Losing or damaging your car fob can be a major inconvenience. Luckily, programming a new or replacement key fob for your 2008 Lexus RX400h can often be done yourself, saving you time and money compared to dealership programming fees. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step procedure to help you program your 2008 Lexus RX400h car fob quickly and effectively.
Step 1: Initial Setup
Before you begin the programming sequence, ensure you have the following:
- Your 2008 Lexus RX400h: The vehicle must be physically accessible.
- The Key Fob to be Programmed: Make sure it’s a compatible fob for your 2008 Lexus RX400h.
- Your Lexus Key: You’ll need your physical key to insert into the ignition.
- Driver’s Side Door: This door needs to be open and unlocked throughout the initial steps.
Step 2: Key Insertion and Door Cycling Sequence
This step initiates the programming mode on your Lexus RX400h. Follow these actions precisely within the given timeframes:
- Insert and Remove Key (Twice): Take your Lexus key and insert it into the ignition switch, then remove it immediately. Repeat this action once more, doing it a total of two times within 5 seconds.
- Close and Open Driver’s Door (Twice): Within 40 seconds of completing step 1, close the driver’s side door completely, and then open it again. Repeat this door closing and opening action one more time, for a total of two cycles.
- Insert and Remove Key (Once): Immediately after step 2, insert the key into the ignition switch and then remove it one last time.
Step 3: Second Door Cycling and Key Insertion
Continue the sequence with these steps, maintaining the timing as closely as possible:
- Close and Open Driver’s Door (Twice Again): Within 40 seconds of step 3 in the previous section, close the driver’s door and open it again. Repeat this action once, for a total of two door cycles.
- Insert Key into Ignition (Do Not Turn): Insert the key into the ignition switch one final time. Leave it inserted, but do not turn the ignition yet.
- Close Driver’s Door: Close the driver’s side door.
Step 4: Mode Selection and Confirmation
Now you will select the programming mode and confirm your selection:
- Ignition Cycling for Mode Selection: Turn the ignition switch from the “Lock” position to the “On” position, and then back to “Lock.” Repeat this cycle to select the desired mode. Refer to the mode options below:
- Add Mode (1 Cycle): To program an additional key fob without erasing existing ones, cycle the ignition one time (Lock to On to Lock).
- Rewrite Mode (2 Cycles): To replace existing key fobs and program new ones (erasing old fobs), cycle the ignition two times.
- Confirmation Mode (3 Cycles): To verify the current programming mode, cycle the ignition three times.
- Prohibition Mode (5 Cycles): To disable key fob programming, cycle the ignition five times.
- Remove Key from Ignition: Take the key out of the ignition switch.
- Lock Cycle Confirmation: The power door locks will automatically cycle “lock” then “unlock” a number of times. This number corresponds to the mode you selected in step 1. For example, one cycle indicates “Add Mode” was selected.
Step 5: Key Fob Programming
Complete the programming of your key fob within 40 seconds of the door lock confirmation in the previous step:
- Press and Hold Lock and Unlock Buttons: On the key fob you are programming, press and hold both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons simultaneously for 1 to 1.5 seconds, and then release both buttons.
- Press and Hold Lock Button: Within 3 seconds of completing step 1, press and hold only the “Lock” button on the key fob for more than 1 second, and then release it.
- Confirmation Lock Cycle: If the key fob programming is successful, the power door locks will cycle “lock” then “unlock” one time. If programming fails, the locks will cycle twice. In case of failure, double-check that you have a compatible key fob and repeat the entire procedure carefully.
- Programming Additional Fobs (Optional): If you need to program more key fobs, immediately repeat steps 1 and 2 for each additional fob.
Step 6: Exit Programming Mode
To finalize the programming process and exit programming mode, simply open the driver’s side door.
By following these steps carefully, you should be able to successfully program your 2008 Lexus RX400h car fob. If you encounter difficulties, ensure you are using a compatible key fob and have followed each step precisely. For further assistance, consult your Lexus RX400h owner’s manual or contact a certified automotive locksmith or Lexus dealership.
