How to Program Your Genie Garage Door Opener to Your Car

Integrating your Genie garage door opener with your car’s built-in remote system offers unparalleled convenience. No more fumbling for a separate remote – with systems like HomeLink and Car2U, opening your garage door is as simple as pressing a button on your visor or overhead console. These in-car technologies are powered directly by your vehicle, eliminating the need for batteries and ensuring seamless operation every time you arrive home. Genie garage door openers are designed to be compatible with both HomeLink and Car2U, making the programming process straightforward.

Cars equipped with HomeLink typically feature a single LED indicator and often display a house icon on the central button of the three. Car2U systems are identifiable by three LED lights, one above each button. Let’s explore how to program both of these systems to work with your Genie garage door opener.

Programming Your HomeLink® System

For detailed instructions in PDF format, you can refer to the official HomeLink programming guide. A helpful video tutorial is also available here.

Step 1: Clear HomeLink Memory

Start by clearing any previously programmed settings from your HomeLink system. Press and hold the outermost buttons (usually button 1 and button 3) simultaneously. Keep holding them for approximately 20 seconds. You’ll notice the indicator light blink slowly at first, and then begin to flash rapidly. Once it flashes quickly, release both buttons.

NOTE: Clearing HomeLink will erase all previously programmed garage door openers and other devices.

Step 2: Synchronize HomeLink with Your Genie Remote

Decide which HomeLink button you want to use for your Genie garage door opener. Take your handheld Genie remote and position it close to the HomeLink button, generally within one to two inches. Press and hold the button on your Genie remote that you typically use to open your garage door. While keeping the Genie remote button pressed, immediately press and hold the chosen HomeLink button in your car. Continue holding both buttons until the HomeLink indicator light changes from a slow blink to a rapid flash. Once it flashes rapidly, release both buttons.

Step 3: Program HomeLink to Respond to Your Genie Opener

This step varies slightly depending on whether you have a newer or older Genie garage door opener model.

For Newer Genie Garage Door Openers with a Program Button:

1. Locate the PROGRAM button on your Genie garage door opener motor unit (powerhead). Press and hold this PROGRAM button until a round blue LED light turns ON. Once it’s lit, release the button. A long purple LED will then start to flash.
2. Press and hold the HomeLink button you programmed in Step 2 for two seconds, then release. Repeat this – press the same HomeLink button again for two seconds and release. The long LED on the opener will flash blue and then turn off.
3. Test the programming by pressing the HomeLink button a few times. Your garage door should now activate. If it doesn’t respond on the first try, press the HomeLink button a few more times.

For Older Genie Garage Door Openers with a Learn Button:

1. Find the learn code button on your Genie garage door opener’s powerhead. Press and release this “learn” button. A red LED light will start to blink.
2. Immediately press the HomeLink button you programmed in Step 2 once. The red LED on the opener will stop blinking and remain continuously lit.
3. Press the same HomeLink button a second time. The red LED will turn off.
4. Test the programming by pressing the HomeLink button again. Your garage door should now open or close.

NOTE: For more detailed instructions or troubleshooting, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual, visit www.homelink.com or www.GenieCompany.com.

Programming Your Car2U® System

For comprehensive instructions in PDF format, refer to the official Car2U programming guide.

Step 1: Reset Car2U to Factory Default Settings

Before programming, it’s often helpful to reset the Car2U system to its factory defaults. This ensures a clean slate for programming your Genie opener.

Car2U buttons for in-car garage door control

1. Press and hold buttons 1 and 3 on your Car2U system simultaneously for 20 seconds. Keep holding until all three LED lights above the buttons start to flash.
2. Once all three LEDs are flashing, release both buttons. The Car2U system is now reset to its factory default settings.

NOTE: Resetting Car2U will erase any previously programmed garage door openers or devices.

Step 2: Program Car2U to Operate Your Genie Opener

The programming process is similar to HomeLink, with slight variations depending on your Genie model.

For Newer Genie Models:

1. Locate the PROGRAM button on your Genie garage door opener powerhead. Press and hold it until the round blue LED illuminates and turns ON. Release the button. The long purple LED will begin to flash.
2. Press and hold the Car2U button you wish to program for your Genie opener for two seconds, then release. Repeat this – press the same Car2U button again for two seconds and release. The long LED on the opener will flash blue and then turn off.
3. Test the programming by pressing the Car2U button a few times. Your garage door should now respond. If not, try pressing the button a few more times.

For Older Genie Models:

1. Locate the learn code button on your Genie garage door opener powerhead. Press and release the “learn” code button. The red LED will start to blink.
2. Press the desired Car2U button one time. The red LED will stop blinking and stay on continuously.
3. Press the same Car2U button one more time. The red LED will go out.
4. Test the programming by pressing the Car2U button again. Your garage door should now activate.

Step 3: Reassigning a Factory Default Car2U Button for a Genie Opener (If Needed)

Car2U buttons are pre-set for different brands. Button 1 is typically defaulted to Genie. If you wish to use Button 2 or 3 for Genie, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold buttons 1 and 3 for just ONE SECOND and release. All three LEDs will light up solid red.
2. Press and hold the Car2U button (2 or 3) you want to reassign to Genie. The LED above that button will begin to flash. While still holding that button down, press and release button 1. Then, press and release button 1 again.
3. Release the Car2U button you were holding in step 2 and wait for the LED to stop flashing. This button is now programmed for your Genie opener. Repeat Step 2 if you wish to program a second Car2U button for another Genie opener.

NOTE: For further assistance, refer to your vehicle’s manual, visit learcar2u.com or www.GenieCompany.com.

By following these steps, you can easily program your car’s HomeLink or Car2U system to control your Genie garage door opener, adding a significant layer of convenience to your daily routine. Enjoy the ease of opening your garage door with just the touch of a button in your car!