Your Subaru’s HomeLink system makes it easy to open and close your garage or gate without an additional remote control. In this guide, we’ll tell you the step-by-step process of programming your HomeLink system. If you have any trouble, our team at John Kennedy Subaru in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, is ready to help.
Understanding Subaru’s HomeLink System
If your Subaru has an auto-dimming rearview mirror, then it has a built-in HomeLink universal transceiver. The HomeLink system connects up to three of your garage doors, gates, or other smart home gadgets that use radio signals. The system also runs using your car’s electrical system, so you don’t need any batteries.
Some HomeLink systems are two-way capable, which means that the system can tell you if you left the garage open or closed. By connecting to compatible smart devices, you can also flip on your porch lights before arriving home with the press of a button. Plus, you won’t have to worry about lost or stolen garage remotes anymore.
Subaru HomeLink Setup: Step-By-Step Instructions
Before starting, double-check that your Subaru has HomeLink buttons. If you don’t see them, your car might not have this feature. Otherwise, you’re ready to follow the steps below. If you’d like to see the process in action, check out Subaru’s step-by-step video instructions. Everything should take about five to 10 minutes.
Preparation Before Programming
Park your car where you’d normally use your garage door remote. Make sure that your garage door is clear of any objects and that other people and your pets are away from the door since it will move during setup. Turn on your Subaru’s ignition to power up HomeLink, and you’re ready to program the system.
Detailed Programming Instructions
Press and release the HomeLink button you want to program, and the HomeLink indicator light should flash orange. While the orange light is flashing, hold your handheld remote 1 to 3 inches from the HomeLink button you’re programming, and press and hold the button on your remote until the indicator light turns green.
To check if you’re properly connected, press and release the HomeLink button you programmed and watch the indicator light. If the light is solid green, then you’re all set. However, if the light rapidly flashes green, you’ll have to take some additional steps.
First, try pressing and holding the HomeLink button for two seconds, then releasing, and repeat this process three times. You should be able to open your garage door after the final press and release. If this doesn’t work, your garage door opener unit likely uses rolling code protection, and there’s one more step to try.
To connect to a garage door opener unit with rolling code protection, you’ll need a ladder to reach the back of the unit. On the back, find and press the learn button. Within 30 seconds of pressing the learn button, press, hold for 2 seconds, and release the HomeLink button three times. If pairing is successful, your garage door should close after the third press and release. Asking another person for help makes this process much easier to manage.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With HomeLink
One problem might be that your garage door remote is low on battery. Try replacing the battery and programming again. Sometimes radio interference can cause problems, so try programming at a different time or location. If your HomeLink button works but only sometimes, signal strength might be the culprit. Try moving closer to the garage if this happens. Older garage door systems can sometimes be finicky. You might have to straighten or adjust the antenna wire that sticks out from your garage door opener unit to improve reception.
If HomeLink still isn’t working, try erasing the system’s memory and reprogramming. To erase the memory, hold down the two outer HomeLink buttons for about 10 seconds. When the indicator lights begin flashing, you’ve successfully erased the memory, and you can try programming again. This is also useful to know if you decide to sell or return your Subaru. Erasing the memory ensures nobody else has access to your garage.
Get Expert HomeLink Support From Our Team at John Kennedy Subaru
If you’re having trouble with HomeLink, our service center in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, can help. Our team thoroughly understands HomeLink across all models. We can also help identify subtle problems if you’re trying to program multiple devices. If your car doesn’t have HomeLink, we can also order and install a compatible rearview mirror for you. Book your service appointment today, or feel free to contact us with any questions.
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