Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, programming a new or replacement keyless remote for your Toyota vehicle can often be done at home without a trip to the dealership. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step process on how to program your Toyota keyless remote key fob, ensuring you regain convenient access to your vehicle.
Before you begin, it’s important to understand the different programming modes available for Toyota key fobs. These modes dictate how your vehicle’s system interacts with the remote. Toyota systems typically offer four distinct modes:
- Add Mode: This mode allows you to register an additional remote to your Toyota without erasing previously programmed remotes. It’s useful when you want to add a spare key fob.
- Rewrite Mode: Rewrite mode is crucial when you’re starting fresh. It erases all previously registered remotes, allowing you to program only the remotes you currently possess. This is the recommended mode if you are unsure of how many remotes are programmed to your vehicle or if you are replacing a lost remote and want to ensure security.
- Confirmation Mode: If you’re unsure how many remotes are already programmed to your Toyota, Confirmation mode will help you verify. This mode cycles the power locks to indicate the number of programmed remotes.
- Prohibit Mode: In specific situations, you might want to temporarily disable all remote operations. Prohibit mode stops all remotes from operating the door locks, offering a security feature when needed.
For most users looking to program a new key fob, Rewrite mode is the most practical starting point to ensure a clean programming process. Here’s how to use Rewrite mode to program your Toyota keyless remote key fob:
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your Toyota Key Fob
Follow these instructions carefully, ensuring you complete each step within the specified timeframes.
Preparation Before You Begin:
- Ensure the driver’s door is open and unlocked.
- Remove the key from the ignition.
Programming Steps:
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Key Insertion Cycle: Insert and remove the key from the ignition switch two times within 5 seconds.
NOTE: The following steps (2 and 3) must be performed within 40 seconds.
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Door Close-Open Cycle (Twice): Close and open the driver’s door twice.
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Key Insertion (Again): Insert the key into the ignition and remove it.
NOTE: The subsequent steps (4 – 6) must be performed within 40 seconds.
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Door Close-Open Cycle (Twice Again): Close and open the driver’s door twice again.
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Key Insertion (Third Time): Insert the key into the ignition.
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Close the Door: Close the driver’s door.
NOTE: For the following Toyota models ONLY, steps 5 and 6 are reversed. Close the door first, then insert the key into the ignition:
- 2000 – 2005 Celica
- 2001 – 2003 Prius
- 2001 – 2005 ECHO
- 2001 – 2005 RAV4
- 2003 – 2004 Avalon
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Mode Selection via Ignition Switch: Turn the ignition switch from “Lock” to “On” and back to “Lock” at approximately 1-second intervals to select the desired mode. For Rewrite mode, perform this cycle two times.
- 1 time for ADD mode.
- 2 times for REWRITE mode.
- 3 times for CONFIRMATION mode.
- 5 times for PROHIBITION mode.
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Remove Key: Remove the key from the ignition.
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Mode Confirmation: The power locks will cycle “lock” to “unlock” a number of times to confirm your mode selection. Two lock cycles indicate Rewrite mode has been successfully selected.
NOTE: If Confirmation or Prohibition modes were selected, simply opening the driver’s door will complete the procedure.
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Remote Programming (for Add or Rewrite Modes): Within 40 seconds of the door lock confirmation in step 9:
a. Simultaneous Button Press: Press and hold both the Lock and Unlock buttons on your car transmitter simultaneously for 1 to 1.5 seconds, and then release.
b. Lock Button Press: Within 3 seconds of step 10a, press and hold the Lock button on the transmitter for more than 1 second and release.If the keyless entry remote transmitter has been successfully programmed, the power locks will cycle “lock” to “unlock” once at this point.
If the locks cycle twice, it indicates a problem. Verify you have the correct remote transmitter with the matching FCC ID and repeat the procedure.
c. Programming Additional Remotes: If you need to program multiple remotes, repeat steps 10a and 10b for each additional remote.
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Exit Programming Mode: Open the driver’s door to conclude the programming mode.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully program your Toyota keyless remote key fob. Always ensure you have the correct key fob for your vehicle model and year for successful programming.
