Losing or damaging your Toyota Camry key fob can be a real hassle. Fortunately, programming a new key fob for your Toyota Camry can often be done at home, saving you a trip and expense to the dealership. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to program your Toyota Camry key fob, covering different types of keyless entry systems.
Before you begin, ensure you have a compatible key fob for your Toyota Camry. Many online retailers offer replacement fobs, and it’s crucial to verify compatibility with your specific model year. For some older Toyota Camry models, you might be programming both the transponder key (for starting the ignition) and the keyless entry remote (fob). Let’s explore the programming procedures.
Method 1: Programming Toyota Camry Transponder Key (Type 1)
This procedure is applicable for various Toyota models from the late 90s and early 2000s, including:
- Toyota 4Runner (1999-2001)
- Toyota Avalon (1998-2004)
- Toyota Camry (1998-2002)
- Toyota Highlander (2001-2003)
- Toyota Land Cruiser (1998-2002)
- Toyota MR2 (2000-2005)
- Toyota Sienna (1999-2003)
- Toyota Sequoia (2001-2002)
- Toyota Solara (1999-2003)
If your Toyota Camry falls within these year ranges, follow these steps to program your transponder key:
- Insert Master Key: Place an already programmed master key into the ignition. Do not turn the key.
- Gas Pedal (5 Times): Press and release the gas pedal five times.
- Brake Pedal (6 Times): Press and release the brake pedal six times.
- Remove Master Key: Take the master key out of the ignition.
- Insert New Key: Insert the new, unprogrammed key you want to program into the ignition.
- Gas Pedal (1 Time): Press and release the gas pedal one time.
- Wait for Security Light: Wait for approximately one minute. During this time, the security light on your dashboard will blink. Once the security light stops blinking, your new key is programmed.
- Finish Programming: To finalize the programming process, press the brake pedal one time.
Important Notes for Transponder Key Programming:
- Security Light is Key: Pay close attention to your security light throughout this process. It’s your visual guide.
- Timing Matters: If the procedure doesn’t work on the first try, timing is often the issue. Try to perform the pedal presses at a steady pace.
- Master Key Required: This procedure requires a working master key. A valet key will not work for programming. If you only have a valet key, you may need to visit a dealership or locksmith for programming.
- Security Light Behavior:
- In Step 1, the security light should turn off.
- It should remain off until Step 6.
- After Step 6, the security light should turn on and start blinking until the key is programmed.
- If the security light comes on after Step 4, stop and begin the procedure again from the start.
- Speed is Important: If your car doesn’t enter programming mode, you might be performing the steps too slowly. Try to increase your pace while maintaining accuracy.
Method 2: Programming Toyota Camry Factory Keyless Entry Remote (Procedure #1)
This method is for programming the keyless entry remote (fob) for factory-installed systems.
- Preparation: Ensure the driver’s door is open, all other doors are closed, and the driver’s door is unlocked. Remove the key from the ignition.
- Insert and Remove Key: Insert the key into the ignition (do not turn) and immediately pull it out.
- Lock/Unlock Cycle (5 Times): Within 40 seconds, use the power door lock switch on the driver’s door to perform five lock/unlock cycles, starting with “lock”. Aim for a consistent pace of about one cycle per second (one cycle = one lock and one unlock).
- Close and Open Driver’s Door: Close and then open the driver’s door.
- Lock/Unlock Cycle Again (5 Times): Within 40 seconds, repeat the five lock/unlock cycles using the power door lock switch, again starting with “lock” and maintaining a consistent pace.
- Insert Key and Turn ON/OFF Twice:
- Insert the key into the ignition cylinder.
- Turn the ignition to the “ON” position (do not start the engine) and then back to “OFF”.
- Repeat this “ON” to “OFF” cycle one more time (total of two cycles).
- Remove the key from the ignition.
- Check for Door Lock Cycle: Within 3 seconds, the power door locks should automatically cycle (lock then unlock) once. This indicates that you have successfully entered programming mode. If the locks do not cycle, return to step 1 and repeat the procedure.
- Program Remote(s): Within 40 seconds:
- Press Both Buttons: Press and hold the “lock” and “unlock” buttons on the remote simultaneously for 1 second.
- Press Lock Button: Immediately after releasing both buttons, press and hold the “lock” button by itself for 2 seconds.
- Check for Door Lock Cycle (Confirmation): Within 3 seconds, the door locks should cycle once to confirm successful programming of the remote. If the locks don’t cycle or cycle twice, repeat steps 8a and 8b.
- Program Additional Remotes (If Needed): Repeat step 8 for each additional remote you want to program.
- Exit Programming Mode and Test: Open the driver’s door to exit programming mode. Test all programmed remotes to ensure they are working correctly.
Method 3: Programming Toyota Camry Aftermarket/Dealer Installed Keyless Entry System (Procedure #2)
This procedure is for aftermarket or dealer-installed keyless entry systems, which often have a separate ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and programming switch.
- Locate ECU Programming Switch: The ECU programming receiver is commonly located underneath either the driver or passenger front seat in most vehicles. In some Toyota Camry models, it might be behind the driver’s side dash, accessible by removing a small black faceplate (approximately 5″x3″) behind the mirror control switch. Consult your owner’s manual for the precise location of the ECU programming switch.
- Turn Ignition ON: Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position (do not start the engine).
- Press and Hold ECU Programming Switch: Locate the ECU programming switch and press and hold it for three seconds. If successful, a Status Monitor LED (if present) will usually turn on for five seconds, indicating entry into programming mode.
- Press Remote Button: Press and release either the “LOCK” or “UNLOCK” button on the remote you want to program. The Status Monitor LED should turn off, and the vehicle will typically provide a visual and/or auditory signal (like flashing exterior lights or a horn beep) to confirm successful remote programming.
- Program Additional Remotes: Repeat steps 3 and 4 to program any additional remotes.
- Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition to the “OFF” position to exit programming mode.
- Test Remotes: Test all programmed remotes to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Disclaimer: These programming instructions are provided as a guide based on available information. Procedures can sometimes vary slightly depending on the specific Toyota Camry model year and installed systems. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most accurate instructions. If you encounter difficulties or are unsure about any step, consulting a qualified automotive locksmith or Toyota dealership is recommended.
