Integrating your Genie garage door opener with your car’s built-in remote system offers unparalleled convenience. Imagine arriving home and seamlessly opening your garage door with just a press of a button already integrated into your vehicle. Both HomeLink and Car2U are popular in-car technologies designed for this purpose, and they are fully compatible with Genie garage door openers. Typically found on your car’s visor or overhead console, these systems eliminate the need for a separate, battery-operated remote. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to program your Genie garage door opener to work with your car’s HomeLink or Car2U system.
Understanding In-Car Garage Door Opener Systems
HomeLink and Car2U systems offer a streamlined approach to garage door operation. These built-in transmitters are powered directly by your car, ensuring they are always ready to use without the hassle of battery changes. HomeLink systems are identifiable by a single LED indicator, often accompanied by a house icon on the center button. Car2U systems, on the other hand, feature three LED lights, one above each button. Regardless of which system your car uses, programming it to your Genie opener is a straightforward process, enhancing your daily convenience and home access.
Programming Your Genie Opener to HomeLink
Here’s how to program your Genie garage door opener to a HomeLink system. For detailed instructions in PDF format, you can refer to Genie’s HomeLink Instructions. A helpful video tutorial is also available here.
Step 1: Clear Existing HomeLink Programming
Before programming a new garage door opener, it’s recommended to clear any previous settings. To do this, press and hold the first and third buttons on your HomeLink system simultaneously. Keep holding them until the indicator light blinks slowly and then rapidly for about 20 seconds. Once it blinks rapidly, release both buttons. This reset will erase any previously programmed garage door openers.
Step 2: Training HomeLink with Your Genie Remote
Next, you need to train your HomeLink system to recognize your Genie garage door opener remote. Choose the HomeLink button you want to use for your Genie opener. Position your Genie remote approximately two inches away from the chosen HomeLink button. Press and hold the button on your Genie remote. While still holding the Genie remote button, press and hold the selected HomeLink button. Continue holding both buttons until the HomeLink indicator light changes from a slow blink to a rapid blink. Once it blinks rapidly, release both buttons.
Step 3: Programming HomeLink to Your Genie Opener
The final step involves programming the HomeLink system to communicate directly with your Genie garage door opener unit. The procedure varies slightly depending on whether you have a newer or older Genie model.
For Newer Genie Garage Door Openers with a Program Button:
- Locate the PROGRAM button on your Genie garage door opener motor unit. Press and hold this button until the round blue LED indicator turns ON. Then, release the button. The long purple LED will start flashing.
- Press and hold the HomeLink button you programmed in Step 2 for two seconds and then release. Repeat this press and release sequence one more time. The long LED on the opener unit should flash blue and then turn off.
- Press the programmed HomeLink button a few more times. Your garage door should now begin to move, indicating successful programming.
For Older Genie Garage Door Openers with a Learn Button:
- Find the learn code button on your Genie garage door opener motor unit. Press and release this button. The red LED indicator will start to blink.
- Press and release the desired HomeLink button one time. The red LED on the opener unit should stop blinking and remain on.
- Press and release the same HomeLink button once more. The red LED should now turn off.
- Press the programmed HomeLink button again to test. Your garage door should now activate.
If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual, visit HomeLink’s website, or the Genie Company website.
Programming Your Genie Opener to Car2U
If your car is equipped with a Car2U system, follow these steps to program it to your Genie garage door opener. For detailed PDF instructions, refer to Genie’s Car2U Instructions.
Step 1: Reset Car2U to Default Settings
Car2U systems come with factory default settings where each button is pre-assigned to different garage door opener brands. To start fresh, reset the system to these defaults. The factory settings are:
- Button 1 = Genie® Manufactured Openers
- Button 2 = LiftMaster® Manufactured Openers
- Button 3 = Wayne Dalton® Manufactured Openers
Car2U system buttons in a car, designed for programming with Genie and other garage door openers.
To reset, press and hold buttons 1 and 3 on your Car2U system for 20 seconds, or until all three LEDs start flashing. Once they flash, release both buttons. The Car2U system is now reset to its factory default settings, clearing any previous programming.
Step 2: Programming Car2U to Your Genie Opener
Similar to HomeLink, programming Car2U involves a slightly different process for newer and older Genie models.
For Newer Genie Models:
- Press and hold the PROGRAM button on your Genie garage door opener powerhead until the round blue LED turns ON. Release the button. The long purple LED will begin to flash.
- Press and hold the Car2U button you wish to program for your Genie opener for two seconds and release. Repeat this press and release sequence one more time. The long LED on the opener unit should flash blue and then turn off.
- Press the programmed Car2U button a few more times to test. Your garage door should now operate.
For Older Genie Models:
- Press and release the learn code button on your Genie garage door opener powerhead. The red LED will start to blink.
- Press the desired Car2U button one time. The red LED should stop blinking and remain on.
- Press the same Car2U button one more time. The red LED will turn off.
- Test the programming by pressing the Car2U button again. Your garage door should now respond.
Step 3: Changing Default Car2U Button for a Genie Opener
If you prefer to use a button other than Button 1 (the default for Genie) on your Car2U system for your Genie opener, you can change the button assignment.
- Press and hold buttons 1 and 3 on your Car2U system for ONE SECOND and release. All three LEDs will light up solid red.
- Press and hold the button you want to assign to your Genie opener (either button 2 or 3). The corresponding LED will flash. While continuing to hold this button, press and release button 1, and then press and release button 1 again.
- Release the button you held in step 2 and wait for the LED to stop flashing. This button is now programmed for your Genie opener. Repeat this step if you want to program another Car2U button for a second Genie opener.
For further assistance, refer to your vehicle’s manual, visit learcar2u.com, or GenieCompany.com.
By following these steps, you can easily program your car’s built-in remote system to your Genie garage door opener, adding convenience and seamless access to your home. Enjoy the ease of opening your garage door with just the touch of a button in your car!
