HomeLink is a fantastic feature that allows you to control your garage door, gate, and other compatible devices directly from your car’s interior. If you have multiple vehicles, you might be wondering, “How do I program HomeLink in two cars?” The good news is, programming HomeLink for multiple vehicles is just as straightforward as setting it up for one. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can conveniently access your property from both of your cars.
Whether you’re dealing with fixed codes or the more secure rolling codes, the steps are easy to follow. Let’s dive into how to get HomeLink set up in both of your vehicles.
Understanding HomeLink and Getting Started
HomeLink is a universal transmitter built into many vehicles. Typically found on your rearview mirror, overhead console, or even the center stack, these buttons seamlessly integrate with a wide range of devices. If you’re unsure of your HomeLink’s location, your vehicle’s owner’s manual is your best resource.
While HomeLink boasts broad compatibility, it’s always wise to consult your device and vehicle manuals for specific compatibility notes. For optimal programming, a fresh battery in your handheld garage door remote is recommended. And importantly, for safety, ensure your vehicles are parked outside the garage before you begin programming.
For first-time setup, or if you encounter issues, clearing HomeLink is a good starting point. To clear existing programming, press and hold the two outer HomeLink buttons for about 10 seconds. Release only when the indicator light changes from a solid to a rapidly flashing light. This clearing step is only necessary for the initial setup or troubleshooting.
Programming HomeLink: Fixed Code Devices
Fixed code devices are generally older garage door openers. Programming them is a simple process:
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Simultaneous Button Press: Hold your handheld garage door remote about 1-3 inches (3-7 cm) away from your car’s HomeLink buttons. Press and hold the HomeLink button you wish to program and the transmit button on your garage door remote at the same time. Do not release until the HomeLink indicator light changes from a slow flash to either a solid light or a rapid flash.
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Test the Connection: Press and release the newly trained HomeLink button. If your garage door opener uses a fixed code, the HomeLink indicator light should be solid. Pressing the HomeLink button should now activate your garage door.
If your garage door activates, you’re all set for this car! Repeat these steps in your second car to program another HomeLink button to the same garage door opener.
Programming HomeLink: Rolling Code Devices
Rolling code openers offer enhanced security and are more common in newer garage door systems. If your HomeLink indicator light flashes rapidly after step 2 in the fixed code instructions, you likely have a rolling code system. Here’s how to proceed:
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Locate the “Learn” Button: On your garage door opener unit inside your garage, find the “learn,” “smart,” or “program” button. Its shape and color can vary depending on the manufacturer. You might need a stepladder to safely reach it.
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Press the “Learn” Button: Press and release the “learn,” “smart,” or “program” button on the garage door opener. An indicator light on the opener may start to blink, indicating it’s ready to learn a new code. Note: You typically have a 20-30 second window to complete the next steps.
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Vehicle Activation: Within 20 seconds of pressing the “learn” button, return to your vehicle and press and release the programmed HomeLink button. Repeat the “press and release” sequence up to 3 times.
HomeLink should now be programmed to your rolling code garage door opener. Test it by pressing the programmed HomeLink button.
Repeat these rolling code programming steps in your second car, using a different HomeLink button if you wish, to control the same garage door opener from both vehicles.
Programming HomeLink in Your Second Car (and Beyond)
The process for programming HomeLink in your second car is identical to the first. Simply repeat the steps above using an unprogrammed HomeLink button in your second vehicle. You do not need to clear HomeLink again when programming additional buttons or cars.
Whether you have one car, two cars, or a whole fleet, HomeLink can be programmed for each vehicle to operate your compatible devices, offering seamless access for every driver in your household.
Clearing HomeLink Programming
If you’re selling or returning a leased vehicle, it’s a good practice to clear your HomeLink programming to protect your security.
To clear all programmed buttons, simply press and hold the two outer HomeLink buttons for approximately 10 seconds, until the HomeLink indicator light changes from solid to a slow, blinking light. This will erase all previously programmed devices from your HomeLink system.
Reprogramming a Single HomeLink Button
Need to change what a specific HomeLink button controls? You can reprogram individual buttons without clearing all of your HomeLink settings.
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Long Press: Press and hold the HomeLink button you wish to reprogram. Continue holding for about 20 seconds. The indicator light will initially be solid and then begin to flash slowly.
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Introduce New Remote Signal: While still holding the HomeLink button, position your new garage door remote (or other device remote) 1-12 inches (5-30cm) away from the HomeLink buttons. Press and hold the transmit button on this new remote. Continue holding both buttons until the HomeLink indicator light changes from a slow flash to either solid or rapidly flashing. This indicates the new frequency signal has been learned.
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Test and Rolling Code Steps (if needed): Press and release the reprogrammed HomeLink button. If the indicator light is solid, programming is complete. If it flashes rapidly, you have a rolling code device and need to follow the “Rolling Code Training” steps outlined earlier, starting from locating the “Learn” button on your garage door opener.
By following these instructions, you can easily program HomeLink in two cars – or even more – ensuring convenient access to your home from all your vehicles. Enjoy the ease and security that HomeLink provides!
