At times, there might be situations where you need to secure your vehicle but have nowhere to leave your keys. Whether you are going for a jog, heading to the beach, or embarking on an adventure, carrying keys can be cumbersome. Several car manufacturers have tackled this issue, but I particularly appreciate Subaru’s clever solution.
Ford has established a strong presence in this field. The SecuriCode B-pillar entry keypad from Ford has been in existence for many years. GM has also introduced a similar system for their vehicles recently. However, Subaru opted for a less conspicuous approach compared to an external keypad attached to the vehicle’s exterior. Instead, Subaru permits the input of a numerical code through the trunk latch button for a more discreet entry method.
In today’s environment, proximity keys are widely utilized (where many new cars unlock upon the key’s close proximity). To employ Subaru’s PIN-code entry system, you must first deactivate key fob access. Otherwise, anyone could easily access the car with the key left inside. This is accomplished by pressing a specific button sequence on the key fob and manually locking the doors. Re-entering the vehicle is a simple task of inputting a five-digit PIN using the rear hatch button. Since there isn’t a physical keypad, the code is entered by repeating button presses. For instance, for a code like “32121,” the first digit would be entered by pressing three times, followed by an audible chirp instructing the user to input the subsequent digit, and so forth.
Although slightly more intricate than using a conventional keypad, it is undeniably a valuable feature. It enables Subaru owners to bypass the awkward practice of concealing their keys in shoes at the beach, which in itself is significant. Furthermore, it proves advantageous for activities such as mountain biking or kayaking, where the risk of damaging a key fob is relatively high. Subaru owners are often recognized for their passion for outdoor pursuits.
This serves as a prime example of a cost-effective feature with low development requirements. Essentially, all the elements essential for PIN code entry are already incorporated into the vehicle. Implementing this feature only necessitates a few lines of software on the car’s body computer to interpret the code from the trunk button and unlock the doors. It is somewhat surprising that such innovative features are not more prevalent in the industry.
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The sole mystery remains why this feature is not more widely recognized. According to a specific source, this feature has been available on all Subaru vehicles equipped with the Keyless Access system since 2015. This exemplifies that reading your owner’s manual can often unveil the intricate features of your car. If you have utilized this system, do share your experiences in the comments.
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