Question about my 2006 subaru outback. The keyfob won't unlock/lock the hatch. Recently, I had finally found (yeah!) a

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Customer: Hi, question about my 2006 subaru outback. The keyfob won't unlock/lock the hatch. Recently, I had finally found (yeah!) a missing set of keys and had a locksmith set all 3 sets of my keys so they would work (only 2 would start the car). I had checked all 3 sets were properly coded to lock/unlock and start the car, but hadn't checked the hatch for lock/unlock. (D'oh!) I thought at first it might be a battery issue and replaced the battery in all 3 fobs. Nope. It remained unlocked for the longest time, and then one day when locking the doors, it locked. Now I can't get it to unlock. Tried to get a hold of the locksmith but no luck so far. When I hit the fob, I don't hear any click at the hatch for locking/unlocking. Advice? (Besides find a better locksmith next time?)
JA: When did you first notice the error? Does the key still start the vehicle?
Customer: All 3 sets start the vehicle and lock/unlock the side doors (driver/passenger).
JA: What's the approximate mileage on your 2006 Outback?
Customer: I'd have to check. Hold on.
JA: Hi there. Is there anything else the Subaru Mechanic should know before I connect you? Rest assured that they'll be able to help you.
Customer: Not sure what else might be helpful to know.
Answered by tamaz22 in 5 mins 1 year ago
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tamaz22
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6,348 satisfied customers

Specialities include: Automotive Mechanic, Small Engine Repairs, Auto Body Repairs, Diesel Engine Repairs

Hi, my name is ***** ***** thanks for your question! You may get a request for a phone call, only agree to it if you find it necessary, Thanks!

Hi, does the handle on the outside of the rear gate move freely?

Customer
Hi
Customer
If it's helpful, it's a Subaru Outback 2006 LLBean edition.

Is there anything else  not operating on the rear gate,like the rear wiper or the rear lights?

Customer
Rear lights and rear wiper seem to be working fine but can recheck real quick.
Customer
Running lights work, wiper works, left/right turn signal work.
Customer
It seemed like the fob worked once or twice after it was re-coded, now none of the key sets activate the rear hatch unlock, even with new batteries. 1. Is there a way I can manually open the hatch until I get this fixed? and 2. Am I just going to have to get all the keys re-coded again?

Great, the reason I ask is that is common with the rear latches is an electrical problem, broken wires that run from the rear gate into the car stretch and break sometimes in this area.sometimes the lights and wipers will not work as wellThere is a manual release to open the gate in the back panel , remove the center cover and move the release arm to open manually

Customer
Hello?
Customer
our messages crossed in the ether. *laugh* Reading your reply now.
Customer
Huh, so this is electrical in nature. The only manual solution is the interior back pane/center cover. I was hoping against hope that there was a cable solution from the driver area, or some other release short of crawling into the back hatch area every time I need to release the hatch (which is frequently).
Customer
Since this seemed to coincide with the re-keying, is there any value in checking that?

It could be , we would need to diagnose if the actuator for the rear gate is getting voltage first. I would not see how reprogramming the keys would be causing this.

Customer
I apologize but I'm going to have to step away from this conversation to deal with an issue at home. I will have to check back in later when I've put this to rest. Thank you!

No problem,take your time

Customer
If the actuator is not getting voltage, what would be the next steps?

Inspect the wiring in the rubber boot between the  gate and the body on the passenger side, you will need to pull the boot up from the bottom and down from the top to see if there are any broken wires

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