Integrating your Genie garage door opener with your car’s built-in remote system offers unparalleled convenience. Technologies like HomeLink and Car2U allow you to control your garage door without needing a separate handheld remote. These systems, typically found with three buttons located on your car’s visor or ceiling, operate directly from your vehicle’s power, eliminating battery concerns. Genie garage door openers are fully compatible with both HomeLink and Car2U. HomeLink systems are identifiable by a single LED indicator and often feature a house icon above the center button. Car2U systems have three LED lights, one above each button.
Programming Your HomeLink System to a Genie Garage Door Opener
For detailed instructions in PDF format, you can refer to Genie’s HomeLink Guide. A helpful video tutorial is also available here.
Step 1: Clearing the HomeLink System
To begin, it’s recommended to clear any previous programming from your HomeLink system. Press and hold the first and third buttons simultaneously. Keep holding until the HomeLink indicator light changes from a slow to a rapidly blinking light (this usually takes about 20 seconds). Once it blinks rapidly, release both buttons.
Note: Clearing HomeLink will erase all previously programmed devices, including garage door openers.
Step 2: Training HomeLink with Your Genie Remote
Decide which HomeLink button you want to use for your Genie garage door opener. Take your Genie handheld remote and position it close to the chosen HomeLink button, approximately two inches away. 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 selected HomeLink button at the same time. Continue holding both buttons until the HomeLink indicator light blinks slowly and then changes to a faster blink. Once it blinks rapidly, release both buttons.
Step 3: Programming HomeLink to Your Genie Opener Unit
The next steps depend on whether you have a newer or older Genie garage door opener model.
For Newer Genie Garage Door Openers (with a Program Button):
- Locate the PROGRAM button on the powerhead unit of your Genie garage door opener. Press and hold this PROGRAM button until a round blue LED illuminates. Once lit, release the button. A long purple LED will then begin to flash.
- Press and hold the HomeLink button you programmed in Step 2 for two seconds, then release. Repeat this press and release for a second time on the same HomeLink button. The long LED on your Genie opener will flash blue and then turn off.
- Test the connection by pressing the programmed HomeLink button a few times. Your Genie garage door should now activate.
For Older Genie Garage Door Openers (with a Learn Button):
- Find the learn code button on your Genie garage door opener’s motor unit. Press and release this “learn” button. A red LED light should start blinking.
- Immediately press and release the HomeLink button you programmed in Step 2 one time. The red LED on the opener will stop blinking and remain on.
- Press and release the same HomeLink button a second time. The red LED will turn off.
- Press the programmed HomeLink button again to test. Your garage door should now respond and open or close.
Note: For further assistance, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual, visit HomeLink’s website, or Genie’s official website.
Programming Your Car2U System to a Genie Garage Door Opener
Detailed PDF instructions for Car2U programming are available at Genie’s Car2U Guide.
Car2U Default Settings:
By default, Car2U buttons are pre-set for different garage door opener brands:
- Button 1: Genie®
- Button 2: LiftMaster®
- Button 3: Wayne Dalton®
Car2U system buttons in a vehicle, used for programming a Genie garage door opener.
Step 1: Resetting Car2U to Factory Defaults
If needed, you can reset your Car2U system to its factory default settings. Press and hold buttons 1 and 3 simultaneously for approximately 20 seconds, or until all three LEDs start flashing. Release both buttons once they begin to flash. The Car2U system is now reset to its original factory settings.
Note: Resetting Car2U will erase all previously programmed garage door openers.
Step 2: Programming Car2U to Operate Your Genie Opener
The programming process varies slightly depending on whether you have a newer or older Genie model.
For Newer Genie Models (with a Program Button):
- Locate the PROGRAM button on your Genie garage door opener powerhead. Press and hold it until the round blue LED turns ON, then release. The long purple LED will start flashing.
- Press and hold the Car2U button you wish to program for your Genie opener for two seconds, and then release. Repeat this press and release sequence on the same Car2U button. The long LED will flash blue and then turn off.
- Press the programmed Car2U button a few times to test. Your garage door should now respond.
For Older Genie Models (with a Learn Button):
- Press and release the learn code button on your Genie garage door opener powerhead. A red LED will begin to blink.
- Press the chosen Car2U button once. The red LED will stop blinking and remain on.
- Press the same Car2U button one more time. The red LED will turn off.
- Press the Car2U button again to test the programming. The garage door should now operate.
Step 3: Changing a Car2U Button from Default to Genie
If you wish to reprogram a Car2U button that is set to a different default brand to operate your Genie opener, follow these steps:
- Press and hold buttons 1 and 3 for just ONE SECOND and release. All three LEDs will light up solid red.
- Press and hold the button you want to change to Genie (button 2 or 3). While holding it, press and release button 1, and then press and release button 1 again. The LED corresponding to the button you are holding will flash.
- Release the button you held in step 2 and wait for the LED to stop flashing. This button is now configured for Genie. Repeat Step 2 if you want to program a second Car2U button for another Genie opener.
Note: For additional support, refer to your vehicle’s manual, visit learcar2u.com, or GenieCompany.com.
