k9mom

I want to permanently disable the keyless remote alarm on my 2002 Subaru Outback “Bean” model. Both remotes are finicky and work only “occasionally.” So I’m usually remaining annoyed and embarrassed when I have to use my key to unlock the Subi and scare everybody out of their pants with that “overly loud, unnecessary” honking. And, yes, I know to do the following as instructed in the manual: It says to: "set valet mode or just to disable the security alarm system: 1. unlock all doors 2. Physically open the driver's door 3. hold the UNLOCK button on remote for 2+ seconds or so. The red 'security' light will then flash 2 times a second until the car is turned on." Here’s the problem: If your battery runs down b/c you’ve left a dome light on or not fully closed the door, you have to go through the whole procedure again. Also, in “valet mode,” you still have to look at that flashing red light all of the time, and I believe that it contributes to draining the battery. Again, I have two “finicky” remotes, both of which my local Subaru Dept. supposedly repaired. After one week of their repair, both are not working again unless they “feel” like it. Sometimes I can get one remote working long to go through the disarming process again. Ideally I need new remotes that Subaru wants several hundred dollars for. Their Service Dept. cannot fix my remotes permanently (they say they have), but, again, they stay fixed for a week. Yes, I’ve changed batteries many times. The remotes are just plain “bad” and too expensive to replace. Anyone who has paid $32,000 in 2002 for a new “top-of-the-line” Bean would understand my frustration at not feeling they should have to pay $700 a piece for new remotes. I just want to use my key manually from now on to lock/unlock the door. But I can’t without the honking. The local Subaru Service Dept. tells me that they’ll have to research whether it is possible to permanently disable the system. Why don’t they know? After one week, they cannot tell me if it’s possible. That’s so unacceptable. I want to permanently disable this stinking alarm system myself so that if my battery dies, Im not trying to go through the disarming process again with remotes that probably won't work long enough to do it anyway. I’m not too lazy to just use my key. Can someone please help? Thanks for any suggestions you can offer.