Lost your Toyota RAV4 key fob or need to program a new one? Heading to a dealership can be costly, but the good news is you can program a new key fob for your Toyota RAV4 yourself, often in just a few minutes. This guide provides simple, step-by-step instructions to program your Toyota RAV4 key fob, potentially saving you time and money. Follow these steps carefully to program your remote quickly and efficiently.
System Preparation
Before you begin programming your new Toyota RAV4 key fob, you’ll need to prepare your vehicle’s system. This preparation process only needs to be done once, even if you are programming multiple remotes.
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Get Ready: Sit in the driver’s seat of your Toyota RAV4. Ensure the DRIVER DOOR is open and unlocked, and all OTHER DOORS are closed and locked. The key should be out of the ignition.
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Key Insertion Sequence (Twice): Within 5 seconds of starting, perform the following sequence TWO TIMES:
A. INSERT the key into the ignition. DO NOT TURN IT.
B. REMOVE the key from the ignition. -
Door and Key Sequence (First Set): Within 40 seconds of step 2, complete this sequence:
A. CLOSE the driver door.
B. OPEN the driver door.
C. CLOSE the driver door.
D. OPEN the driver door.
E. INSERT the key into the ignition. DO NOT TURN IT.
F. REMOVE the key from the ignition. -
Door and Key Sequence (Second Set): Within 40 seconds of step 3, perform this sequence:
A. CLOSE the driver door.
B. OPEN the driver door.
C. CLOSE the driver door.
D. OPEN the driver door.
E. INSERT the key into the ignition. DO NOT TURN IT.
F. LEAVE the key in the ignition.
G. CLOSE the driver door.
H. Turn the key to the ON position (but DO NOT START the engine).
I. Turn the key to the OFF position.
J. REMOVE the key from the ignition. -
Programming Mode Confirmation: Within 3 seconds, the door locks should automatically LOCK then UNLOCK. This lock cycle indicates that your Toyota RAV4 has successfully entered programming mode. If the locks do not cycle, return to step 1 and repeat the system preparation process carefully.
Remote Programming
Once your vehicle is in programming mode, you can program each of your Toyota RAV4 key fobs. You must complete the following steps within 40 seconds of the door locks cycling in step 5 of System Preparation.
- Key Fob Programming Sequence: For each key fob you wish to program, perform the following steps:
A. PRESS AND HOLD the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the key fob simultaneously for about 1.5 seconds, then RELEASE both buttons.
B. Immediately after releasing the buttons, PRESS AND HOLD the LOCK button for 2 seconds.
C. Within 3 seconds, the door locks should LOCK then UNLOCK automatically. This cycle confirms successful programming of that specific key fob. If the door locks cycle TWICE, it indicates that the remote was not accepted. In this case, repeat steps A and B in step 6 for that remote.
D. Repeat steps A, B, and C in step 6 for each additional new key fob you need to program.
By following these instructions, you should be able to easily program your new Toyota RAV4 key fobs. This DIY approach can save you a significant amount compared to dealership programming costs. Enjoy the convenience of your newly programmed remote!
