Lost your car remote or need to program a new one for your Toyota or Lexus vehicle? Programming your key fob yourself can save you time and money compared to dealership services. This comprehensive guide provides you with two proven methods to program your Toyota or Lexus remote control, ensuring you regain convenient keyless entry quickly. Whether you own a newer or older model, one of these procedures should work for you.
Method 1: Standard Programming Procedure for Most Toyota and Lexus Models
This method is the most common and often works for a wide range of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Follow these steps carefully to program your remote:
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Preparation is Key: Ensure your key is completely out of the ignition. The driver’s side door must be open and unlocked, while all other doors are closed. This initial setup is crucial for the programming sequence to initiate correctly.
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Ignition Key Insertion (Twice): Insert your key into the ignition switch, but do not turn it. Immediately remove the key. Repeat this insert and remove action one more time, for a total of two in-out cycles.
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Door Cycling (Twice): Close the driver’s side door, then open it again. Repeat this close and open cycle once more, making sure the door ends in the open position.
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Ignition Key Insertion (Once): Insert the key into the ignition one last time and remove it immediately. Do this action only once.
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Door Cycling (Twice Again): Similar to step 3, close and open the driver’s door twice, concluding with the door in the open position.
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Final Ignition Insertion (Leave in Off): Insert the key into the ignition and leave it in the “off” position. Do not turn the ignition on.
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Close Driver’s Door: Close the driver’s door.
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Ignition Cycling for Programming Mode: Turn the ignition to the “on” position, then immediately back to the “off” position. Quickly remove the key from the ignition.
At this point, the door locks should automatically cycle (lock then unlock). This indicates that your Toyota or Lexus has successfully entered programming mode and is ready to learn the new remote control signal. If the door locks do not cycle, double-check each step and repeat the procedure from step 1. Alternatively, you may need to use Method 2, detailed below.
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Remote Programming: Take the remote you wish to program. Press and hold both the “lock” and “unlock” buttons simultaneously for approximately two seconds. Release both buttons. Immediately after releasing, press and hold just the “lock” button for one second, then release.
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Confirmation: The door locks should cycle once to confirm that the car has successfully accepted and programmed your remote. If the locks cycle twice, it indicates that the remote was not accepted. In this case, try repeating step 9. If it fails again, ensure you are using a compatible remote for your vehicle.
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Exit Programming Mode: Open the driver’s door to exit the programming mode. Remove the key from the ignition.
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Test Your Remote: Close all doors completely and test the lock and unlock buttons on your newly programmed remote to ensure it is working correctly. Remember, the remote will not operate the door locks if any door, including the trunk or hood, is not fully closed.
Method 2: Alternative Programming Procedure for Some Toyota and Lexus Models
If Method 1 did not work for your Toyota or Lexus, try this alternative procedure. This method is less common but may be required for certain models, particularly older ones.
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Key and Door Preparation: Ensure the key is removed from the ignition. The driver’s door should be open and unlocked, and all other doors must be closed.
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Ignition Key Insertion and Removal: Insert the key into the ignition and immediately pull it out.
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Power Lock Cycling (Five Times): Using the power lock switch located on the driver’s side door panel, press the “LOCK” button then the “UNLOCK” button. Repeat this LOCK and UNLOCK sequence a total of five times, making sure to end with the door in the unlocked state.
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Door Open and Close (Once): Close the driver’s door and then open it again one time.
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Power Lock Cycling Again (Five Times): Repeat step 3. Use the power lock switch to LOCK then UNLOCK the door five times, again ending with the door unlocked.
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Ignition Cycling (Twice): Insert the key into the ignition and turn it from the “off” position to the “on” position twice in rapid succession. Do not start the engine.
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Remove Key to Enter Programming Mode: Remove the key from the ignition.
The door locks should now cycle, signaling that your vehicle has entered the remote programming mode. If the locks do not cycle, return to step 1 and carefully repeat each step.
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Remote Programming: Press and hold the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons on the remote simultaneously for about two seconds. Release both buttons. Then, immediately press and hold only the “LOCK” button for one second and release.
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Confirmation and Troubleshooting: The door locks should cycle once to indicate successful programming. If the locks cycle more than once, the remote was not accepted. In this case, retry programming the remote starting from step 8. If it continues to fail, you might have an incompatible remote.
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Exit and Test: Close the driver’s door to exit the programming sequence. Remove the key from the ignition and test the newly programmed remote to ensure it is functioning correctly.
* Troubleshooting Tip for Older Models: Actuators in older Toyota and Lexus vehicles can sometimes become sluggish, making it difficult for the power lock switch to fully lock and unlock the doors, especially during the rapid cycling required in steps 3 and 5 of Method 2. If you suspect this is happening, you can try a manual assist technique. As you are using the power lock switch with one hand, manually push or pull the door lock with your other hand in sync with the switch operation. This can sometimes provide the extra movement needed to trigger the programming mode. Timing is crucial for this technique, so practice and patience are key.
By following these detailed instructions, you should be able to successfully program your Toyota or Lexus car remote control and enjoy the convenience of keyless entry once again.
