Antitheft System - Operational Information

SOURCE: Subaru Tech Tips

TITLE: Alarm System Operation

APPLIES TO: 05 Legacy/Outback

SERVICE TIP:

There are a couple of basic things you can do if the owner says they believe the alarm system is not working correctly.

- First, go into the BIU Customizing and be sure the siren function is turned OFF. The US market system does not use a siren, and turning it on has the system trying to sound or looking for a component that isn't there.
- Second, establish what mode the alarm system is in. Is it in the valet mode or not? You can either check the dash light flash or open the driver's door and press BOTH buttons for 3 or more seconds. If the horn now sounds it is OUT of valet mode.

Many of the customers seem to complain that the horn has stopped sounding. They then may push the buttons in any number of combinations in an attempt to get it to sound and accidentally cause the alarm system to go INTO valet mode and not realize that they have done it. The procedure for turning the "valet" mode on or off is explained in their owner's manual. The alarm information begins on page 2-23 and the valet mode is listed specifically on page 2-27.

There have also been some questions about the impact sensor. This is an optional component that must be installed prior to turning on the sensor. Just turning it on will not make the function work. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional impact sensor, it will be mounted under the passenger's front seat. Its operation is explained in detail on page 2-29 in the owner's manual. We strongly recommend you do NOT tap or pound on the windshield as a means of activating/testing the impact sensor. The manufacturer of the sensor recommends you tap on the steering wheel to test the system. Also, the sensitivity settings work opposite of what you might think. "0" is the most sensitive, and the sensitivity decreases as the numbers increase.