Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your 1997 Acura TL? Programming your key fob at home is a straightforward process for 1996-1998 Acura TL models equipped with the factory-installed security system. This guide provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions to get your key fob working quickly.
Understanding Key Fob Programming for Your 1997 Acura TL
Before you begin, it’s important to note a couple of things about your Acura’s key fob system:
- Maximum Transmitters: Your 1997 Acura TL system can learn up to two transmitter codes.
- Memory Reset: Entering programming mode will erase all previously programmed transmitter codes. This means you’ll need to reprogram all of your key fobs, not just the new one. Make sure you have all transmitters you want to use before starting.
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions for Your 1997 Acura TL Key Fob
Follow these steps carefully to program your key fob:
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Open the Driver’s Door: Ensure the driver’s side door is open throughout the programming procedure.
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Unlock the Doors Manually: Locate the master power door lock switch on the driver’s door. Push and hold this switch to the UNLOCK position. Keep holding it in this position until step 7.
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Key Cycling – Insert and Remove (5 Times): Take your ignition key and insert it into the ignition switch, then immediately remove it. Repeat this insert and remove action a total of five times in rapid succession, all within 10 seconds. Speed is important here.
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Enter Programming Mode – Insert Key: Insert the key into the ignition switch one last time and leave it in. At this point, listen carefully for the power door locks to cycle (lock then unlock). This cycling indicates that your Acura TL system has successfully entered the key fob programming mode.
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Program the First Transmitter: Take the key fob transmitter you want to program. Press either the “LOCK” or “UNLOCK” button on the transmitter. You should observe the power door locks (all except the driver’s door) cycle again. This confirms that the system has accepted the code from this transmitter.
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Program a Second Transmitter (Optional): If you have a second key fob to program, you must program it now. Within 10 seconds of completing step 5, press the “LOCK” or “UNLOCK” button on the second transmitter. Again, the power door locks should cycle to confirm acceptance. If you only have one transmitter, skip this step.
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Exit Programming Mode: Release the master power door lock switch that you have been holding in the unlock position since step 2. Releasing this switch will exit the programming mode.
Test your newly programmed key fob by pressing the lock and unlock buttons to ensure they are working correctly with your 1997 Acura TL.
Ordering a Replacement Transmitter for Your Acura TL
If you need to order a new key fob transmitter for your 1997 Acura TL, these can only be ordered through authorized Acura dealerships. Acura dealers obtain transmitters from American Honda using standard parts ordering procedures. Contact your local Acura dealer to order a replacement.
Key Fob Battery Information
If your existing key fob is not working, the first thing to check is the battery. The battery type used in the 1997 Acura TL key fob transmitter is CR2016. Each transmitter uses two CR2016 batteries. Replacing the batteries is a simple maintenance step that can often resolve issues with a non-responsive key fob.
