USDM Key nuisance?

So, this is my fourth car with a keyless remote, and I must say that this is the worst setup I have ever used. I keep my car and house keys in my pocket, and if I sit down, bend over (not in THAT way, you sick freaks), or reach into my jeans pocket, one of the buttons always gets indavertently pushed and I hear the car lock/unlock. There has got to be somether better, available soon!!!! I read the thread that discussed the JDM keys, which are pretty cool. Anyone know if/how you can get aftermarket remotes without changing the alarm system?

i have the sdame problem, now all i can have in my pocket is the key and the fob, i keep my house keys in the car. :(

I agree with you, the design of the keyfob sucks. The buttons have zero protection and get mashed all the time. Whoever designed this had no brains. Craig

I have NO idea why Subaru changed the key style from what the JDM is like. Hope you guys can get some resolve soon. Adam.

I'm not having a problem. I just fold the key and carefull put it in my pocket. But then again I have deep pockets (but only literally, :().

Drove down the road with my trunk unlocked the other day. Took me a minute to figure out how that happened, but then realized I had accidentatlly hit the trunk button when reaching into my pocket.

Instead of getting a different remote, would it be possible to take apart the remote and maybe put some foam or rubber under the keys or something like that? I don't know how the buttons are linked to the chipset.

Hmm sounds like a good idea Ben, but just not sure if the remote would then close that way it should but its worth a try. Adam.

IBkevinthinkswehavejdmitis I really like the JDM key better. My mom's 4Runner has the key/fob combo key and I always thought it was a more elegant solution. Nobody wants to carry an extra fob around...

Totally agree with the complaints about the keyless entry system. It's so easy to accidently press one of the buttons. And it seems to have got worse the more it gets used. Annoying on a $30K car to have a piece of junk like that. They should have taken a lesson from VW-Audi - I liked the folding key they use.

It was driving me insane and I took remote apart.

The result is paper clip reshaped to this form and cut off the extra.

After that I compared this remote to the other remote that I have and it works much better.

Could you please rewrite that in english?

If you check out his picture, on the left side, you'll see the metal paper clip making a big U shape. Thanks for the picture dimil, it really helps rather than just words.

Has anyone written SOA to complain? They won't know it's a problem unless we tell them.

I was going to call SOA, but I accidently unlocked my car when placing my keyfob transmitter in my pocket. Somebody stole my cell phone out of the car! Just joking... I've spoken about this issue with SOA. What have you done, Timmayy?

I'm compiling a list of all my issues before I send them a letter.

[quote name='dimil']It was driving me insane and I took remote apart. The result is paper clip reshaped to this form and cut off the extra. After that I compared this remote to the other remote that I have and it works much better.[/QUOTE] That's a great idea! I'm going to have to try that! Thanks Dimil!

what does the clip do... make it take more effort to hit the buttons ?

Doesn anyone know who makes the alarm system for Subaru. Perhaps Clifford or something? If so, I wonder if I could just pick up a new remote at a car stereo place and get it programmed for my car.

GoSix, I know that the previous few model years were Alpine systems. The current shock sensor still uses an Alpine sensor module. I'm thinking it might be Subaru's own design though.

This thread cracks me up. Pay attention to what you do with the remote, and you will have no problems. Should the keys have been recessed or raised? Sure, but the same things would have happened with raised keys, or recessed ones would wear out more quickly, the way that similar remote controls do. If this is all we have to worry about with the new GT, I'd say it's doing just fine. :D Kevin

Don't get me wrong. I love my GT. I started this thread not to gripe, but to find a solution...that's all.

Normally I'd agree with you GTGuy. But in this case, I think the problem is that the buttons have too much surface area compared to most remotes. I've also found myself accidentally locking/unlocking the car while working around the yard and it's not been such an issue for me with all the other remotes that I've used in the last 17 years. The issue to really watch out for is accidentally popping the trunk on the sedans. In my experience, the trunk light comes on as soon as the trunk latch is released even if the lid looks closed. I had a dead battery the next morning.

GTGuy, We're talking about poor ergonomics and stupid design. No other remote I own or have owned exhibits these traits. Most people place their ignition key and remote into a pocket after parking the car. The key can press against the remote as can any other article one happens to have in one's pocket. The remote can trigger involuntarly, which is disconcerting as the car can be unlocked. The only 100% certain way to avoid the problem is to carry your key with the remote dangling and not put in in a pocket until you are out of range. The designer responsible for this should be fired. Based on the number of complaints posted here as well as those reported to the service masnager at my dealer (he says it's the most populasr complaint) the only conclusion I come to is the remote was never field tested and validated. I can only hope Subaru tested the other parts of my car. Perhaps you don't have this problem 'cuz you wear them baggy hip-hop gansta pants. Word.:lol:

[quote name='Trent Bates'] ...The issue to really watch out for is accidentally popping the trunk on the sedans. In my experience, the trunk light comes on as soon as the trunk latch is released even if the lid looks closed. I had a dead battery the next morning.[/QUOTE] According to this thread [URL=http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4071]http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4071[/URL] the interior lights can be set to automatically turn off after 30 minutes, which will save your battery. I'm surprised that's not the default setting from the factory. I don't have a Legacy yet as I only ordered it 2 weeks ago, but with keys & fobs in my pocket I have inadvertantly activated the trunk release on my current car (GM) several times. Fortunately, power to the lights (including trunk) cut off after several minutes. I've even set of the panic button on the fob for the wife's vehicle (Ford) a couple of times. The first time, before I realized it was her vehicle going off in the garage, I got P.O.'d thinking which idiot neighbor set off their car alarm and can't figure out how to turn it off!