Staff Answer
May 12, 2026 - 02:47 PM
Unfortunately, this transponder key will not work with your JDM 2001 Forester STI.
Here's why:
The SUB4-PT transponder key uses a Texas Instruments 4D62 chip, which Subaru began using in their US-market vehicles around 2005 (Forester XT 2005-2008, Impreza/STI 2005-2007, Legacy/Outback 2005+, etc.).
Your JDM 2001 Forester STI is from a different era and market, and it uses a completely different immobilizer system. JDM Foresters from MY1997-2001 typically used a Denso cryptographic immobilizer system, and from MY2002 onward they switched to a Mitsubishi cryptographic system — neither of which is compatible with the Texas 4D62 chip in this key.
Even though the key blade may look identical (Subaru used similar keyway designs across many years), the transponder chip inside is different, and the immobilizer in your STI won't recognize it. The car may turn over briefly but will shut off after a few seconds.
