Programming Your Genie Garage Door Opener to Your Car: HomeLink and Car2U

Integrating your Genie garage door opener with your car’s built-in remote system offers unparalleled convenience. No more fumbling for a separate remote – simply press a button in your car, and you’re in! Vehicles equipped with systems like HomeLink and Car2U allow you to program your garage door opener directly into your car’s interface, typically found on the visor or overhead console. These systems operate on your car’s power, eliminating the need for batteries, unlike traditional handheld remotes. Genie garage door openers are designed to be compatible with both HomeLink and Car2U. Identifying your system is easy: HomeLink systems usually feature a single LED indicator and often display a house icon on the central button, while Car2U systems have three LED lights, one above each button.

Step-by-Step Guide to Programming HomeLink® with Your Genie Opener

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 Existing HomeLink Programming

Begin by clearing any previously programmed devices from your HomeLink system. Press and hold the outer two HomeLink buttons (usually the first and third) simultaneously. Keep holding them down until the indicator light starts blinking slowly, then quickly, for about 20 seconds. Once it blinks rapidly, release both buttons. This reset ensures a clean slate for programming your Genie garage door opener.

Important Note: Clearing HomeLink will erase all previously programmed garage door openers or devices.

Step 2: Teach HomeLink Your Genie Remote’s Signal

Decide which HomeLink button you want to use for your Genie garage door opener. Take your Genie remote and position it close to the chosen HomeLink button, approximately two inches away. Press and hold the button on your Genie remote that you typically use to open your garage door. While still holding the Genie remote button, press and hold the selected HomeLink button in your car. Continue holding both buttons until the HomeLink indicator light transitions from a slow to a rapid blink. Once it blinks rapidly, release both buttons.

Step 3: Synchronize HomeLink with Your Genie Garage Door Opener

The final step involves linking your programmed HomeLink button to your Genie garage door opener unit. The process varies slightly depending on whether you have a newer or older Genie model.

For Newer Genie Garage Door Openers (with a Program Button):

1. Locate the PROGRAM button on your Genie garage door opener’s powerhead (the motor unit in your garage). Press and hold this PROGRAM button until a round blue LED light turns ON, then release the button. A long purple LED will start to flash, indicating it’s in programming mode.
2. Press and hold the HomeLink button you programmed in Step 2 for two seconds, then release. Repeat this press and release sequence one more time. The long LED on the opener will flash blue and then turn off, confirming signal reception.
3. Test the connection by pressing the programmed HomeLink button a few times. Your garage door should now activate.

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 indicator will begin to blink.
2. Immediately press the HomeLink button you programmed in Step 2 once. The red LED on the opener should 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 respond and open or close.

Note: For further assistance, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual, the HomeLink website at www.homelink.com, or the Genie Company website at www.GenieCompany.com.

Programming Car2U® System with Your Genie Opener

For detailed PDF instructions on Car2U programming, you can find the guide here.

Step 1: Reset Car2U to Factory Default Settings

Car2U systems come with pre-set defaults: Button 1 is typically configured for Genie® openers, Button 2 for LiftMaster®, and Button 3 for Wayne Dalton®. However, resetting to factory defaults is a good starting point.

Car2U buttons in a car for controlling garage door. The buttons are located in the car's interior and have a sleek, integrated design.

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

Important Note: Resetting Car2U will erase all previously programmed garage door openers and devices.

Step 2: Program Car2U to Recognize Your Genie Opener

Similar to HomeLink, programming Car2U involves syncing with your Genie opener. The process is slightly different for newer and older Genie models.

For Newer Genie Models (with a Program Button):

1. Locate the PROGRAM button on your Genie garage door opener powerhead. Press and hold it until the round blue LED illuminates and stays ON, then release. 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, and then release. Repeat this press and release sequence one more time. The long LED on the opener will flash blue and then turn off, confirming signal reception.
3. Test the programming by pressing the Car2U button a few times until your garage door moves.

For Older Genie Models (with a Learn Button):

1. Locate the learn code button on your Genie garage door opener powerhead. Press and release the learn code button – a red LED will start blinking.
2. Press the desired Car2U button once. The red LED will stop blinking and remain on.
3. Press the same Car2U button one more time. The red LED will turn off.
4. Test the programming by pressing the Car2U button again. Your garage door should now operate.

Step 3: Reassigning a Factory Default Button for Genie Opener

If you want to use a Car2U button that is not Button 1 for your Genie opener (for example, if you want to dedicate Button 1 to a different garage door opener brand), you can reassign the factory defaults.

1. Press and hold Car2U buttons 1 and 3 for just ONE SECOND and release. All three LEDs will light up solid red.
2. Now, press and hold the button you want to reassign to Genie (either button 2 or 3). While holding this button, press and release button 1, then press and release button 1 again. The LED corresponding to the button you are holding will flash.
3. Release the button you held in step 2 and wait for the LED flashing to stop. This button is now configured for your Genie opener. Repeat Step 2 if you need to program another Car2U button for a second Genie opener.

Note: For further assistance, refer to your vehicle’s manual, the Car2U website at learcar2u.com, or the Genie Company website at www.GenieCompany.com.