must be obtained through Subaru Lock
Information Service (SLIS).
The following information will guide you through both indirect and direct depth key cutting methods.

Prior to Using Machine
1. Locate model and model year in the Key Type & Cutting Information chart found on the
following pages to find the vehicle specific cutting information
2. Note Cut By, Jaw, Cutter Size and Adapter requirement
3. If the Cut By is listed as Code, obtain the key code for the vehicle through Subaru.net or
through the SLIS service (listed as Key No in SLIS)
4. If the Cut By is listed as Depth, obtain the Depth Code through the SLIS service (listed as
Key Code in SLIS)
Machine Tips
1. To limit the selection to US market vehicles, from the Main menu go to Cars and change
region to North America
2. Maintain up-to-date software. Software releases prior to March 2016 will not cut all
of the keys listed in this bulletin. Refer to attached BD Laser Max instructions for
updating software and sign up for software update alerts at https://blueclassc.mscdirect.com/
acton/form/1684/0039:d-0001/0/index.htm
3. When inserting a key blank into the jaw, make sure that the jaw is clear of debris
4. Press down on the blank as you tighten the jaw to ensure that the blank is fully seated
Cutting a Subaru Key (Except Solterra)
1. From the main menu, select CARS
2. Select Subaru
3. Select Subaru model
4. Select the row with the year range and key type
5. If cut by code, select CODES and input the key code
6. If cut by depth, select DIRECT and input the depth code per the input sequence chart
7. Follow the machine prompts to set up the required cutter size and jaw type
8. Follow the machine prompts to set up the tip stop or adapter (if required). For assistance in
setting up the tip stop and adapter refer to following pages for more information
9. If application calls for F/G jaw, either a F or G jaw can be used
10. If an original key is available, check that the image of the key cut matches the original key
and proceed with cutting the key
continued...
Bulletin Number: 01-168-09R; Revised: 08/05/24

Page 8 of 31

Cutting a Solterra Key
11. From the main menu, select CARS
12. Select Toyota
13. Select Camry
14. Select the row with the year range and key type: 2006 – 2018 (80000-89999)
15. If cut by code, select CODES and input the key code
16. Follow the machine prompts to set up the required cutter size and jaw type (Jaw A)
17. Follow the machine prompts to set up the tip stop or adapter (if required). For assistance in
setting up the tip stop and adapter refer to following pages for more information. Solterra
requires a 2.5 mm cutting size
18. If an original key is available, check that the image of the key cut matches the original key
and proceed with cutting the key

Bulletin Number: 01-168-09R; Revised: 08/05/24

Page 9 of 31

KEY TYPE & CUTTING INFORMATION (Legend for charts on Pages 8-11):
Multiple part numbers = Refer to Electronic Parts Catalog for the correct VIN specific part number
Sub Master = Master Key without remote keyless entry functions
Valet = Door and ignition only. No remote keyless entry functions. Will not unlock glovebox on Forester
and Outback, trunk and glovebox on Legacy and 2008-2011 Impreza, and trunk on BRZ
Push-Button Start Emergency = Emergency Key for Keyless Access with Push-Button Start
Pre-cut available = A pre-cut replacement key can be ordered through the TRMI service