Lost your car remote or need to program a new one for your Toyota? You’re in luck! Programming your Toyota keyless entry remote can often be done right at home without a trip to the dealership. This guide provides you with two straightforward methods to program your Toyota or Lexus car remote, covering most models and years. Whether you have a newer or older vehicle, follow the procedure that matches your car to regain control over your door locks with your remote. Let’s get started and get you back to conveniently accessing your Toyota.
Procedure 1: Programming for Newer Toyota and Lexus Models
This method is typically effective for newer Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Follow these steps carefully to enter programming mode and synchronize your remote.
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Preparation is Key: Ensure your key is completely removed from the ignition. The driver’s side door must be open and unlocked, while all other doors are securely 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 a second time (in-out, in-out).
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Door Cycling – Part 1: Close, 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 quickly remove it once.
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Door Cycling – Part 2: Close, then open the driver’s side door twice again, ensuring it remains open after the final cycle.
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Ignition Hold: Insert the key into the ignition one last time and leave it in the “off” position.
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Door Close: Close the driver’s door.
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Enter Programming Mode: Turn the ignition to the “on” position, then immediately back to the “off” position. Finally, remove the key from the ignition.
At this point, the door locks should automatically cycle (lock then unlock). This lock cycling indicates that your Toyota is now in programming mode and ready to learn the signal from your remote. If the locks do not cycle, return to step 1 and repeat the procedure, or proceed to Procedure 2, which may be more suitable for your vehicle.
Programming Your Remote:
Once your car is in programming mode (locks cycled):
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Simultaneous Press: Take the remote you wish to program. Press and hold both the “lock” and “unlock” buttons simultaneously for approximately 2 seconds. Then release both buttons.
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Single Press – Lock: Immediately after releasing both buttons, press and hold only the “lock” button for about 1 second, and then release.
Confirmation:
The door locks should cycle once to confirm that the car has successfully accepted and programmed your remote. If the locks cycle twice, it indicates that the remote was not accepted. In this case, try the programming sequence again. If it continues to fail, you might be using an incompatible remote for your vehicle.
Exiting Programming Mode: Open the driver’s door to exit the programming mode. Remove your key from the ignition and test the newly programmed remote to ensure it is working correctly.
Important Note: Remember that the remote will not operate the door locks if any door, including the trunk or hatch, is open. Ensure all doors are completely closed when testing your remote’s functionality.
Procedure 2: Programming for Older Toyota and Lexus Models
If Procedure 1 did not work for your Toyota or Lexus, or if you have an older model, try this alternative method.
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Initial Setup: Ensure the key is removed from the ignition. The driver’s side door must be open and unlocked, with all other doors closed.
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Ignition Insert & Remove: Insert the key into the ignition and then immediately pull it out.
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Power Lock Cycling – Part 1: Using the power lock switch on the driver’s door, press the “LOCK” button then the “UNLOCK” button a total of 5 times, ending with the door in the unlocked state.
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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, using the power lock switch, press the “LOCK” button then the “UNLOCK” button 5 times, concluding with the door unlocked.
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Ignition Turn: Insert the key into the ignition and turn it from the “off” position to the “on” position twice in rapid succession (off-on, off-on). Do not start the engine.
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Key Removal: Remove the key from the ignition.
The door locks should now cycle, signaling that the vehicle has entered remote programming mode. If the locks do not cycle, restart from step 1 and carefully repeat each step.
Programming the Remote:
Once the car is in programming mode (locks cycled):
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Simultaneous Button Press: Press and hold the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons on the remote simultaneously for approximately 2 seconds. Release both buttons.
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Single Press – Lock: Immediately press and hold the “LOCK” button alone for about 1 second. Then release it.
Confirmation and Exit:
The door locks should cycle once to indicate successful programming of the remote. If the locks cycle more than once, the remote was not accepted. In this case, try repeating the remote programming steps (steps 1 and 2 under “Programming the Remote”) without restarting the entire procedure. If it fails again, double-check that you have the correct remote for your vehicle.
Ending the Procedure: Close the driver’s door to exit the programming sequence. Remove the key from the ignition and test your remote’s lock and unlock functions.
Troubleshooting Tip for Older Models:
Older Toyota and Lexus models sometimes have wear in their door lock actuators. This can cause the power lock switch to become less effective, particularly when cycling it rapidly. If you’re having trouble getting the car into programming mode using Procedure 2, especially during steps 3 and 5, the power lock switch might be struggling to complete the 5 cycles reliably.
Manual Assist Technique: A helpful trick is to manually assist the power lock mechanism while using the switch. As you are using the power lock switch to lock and unlock the door, simultaneously use your other hand to manually push and pull the door lock knob or lever. This manual assistance can help ensure the lock mechanism fully engages and disengages during each cycle, which is crucial for entering programming mode. It might take a few attempts to get the timing right, but this technique can often overcome actuator weakness and allow you to program your remote successfully.
Enjoy the convenience of your programmed Toyota car remote!
