Lost your key fob or need to program a new remote for your Toyota? You might be surprised to learn that you can often program a new key fob yourself without a trip to the dealership. This guide, based on official Toyota technical service bulletin information, provides a simple, step-by-step process to program your Toyota key fob for a range of models. Follow these instructions carefully to add or rewrite your key fob programming right in your driveway.
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your Toyota Key Fob
Before you begin, ensure you have the correct key fob for your Toyota model and that you are ready to follow these steps precisely. This procedure should be initiated with the driver’s side door open and unlocked, and the key removed from the ignition.
Preparation
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Insert and Remove Key: Insert your key into the ignition switch and remove it twice within 5 seconds.
Note: The next two steps (2 and 3) must be completed within 40 seconds.
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Close and Open Door (Twice): Close and then open the driver’s door two times.
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Insert and Remove Key Again: Insert the key into the ignition switch and remove it once more.
Note: Steps 4 through 6 need to be performed within 40 seconds.
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Close and Open Door (Twice Again): Again, close and open the driver’s door two times.
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Insert Key One Last Time: Insert the key into the ignition switch.
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Close the Door: Close the driver’s door.
Mode Selection
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Ignition Cycling for Mode Select: Turn the ignition switch from the “LOCK” position to the “ON” position and back to “LOCK” at approximately 1-second intervals. The number of times you perform this cycle determines the programming mode:
- 1 time: ADD mode (to add a key fob without erasing existing ones)
- 2 times: REWRITE mode (to program new key fobs and erase old ones)
- 3 times: CONFIRMATION mode (to check current programming)
- 5 times: PROHIBITION mode (to stop further key fob programming)
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Remove Key: Take the key out of the ignition switch.
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Confirmation of Mode: The power door locks will automatically cycle “lock” to “unlock” to confirm the mode you have selected in the previous step. The number of cycles will match the number of ignition switch turns you performed in step 7.
Note: If you selected CONFIRMATION or PROHIBITION mode, simply opening the driver’s door will complete the procedure at this point.
Key Fob Programming (ADD or REWRITE Modes)
If you have chosen ADD or REWRITE mode, proceed with the following steps within 40 seconds of the door lock confirmation:
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Transmitter Button Sequence:
- A. Press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the key fob simultaneously for 1 to 1.5 seconds, and then release both buttons. You might need to try this a couple of times to get the timing exactly right.
- B. Within 3 seconds of step A, press and hold the LOCK button on the key fob for more than 1 second, and then release it.
- Successful Programming: If the key fob has been programmed successfully, the power door locks will cycle “lock” to “unlock” one time.
- Programming Issue: If there’s an issue with the key fob or the procedure, the locks will cycle twice. If this happens, double-check that you have the correct key fob for your Toyota model and repeat the entire procedure from the beginning.
- C. To program additional key fobs, repeat steps A and B for each additional remote.
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Exit Programming Mode: Open the driver’s door to finalize and exit the key fob programming mode.
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Error Correction: If you make a mistake at any point during the programming process, you can reset by turning the ignition key to the “ON” position and then back to “LOCK”. This will erase any steps you’ve entered, and you can start again.
Toyota Models Compatible with This Procedure
This key fob programming procedure is confirmed to work for the following Toyota models, including but not limited to:
- 2000 – 2005 Celica
- 2001 – 2003 Prius
- 2001 – 2005 ECHO
- 2001 – 2007 Highlander
- 2001 – 2008 RAV4
- 2002 – 2006 Camry
- 2003 – 2008 Avalon
- 2003 – 2008 Corolla
- 2003 – 2008 Matrix
- 2004 – 2008 Sienna
- 2004 – 2008 Solara
- 2005 – 2008 Tacoma
- 2007 – 2008 FJ Cruiser
- 2007 – 2008 Yaris
Disclaimer: While this guide is based on a Toyota TSB (Technical Service Bulletin #EL009-07, dated November 9, 2007) and user confirmation, always verify compatibility with your specific Toyota model and year in your owner’s manual or by consulting a Toyota dealership.
Programming your Toyota key fob yourself can save you time and money. By carefully following these steps, you should be able to get your new or replacement key fob working quickly and efficiently.
