Lost your Toyota car remote or need to program a new one? Don’t worry, you can often program a new keyless entry remote yourself without a trip to the dealership. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for programming your Toyota or Lexus remote, covering two common procedures depending on your vehicle’s year and model.
Programming Newer Toyota and Lexus Remotes: Procedure 1
This procedure is the most common method for newer Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Follow these steps carefully:
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Preparation is Key: Ensure your key is removed from the ignition. The driver’s side door must be open and unlocked, while all other doors are closed.
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Ignition Dance (Part 1): Insert your key into the ignition switch, but do not turn it. Immediately remove the key. Repeat this insert and remove action two more times, for a total of three insert/remove cycles.
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Door Cycling (Part 1): Close and then open the driver’s side door twice. Leave the door open after the second cycle.
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Ignition Dance (Part 2): Insert the key into the ignition and remove it once.
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Door Cycling (Part 2): Close and open the driver’s side door twice again, ending with the door open.
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Ignition Still (Off Position): Insert the key into the ignition and leave it in the “off” position.
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Door Closure: Close the driver’s door.
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Ignition On/Off Sequence: Turn the ignition to the “on” position, then immediately back to the “off” position. Remove the key from the ignition.
Programming Mode Confirmation: At this point, the door locks should automatically cycle (lock then unlock). This indicates that your Toyota is now in programming mode and ready to learn the new remote signal. If the locks do not cycle, carefully return to step 1 and repeat the procedure. If it still doesn’t work, you may need to use the alternative procedure outlined below.
Programming Your Remote:
Once your car is in programming mode:
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Simultaneous Press: Take the remote you wish to program and press and hold both the “lock” and “unlock” buttons simultaneously for approximately 2 seconds.
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Single Press Lock: Release both buttons and then immediately press and hold just the “lock” button for about 1 second.
Verification: The door locks should cycle once to confirm that your Toyota has successfully accepted the new remote’s signal. If the locks cycle twice, it indicates that the remote was not accepted. In this case, try repeating the remote programming steps above. If it fails again, ensure you are using a compatible remote for your vehicle.
Exiting Programming Mode: Open the driver’s side door to exit the programming mode. Remove your key from the ignition and test the newly programmed remote to ensure it locks and unlocks your doors correctly.
Important Note: Your Toyota remote will not operate if any door is open. Double-check that all doors are fully closed when testing your remote’s functionality.
Programming Older Toyota and Lexus Remotes: Procedure 2
If the first procedure doesn’t work for your Toyota or Lexus, especially if it’s an older model, try this alternative method:
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Key Out, Door Open: Ensure the key is completely removed from the ignition. The driver’s side door should be open and unlocked, with all other doors closed.
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Ignition Ready: Insert the key into the ignition switch and immediately pull it back out.
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Power Lock Cycling (Part 1): Using the power lock switch located on your door panel, press the “LOCK” button then the “UNLOCK” button a total of five times, ending with the doors in the “UNLOCK” position.
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Door Open/Close: Close and then open the driver’s side door once.
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Power Lock Cycling (Part 2): Again, use the power lock switch to press “LOCK” and then “UNLOCK” five times, concluding with the doors in the “UNLOCK” position.
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Ignition On (Twice): Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it from the “off” position to the “on” position twice in quick succession. Do not start the engine.
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Key Removal: Remove the key from the ignition.
Programming Mode Confirmation: The door locks should cycle automatically, indicating that your vehicle has entered programming mode. If the locks do not cycle, return to step 1 and carefully repeat the process.
Programming Your Remote (Procedure 2):
Once in programming mode:
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Simultaneous Press: Press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons on the remote simultaneously for about 2 seconds.
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Single Press Lock: Release both buttons, and then press and hold only the “LOCK” button for approximately 1 second.
Verification (Procedure 2): The door locks should cycle once to indicate successful remote programming. If the locks cycle more than once, the remote has not been accepted. In this case, try repeating the remote programming steps. If it continues to fail, you might have an incompatible remote.
Exiting Programming Mode (Procedure 2): Close the driver’s door to exit programming mode. Remove the key from the ignition and test your newly programmed remotes.
Troubleshooting Tip for Older Models:
Older Toyota and Lexus models can sometimes have issues with their door lock actuators. These actuators might not fully lock or unlock the doors using the power lock switch, or they may weaken during the repeated cycling required in these procedures. If you suspect this is the case, and you are having trouble entering programming mode, try this trick:
Manually assist the power lock switch. While using the power lock switch with one hand to perform the lock/unlock cycles, use your other hand to manually lock and unlock the door lock simultaneously. Timing is crucial, but with practice, this manual assistance can sometimes help the system register the lock/unlock cycles correctly, allowing you to enter programming mode.
Enjoy Your Programmed Remote!
By following these procedures, you should be able to program your Toyota or Lexus car remote quickly and easily. If you continue to experience difficulties, it’s always recommended to consult your owner’s manual or contact a qualified automotive technician.
