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View Full Version : Ignition Switch Replacement 2005 LGT



LunchBox04V
10-23-2014, 02:51 PM
Background:
- 2005 Legacy 25GT
- My vehicle is equipped with the factory Subaru vehicle immobilizer.
- About 6 months ago I noticed my keyless entry stopped working.
- At the same time the keyless stopped working, the "key in the ignition" ding ding ding, started going off even when there was no key in the ignition.
- At the same time I became unable to reflash the ECU with my COBB AP.

The Problem:
- The key detection switch has broken within the ignition, making the car believe the key is always in the ignition.
- This is causing the keyless entry to be automatically disabled (don't want to "accidentally" hit the unlock buttons on the keyless FOB while your driving, makes sense)
- It is also not allowing the ECU to detect the difference between key in or out. This the reflashing won't take.

The Solution:
- I'm going to have to pick up the Subaru "Rekey" kit... Its $385... Part 57491AG24A.
- The kit includes new keys, a new ignition switch (with new key barrel), a new glove box key barrel, a new drivers door key barrel, and a new trunk key barrel (installs on the floor by fuel door release).

Finally... The Question:
- Part 57491AG24A covers Legacys from 2005 through at least 2014. Would I be able to use the newer model keys (laser cut) with the new keyless entry?
- I looked at all the parts diagrams and everything matches up.
- If I can use the newer model, I'd like to upgrade one of the new laser cuts with keyless entry into a flip key. (See below)

Other Data:
'05-'07MY Diagram
http://parts.subaru.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_product=49257988&ukey_assembly=6026632

'05-'07MY Keys and Keyless (Disregard remote start, and those are not my keys) This is the type I have now.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/10/ag_07legacygt_keys-1.jpg

'08MY and UP Diagram
http://parts.subaru.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_product=49257988&ukey_assembly=6026634

'08MY and UP Keys/Keyless Entry looks like this (Side Cut).
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/10/Ob09keys1JPG-1.jpg

PDF Covering Subaru Keys, both side and laser cut, and vehicles with and without immobilizers.
https://subaru.locksmithsdrm.com/sr-sdrm/subaru_replacement_key_info.pdf

Flip Key Modification (immobilizer and '08MY and UP remote inside)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/10/attachmentphpattachmentid148763stc1thumb-1.jpg

Thanks for the looks and the help. I'll do a real write up if it looks like I can do this.

LunchBox04V
10-25-2014, 09:45 AM
Well... Found the answer to a few parts of the question.
- I confirmed that I have transponder equipped keys. The fine people of the TSA were nice enough to let me look at them after they were X-Ray scanned. : )
- Legacy keys (and ignition groups) up to 2009 will work in the 2005-2009 Legacy. Though, it will only use the standard side cut key. (Laser or High Security Keys were introduced in 2010 for the Legacy and have a different keyless entry receiver unit)

LunchBox04V
11-13-2014, 08:36 AM
I know the post is not bringing a massive crowd, but I thought I would post some final thoughts now that I have the 2009 ignition installed and the flip key finished tomorrow.
- The 2009 ignition will work in the 2005-2009 Legacy. Its a way better deal than the 2005 ignition. You get 2 $78 keys for $13 extra with the ignition group.
- The 2009 keys work 100%. No issues what so ever.
- The flip key kit that costs $16 (can't remember the sellers name, its always the first one that comes up) is great! And the seller is super responsive and even shipped it within hours of my order.

I would highly recommend doing this if you have a similar issue, or if you want the 2009 all in one key. (Ignition not needed if you just want the key) I like to have fewer things in my pocket so I like not having the key and FOB. And the flip/switchblade key is even better. (Fewer items over original, and no sharp edges/easier shape to pocket).