How to Program Your Car’s Built-In Remote to a Genie Garage Door Opener

Are you looking to seamlessly integrate your Genie garage door opener with your car’s built-in remote system? Modern vehicles often come equipped with integrated systems like HomeLink or Car2U, allowing you to control your garage door without needing a separate remote. These systems offer convenience and eliminate the need for batteries, as they are powered directly by your car’s electrical system. Genie garage door openers are designed to be compatible with both HomeLink and Car2U.

HomeLink systems are typically identified by a single LED indicator and often feature a house icon on the center button. Car2U systems, on the other hand, are characterized by three LED lights, one above each button. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to program both HomeLink and Car2U to work with your Genie garage door opener, enhancing your daily convenience and streamlining your access.

Programming Your HomeLink System for Genie

For detailed instructions in PDF format, you can refer to the official HomeLink Programming Guide. A helpful video tutorial is also available here.

Step 1: Clearing Existing HomeLink Programming

Begin by clearing any previously programmed settings from your HomeLink system. This is essential to ensure a clean setup for your Genie garage door opener.

1. Press and hold the first and third buttons on your HomeLink system simultaneously.
2. Keep holding until the indicator light begins to blink slowly, and then quickly. This process should take approximately 20 seconds.
3. Once the indicator blinks rapidly, release both buttons.

NOTE: Clearing HomeLink will erase all previously programmed devices. You will need to reprogram any other garage door openers or devices after this process.

Step 2: Training HomeLink with Your Genie Remote Control

Next, you need to teach your HomeLink system to recognize the signal from your Genie remote.

1. Select the HomeLink button you wish to use for your Genie garage door opener.
2. Position your Genie remote approximately two inches away from the chosen HomeLink button.
3. Press and hold the button on your Genie remote that you typically use to open your garage door.
4. Simultaneously, press and hold the selected HomeLink button.
5. Continue holding both buttons until the HomeLink indicator light changes from a slow to a rapid blink.
6. Once the indicator blinks rapidly, release both buttons.

Step 3: Programming HomeLink to Your Genie Garage Door Opener

The final step involves syncing your HomeLink system with your Genie garage door opener unit. The procedure varies slightly depending on whether you have a newer or older Genie model.

For Newer Genie Garage Door Openers (with a Program Button):

1. Locate the PROGRAM button on the powerhead unit of your Genie garage door opener.
2. Press and hold the PROGRAM button until the round blue LED illuminates and stays on. Then, release the button. The long purple LED will start flashing.
3. Press and hold the chosen HomeLink button for two seconds and release.
4. Repeat this process: Press and hold the same HomeLink button again for two seconds and release. The long LED will flash blue and then turn off.
5. Press the programmed HomeLink button several times until your garage door begins to move. This may take a few attempts.

For Older Genie Garage Door Openers (with a Learn Button):

1. Locate the learn code button on the powerhead of your Genie garage door opener.
2. Press and release the learn code button. The red LED indicator will begin to blink.
3. Press the desired HomeLink button one time. The red LED will stop blinking and remain on.
4. Press the same HomeLink button one more time. The red LED will turn off.
5. Press the HomeLink button again. Your garage door should now activate.

NOTE: For more detailed instructions, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual, visit HomeLink’s official website, or the Genie Company website.

Programming Your Car2U System for Genie

For comprehensive instructions in PDF format, you can refer to the Car2U Programming Guide.

Step 1: Resetting Car2U to Factory Default Settings

Car2U systems come with default settings pre-programmed for different garage door opener brands. To program for Genie, you might need to reset or change these settings. The default settings are:

• Button 1 = Genie® Manufactured Openers
• Button 2 = LiftMaster® Manufactured Openers
• Button 3 = Wayne Dalton® Manufactured Openers

Car2U in-car remote buttons for garage door programming

To reset Car2U:

1. Press and hold buttons 1 and 3 simultaneously for 20 seconds, or until all three LED lights start flashing.
2. Release both buttons. The Car2U system is now reset to factory default settings.

NOTE: Resetting Car2U will remove all previously programmed garage door openers. You will need to reprogram all devices.

Step 2: Programming Car2U to Your Genie Opener

Programming Car2U to your Genie opener is similar to HomeLink, with slight variations for newer and older Genie models.

For Newer Genie Models (with a Program Button):

1. Press and hold the PROGRAM button on your Genie garage door opener’s powerhead until the round blue LED turns on. Release the button. The long purple LED will start flashing.
2. Press and hold your desired Car2U button for two seconds and release.
3. Repeat: Press and hold the same Car2U button again for two seconds and release. The long LED will flash blue and then turn off.
4. Press the Car2U button a few more times until your garage door operates.

For Older Genie Models (with a Learn Button):

1. Press and release the learn code button on your Genie garage door opener’s powerhead. The red LED indicator will begin to blink.
2. Press the desired Car2U button one time. The red LED will stop blinking and stay illuminated.
3. Press the same Car2U button one more time. The red LED will turn off.
4. Press the Car2U button again to test. Your garage door should now activate.

Step 3: Changing a Factory Default Button for a Genie Opener (Car2U Specific)

If you want to use a button other than button 1 (the default for Genie) on your Car2U system for your Genie opener, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold buttons 1 and 3 for ONE SECOND and release. All three LEDs will light up solid red.
2. Press and hold the Car2U button you want to change to Genie (either button 2 or 3). The corresponding LED will flash. While still holding this button, press and release button 1, then press and release button 1 again.
3. Release the button you held in step 2 and wait for the LED to stop flashing. This button is now configured for your Genie opener. Repeat Step 2 if you have a second Genie opener to program to another Car2U button.

NOTE: For further assistance, refer to your vehicle’s manual, visit learcar2u.com, or www.GenieCompany.com.