How to Program Your Genie Garage Door Opener with Your Car’s Remote System

For homeowners seeking convenience and seamless integration, programming your car’s built-in remote system to operate your Genie garage door opener is a game-changer. Modern vehicles often come equipped with integrated systems like HomeLink or Car2U, allowing you to control your garage door without the need for a separate, handheld remote. These systems, typically featuring three buttons located on your visor or overhead console, draw power directly from your car’s electrical system, eliminating battery concerns and providing reliable operation. The good news is that Genie garage door openers are fully compatible with both HomeLink and Car2U.

HomeLink systems are identifiable by a single LED indicator and often display a house icon above the center button. Car2U systems, in contrast, feature three LED lights, one above each button. Let’s explore how to program both of these systems to work flawlessly with your Genie garage door opener.

Programming Your HomeLink System for Genie Garage Doors

For detailed instructions in PDF format, you can refer to the official HomeLink programming guide. A helpful video tutorial is also available here.

Step 1: Clear Existing HomeLink Programming

Before programming a new garage door opener, it’s recommended to clear any previously programmed settings from your HomeLink system. To do this, press and hold the first and third buttons simultaneously on your HomeLink panel. Keep holding them for approximately 20 seconds. Initially, the indicator light will blink slowly, then it will transition to a rapid blink. Once you see the fast blinking, release both buttons. This indicates that the HomeLink system has been successfully cleared.

Important Note: Clearing HomeLink will erase all previously programmed garage door openers and other devices.

Step 2: Train HomeLink with Your Genie Remote Control

Decide which of the HomeLink buttons you want to use to control your Genie garage door. Take your handheld Genie garage door remote and position it close to the HomeLink button, ideally within two inches. Press and hold the button on your Genie remote that you typically use to open your garage door. While still holding the Genie remote button, press and hold the chosen HomeLink button in your car. Continue holding both buttons. Watch the indicator light on the HomeLink system. It will blink slowly at first and then change to a rapid blink. As soon as you observe the rapid blinking, release both buttons.

Step 3: Program HomeLink to Recognize Your Genie Garage Door Opener

The next steps will slightly differ depending on whether you have a newer or older Genie garage door opener model.

For Newer Genie Garage Door Openers with a “Program” Button:

1. Locate the “PROGRAM” button on the powerhead unit of your Genie garage door opener. Press and hold this button until a round blue LED light illuminates. Once the blue LED is ON, release the button. A long purple LED will then start flashing.
2. Press and hold the HomeLink button you programmed in Step 2 for two seconds, then release. Repeat this process by pressing and holding the same HomeLink button again for another two seconds and releasing. The long LED on your garage door opener will flash blue and then turn off.
3. To finalize the programming, press the HomeLink button a few more times, briefly, until your garage door begins to move. This confirms successful programming.

For Older Genie Garage Door Openers with a “Learn Code” Button:

1. Find the “learn code” button on your Genie garage door opener’s powerhead. Press and release this button. A red LED light will begin to blink.
2. Immediately press the desired HomeLink button one time. The red LED on the garage door opener will stop blinking and remain continuously lit.
3. Press the same HomeLink button one more time. The red LED will now turn off.
4. Press the HomeLink button again. Your Genie garage door should now activate and move, indicating successful programming.

Note: For further assistance, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual, visit www.homelink.com, or www.GenieCompany.com.

Programming Your Car2U System for Genie Garage Doors

Detailed PDF instructions for Car2U programming are available at Car2U programming guide.

Step 1: Reset Car2U System to Factory Default Settings

The Car2U system comes with factory default settings where:

• Button 1 is pre-set for Genie® manufactured openers.
• Button 2 is pre-set for LiftMaster® manufactured openers.
• Button 3 is pre-set for Wayne Dalton® manufactured openers.

Car2U buttons for opening a garage door

If you need to reset the Car2U system, or if you are programming a second Genie opener to a different button, follow these steps: Press and hold buttons 1 and 3 simultaneously for 20 seconds, or until all three LED indicators start flashing. Once all LEDs are flashing, release both buttons. The Car2U system is now reset to its factory default settings.

Important Note: Clearing the Car2U system will remove all previously programmed garage door openers and potentially other devices.

Step 2: Program Car2U to Operate Your Genie Garage Door Opener

The programming procedure varies slightly depending on whether you have a newer or older Genie model.

For Newer Genie Garage Door Opener Models:

1. Locate the “PROGRAM” button on your Genie garage door opener’s powerhead. Press and hold it until the round blue LED turns ON. Release the button. The long purple LED will start flashing.
2. Press and hold the Car2U button you’ve chosen to program for your Genie opener for two seconds and then release. Repeat this press-and-hold for another two seconds and release. The long LED on the garage door opener will flash blue and then turn off.
3. Press the programmed Car2U button a few more times until your garage door moves. This confirms successful programming for newer Genie models.

For Older Genie Garage Door Opener Models:

1. Locate the “learn code” button on your Genie garage door opener powerhead. Press and release it. The red LED will begin to blink.
2. Press the desired Car2U button one time. The red LED will stop blinking and remain on.
3. Press the same Car2U button one more time. The red LED will turn off.
4. Press the Car2U button again. Your garage door should now activate, indicating successful programming for older Genie models.

Step 3: Changing a Factory Default Button for a Genie Opener (If Needed)

If you wish to use button 2 or 3 for your Genie opener, you will need to change the factory default setting for that button:

1. Press and hold buttons 1 & 3 for ONE SECOND and release. All three LEDs will illuminate solid red.
2. Press and hold the button you wish to change to operate your Genie opener (either button 2 or 3). The corresponding LED will begin to flash. While continuing to hold this button, press and release button 1, and then press and release button 1 again.
3. Release the button you held in step 2 and wait for the LED to stop flashing. This button is now programmed for Genie. Repeat Step 2 if you need to program a second Car2U button for another Genie opener.

Note: For additional support, refer to your vehicle’s manual, visit learcar2u.com or www.GenieCompany.com.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily program your car’s HomeLink or Car2U system to control your Genie garage door opener, adding convenience and simplifying your daily routine. Enjoy the ease of opening your garage door with just the press of a button in your car!