Programming your car’s HomeLink system can add convenience to your daily routine, allowing you to control garage doors and other compatible devices directly from your vehicle. However, setting up HomeLink for multiple vehicles, especially when you have two cars you want to operate the same garage door, can sometimes be confusing. If you’re finding yourself scratching your head wondering “how do I program HomeLink for two cars?”, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring both your vehicles seamlessly interact with your HomeLink compatible devices.
Tip #1: Garage Door Opener Memory Limits and Resetting
Before you begin programming multiple cars, it’s crucial to understand that your garage door opener might have a limit on the number of devices it can memorize. A common limit is around 7 devices. If you’ve programmed several cars or remote controls over the years, you might hit this limit. Adding a new car might become impossible, no matter how correctly you follow the programming steps. It’s not a ‘rolling’ memory where the oldest is automatically deleted; you need to manually clear the memory.
Solution: Reset your garage door opener’s memory. Consult your garage door opener’s manual for specific instructions on how to do this. Typically, on Genie openers, this involves locating the ‘training’ or ‘learn’ button on the motor unit and holding it down for approximately 15 seconds. This action will erase all previously programmed remotes and car HomeLink systems, giving you a clean slate to start with.
Tip #2: Clearing Your Car’s HomeLink Memory
Just like your garage door opener, your car’s HomeLink system also has a memory. If you’re programming a new car or experiencing issues, it’s a good practice to clear the existing HomeLink memory. This is especially important if you’ve recently purchased a used car or sold a vehicle and forgot to remove its programming – this prevents potential security issues by disconnecting your old car’s access.
For Gentex mirror HomeLink systems (common in many vehicles), you can clear the memory by pressing and holding the two outer HomeLink buttons simultaneously for about 15 seconds. Keep holding them until the HomeLink indicator light changes from a solid red to a rapidly flashing red light. This indicates that the memory has been successfully cleared and your HomeLink system is ready for programming.
Tip #3: Understanding HomeLink Indicator Light Signals
After clearing your car’s HomeLink memory, pay attention to the indicator light when you press a HomeLink button. The light’s behavior tells you about the system’s readiness to be programmed.
Fast Flashing Red Light: Ready for Programming
If you press any HomeLink button after clearing the memory and see a fast flashing red light, it means your HomeLink system is in the ideal “ready to learn” state. In this scenario, you can proceed directly to the rolling code programming process, and you likely won’t need a handheld garage door opener remote for the initial programming phase.
To program in this state, press the “training” or “learn” button on your garage door opener motor unit (usually located on the back of the unit). Immediately after pressing this button on the opener, return to your car. Press and hold the desired HomeLink button in your car for two seconds, then release for a second or two. Repeat this press-and-release sequence two or three times. Your garage door should now open or close when you press the programmed HomeLink button.
Slow Blinking Red Light: Extra Step Required
If, after clearing the memory and pressing a HomeLink button, you observe a slow blinking red light, it signifies that your HomeLink system isn’t immediately ready for rolling code programming. This is the situation where you’ll need to use a handheld garage door remote for an initial programming step.
In this case, you’ll need a programmed handheld garage door remote opener. Hold this remote very close to your car’s HomeLink mirror or system. Simultaneously press and hold a button on the handheld remote and one of the HomeLink buttons in your car. Continue holding both buttons for 5 to 10 seconds. Watch for the HomeLink indicator light to change to a rapidly flashing light. Once it flashes rapidly, release both buttons. Now, try pressing the HomeLink button in your car alone; it should now be flashing rapidly, indicating it’s ready for rolling code programming. Proceed with the “training” button steps on your garage door opener as described in the “Fast Flashing Red Light” section above to complete the programming.
Tip #4: Reprogramming Your Handheld Remote
Remember Tip #1 where you reset your garage door opener and erased all remotes? It’s easy to forget that this also means your handheld remotes will no longer work. Before you start programming your cars, or immediately after resetting the garage door opener, make sure to reprogram at least one handheld remote to your garage door opener again. This programmed remote might be necessary for the “Slow Blinking Red Light” scenario described in Tip #3. Furthermore, having a working handheld remote is always a good backup. Don’t forget to reprogram your keypad as well if you use one!
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully program HomeLink for two cars to operate your garage door. Remember to be patient and follow the indicator light signals to understand what step to take next. With a little attention to detail, you can enjoy the convenience of HomeLink in both your vehicles.
