Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your Toyota 4Runner? No need to rush to the dealership and spend a fortune. You can program a new key fob for your Toyota 4Runner right in your driveway with a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through the process, making it easy to get back on the road quickly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your Toyota 4Runner Key Fob
Follow these instructions carefully to successfully program your key fob for your Toyota 4Runner. Make sure to read each step completely before proceeding.
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle
First, ensure your Toyota 4Runner is properly prepared for programming. Begin by turning the ignition OFF and removing the key completely. Then, open and unlock only the driver’s side door. It’s crucial that all other doors are closed during this process to avoid any interference with the programming sequence.
Step 2: Enter Programming Mode – Part 1 (Ignition)
This step initiates the programming sequence. Insert the key into the ignition switch, but do not turn it. Immediately remove the key from the ignition after insertion. This action is a signal to the vehicle’s computer that you are about to start the key fob programming process.
Step 3: Enter Programming Mode – Part 2 (Door Lock Cycles)
This is a timed sequence, so be ready to act quickly. Within 40 seconds of removing the key from the ignition in the previous step, use the power lock switch located on the driver’s side door panel. Perform five lock and unlock cycles, starting with the lock action. Try to maintain a consistent pace, aiming for approximately one cycle per second (one cycle equals one lock and one unlock). After the five cycles, close and then open the driver’s door.
Step 4: Enter Programming Mode – Part 3 (Ignition and Mode Selection)
Again, speed is important. Within 40 seconds of the previous door action, use the power lock switch again to perform another five lock and unlock cycles, starting with lock, at the same pace as before. Immediately after the cycles, insert the key back into the ignition. Now, you need to select the programming mode by turning the ignition key.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (without starting the engine) and then back to the OFF position once to retain any previously programmed remotes while adding a new one.
- Turn the ignition to the ON then OFF position twice if you want to erase all existing programmed remotes and program only the new remote(s).
- Turn the ignition to the ON then OFF position three times if you need to check how many remotes are currently programmed to your vehicle.
- Turning the ignition to the ON then OFF position five times will erase all existing programmed remotes.
After performing the desired ignition turns, remove the key from the ignition.
Step 5: Programming Confirmation
If you have successfully entered programming mode, the power door locks should automatically cycle lock and unlock within 3 seconds. This lock/unlock cycle is your confirmation that the vehicle is now in programming mode and ready to learn the new key fob signal.
Step 6: Program Your Remote
Now, you will program your key fob. Within 40 seconds of the door locks cycling in Step 5, take your new key fob remote. Press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously for one second. After releasing both buttons, immediately press and hold only the LOCK button for two seconds. If the programming is successful for this remote, the door locks will cycle lock and unlock once more to confirm.
Step 7: Program Additional Remotes
If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat Step 6a and 6b for each additional remote. You can program multiple remotes in this sequence.
Step 8: Exit Programming Mode
To exit the programming mode, simply close the driver’s door. This action signals the vehicle to finalize the programming process.
Step 9: Test Your Remotes
Finally, test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly. Check the lock, unlock, and panic buttons on each remote to confirm proper functionality. If all remotes are working as expected, the programming process is complete, and you have successfully programmed your key fob for your Toyota 4Runner.
