Lost your car remote or need to reprogram it for your older vehicle? Before you rush to a dealership or assume you need to buy a new remote, you might be able to program it yourself right at home. This guide focuses on how to program car remotes for vehicles manufactured before 1998, a time when keyless entry systems were becoming more common but still often featured DIY programming methods.
While the exact steps can vary slightly depending on your car’s make and model, the general process for programming remotes on pre-1998 vehicles is often surprisingly straightforward. This guide provides a general method that works for many older cars, particularly Hondas from that era, as an example. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most accurate instructions specific to your car.
Step-by-Step Guide to Programming Your Pre-1998 Car Remote
This procedure is designed to get your keyless entry working again without needing special tools or a trip to the mechanic. Make sure you have all the remotes you intend to use for your vehicle with you before starting. It’s also crucial to ensure all doors, including the trunk or hatch, are completely closed throughout the programming process. You only need one working remote (or a new, unprogrammed remote) to initiate the programming sequence, but you must program all remotes you want to use in a single session.
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Get Inside and Close Up: Sit in the driver’s seat of your car and ensure all doors and the trunk are securely closed. This is important for the system to properly enter programming mode.
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Ignition Cycling – Part 1: Insert your key into the ignition. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position. This is usually the position just before you would crank the engine – the position where your dashboard lights illuminate. Within 5 seconds of turning the key to “ON”, press the “Lock” button on your car remote for approximately one second, and then release it.
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Ignition Cycling – Part 2: Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position. This is the position where the dashboard lights go out, typically one click back from the “ON” position.
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Repeat the Cycle: Repeat steps 2 and 3 three more times. This means you will be cycling the ignition from “ON” to “OFF” a total of four times. Each step, from turning the key to pressing the button, must be completed within 5 seconds of the previous step to ensure the system recognizes the sequence.
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Entering Programming Mode: On the fourth turn of the key to the “ON” position, press the “Lock” button on one of your remotes. If you’ve successfully entered programming mode, you should hear the car locks cycle, making a distinct “clunk” sound. It’s important to note that the doors may not actually lock or unlock at this stage; the sound indicates that the system is ready to learn new remote codes. Do not turn the key off at this point.
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Program Each Remote: Within 5 seconds of hearing the locks cycle and within 5 seconds of programming each subsequent remote, press the “Lock” button on each remote you wish to program, one at a time. Press and hold the button for about a second and then release. Each time you press a remote button, the car locks should cycle again, confirming that the remote’s signal has been recognized and programmed. You can typically program up to three or four remotes, depending on the vehicle’s system. This entire step needs to be completed within 10 seconds.
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Exit Programming and Test: Turn the ignition key completely to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the ignition. Open the car door, step out, and close the door. Now, test each of your programmed remotes to ensure they are working correctly. Press the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons to verify the keyless entry system is responding. If your remote has a trunk or hatch release button, you may need to press and hold it for a few seconds to activate that feature.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Timing is Key: The 5-second timing for each step is crucial for successful programming. If you don’t hear the locks cycle after the fourth “ON” position, you may need to repeat the entire process, paying close attention to the timing.
- Fresh Batteries: Ensure the batteries in your remote(s) are new and functioning correctly. Weak batteries can prevent the remote from transmitting a strong enough signal during programming.
- Check Your Manual: While this guide provides a general method, always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most precise instructions for your specific make, model, and year.
- Remote Compatibility: If you are purchasing a replacement remote, make sure it is the correct type for your vehicle. For example, remotes for different Honda models (like EX, DX, etc.) from the same year might differ. Genuine manufacturer remotes are usually recommended for reliable performance. Online marketplaces can be good sources for used or new remotes, but always verify compatibility before purchasing.
By following these steps, you should be able to program your pre-1998 car remote and regain the convenience of keyless entry. If you encounter persistent issues, consulting a professional automotive locksmith or mechanic may be necessary.
