Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner? The good news is, you might be able to program it yourself right at home, saving time and money. This guide provides you with step-by-step instructions to program your 5th generation 4Runner key fob, ensuring you’re back on the road with a fully functional remote in no time. Follow these simple steps to get your key fob programmed quickly and efficiently.
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your 5th Gen 4Runner Key Fob
This process will guide you through each stage required to program your key fob for your 5th Gen 4Runner. Make sure to follow each step carefully to ensure successful programming.
Step 1: Vehicle Preparation
Begin by ensuring your 4Runner is properly prepared for the programming sequence. The key must be completely OUT of the ignition. Open the driver’s side door and ensure it remains UNLOCKED throughout the initial steps. This is crucial for initiating the programming mode correctly.
Step 2: Entering Programming Mode – Part 1
Now, you need to start the process of entering programming mode. Take your key and INSERT it into the ignition switch. Do not turn the key to start the engine, simply insert and then immediately REMOVE the key from the ignition. This action is the first signal to your 4Runner that you intend to program a new key fob.
Step 3: Entering Programming Mode – Part 2 (Timing Sensitive)
This step requires you to act quickly. Within 40 seconds of removing the key in the previous step, you need to perform the following sequence using the power lock switch located on your driver’s side door panel:
a. Lock/Unlock Cycle: Execute 5 lock/unlock cycles using the power lock switch. Start by pressing the lock button, then immediately press the unlock button. Repeat this sequence a total of five times. Maintain a consistent pace, aiming for approximately one cycle per second (one cycle equals one lock and one unlock).
b. Door Operation: After the lock/unlock cycles, CLOSE the driver’s side door completely, and then immediately OPEN it again.
Step 4: Entering Programming Mode – Part 3 (Ignition and Lock Cycles)
Again, within 40 seconds of the previous step, you will perform another sequence involving the power lock switch and the ignition:
a. Lock/Unlock Cycle (Repeat): Perform another 5 lock/unlock cycles using the power lock switch on the driver’s door, starting with the lock function, just as you did in Step 3a. Maintain the same even pace of about one cycle per second.
b. Ignition Insertion: Immediately after the lock/unlock cycles, INSERT the key back into the ignition.
c. Ignition ON/OFF Cycles (Crucial Step): This is a critical part where you determine if you are adding a remote, erasing all remotes, checking the number of programmed remotes, or erasing all remotes entirely.
* Turn the ignition to the ON position (without starting the engine) and then back to the OFF position.
* Do this **ONCE** to retain currently programmed remotes and add the new remote.
* Do this **TWICE** if you want to ERASE all existing remotes and program only the new remote(s).
* Do this **THREE** times to CHECK how many remotes are currently programmed to your vehicle.
* Do this **FIVE** times to ERASE all existing remotes programmed to the vehicle.d. Key Removal: REMOVE the key from the ignition after performing the ignition ON/OFF cycles as described above.
Step 5: Programming Mode Confirmation
If you have successfully entered programming mode, the Power Door Locks should automatically cycle LOCK and then UNLOCK within 3 seconds of removing the key from the ignition in Step 4d. This lock/unlock cycle is your confirmation that your 4Runner has successfully entered the key fob programming mode.
Step 6: Remote Programming
Now you can program your key fob remote. This step must be performed within 40 seconds of the door locks cycling in Step 5.
a. Button Press (Simultaneous): PRESS and HOLD both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on your key fob remote at the same time for approximately 1 second.
b. Button Press (Lock Button): After releasing both buttons, immediately PRESS and HOLD ONLY the LOCK button on the remote for about 2 seconds. If the programming is successful, the Door Locks will cycle LOCK and then UNLOCK again to confirm successful programming of this remote.
Step 7: Programming Additional Remotes (Optional)
If you have additional key fobs to program, REPEAT Steps 6a and 6b for each additional remote. You can program multiple remotes in this sequence.
Step 8: Exit Programming Mode
To exit the key fob programming mode, simply CLOSE the driver’s side door. This action signals the system to finalize the programming and exit the mode.
Step 9: Test Your Remotes
Finally, TEST all programmed remotes to ensure they are functioning correctly. Check the lock, unlock, and panic buttons on each remote to confirm successful programming. If all remotes function as expected, key fob programming is complete.
By following these steps carefully, you should be able to program your 5th Gen 4Runner key fob yourself. This DIY approach can save you a trip to the dealership and get you back to enjoying the convenience of your remote key fob.
