Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a frustrating experience. For owners of a 2001 Lexus ES 300, the good news is that programming a new or replacement key fob can often be done at home, saving you a trip to the dealership and potentially hefty service fees. This guide provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions on how to program a 2001 Lexus car key fob remote for your vehicle’s factory-installed keyless entry system.
Before you begin, ensure you have your new key fob remote and access to your 2001 Lexus ES 300. Follow these steps carefully to successfully program your remote:
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Start with the Basics: Make sure your key is removed from the ignition. Open the driver’s side door and ensure it remains unlocked. Crucially, close all other doors, including the trunk, to prevent any interference during the programming process.
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Ignition Key Insertion (and Removal): Insert your key into the ignition switch, and then immediately pull it back out. This action is a necessary step to initiate the programming sequence.
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Locate Door Lock Switch: Familiarize yourself with the driver’s side door’s power lock and unlock switch. You will be using this switch in the next steps to communicate with the car’s computer.
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Initial Lock/Unlock Cycle: This is where timing begins to be important. Perform the LOCK and UNLOCK sequence using the door switch five times in a row. Aim for a pace of approximately one second for each complete LOCK and UNLOCK cycle. Think of “LOCK and UNLOCK” as one count, and complete five of these within roughly five seconds.
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Driver’s Door Operation: After the five lock/unlock cycles, close the driver’s side door and then immediately open it again. This action signals the system to move to the next stage of programming.
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Second Lock/Unlock Cycle (with Timing): Again, use the door lock/unlock switch and perform the LOCK and UNLOCK sequence five times, maintaining the same one-second pace per cycle as in step 4. It is crucial to note that you now have a 50-second window to complete the subsequent steps (steps 7-10), so be prepared to move swiftly but accurately.
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Key Back into Ignition: Insert your key back into the ignition switch.
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Ignition ON/OFF Sequence: Switch the ignition to the “ON” position (just before starting the engine, where the dashboard lights illuminate) and then immediately switch it back to the “OFF” position. Repeat this ON then OFF action a total of two times.
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Remove Key: Take the key out of the ignition completely.
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Confirmation of Programming Mode: If you have successfully entered programming mode, the door locks on your Lexus ES 300 will automatically cycle – you will see and hear them lock and then unlock. This lock cycling is your confirmation that the vehicle is ready to learn the new key fob remote signal.
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Programming the First Remote: Take the first key fob remote you wish to program. Simultaneously press and release both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the remote at the same time.
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Finalize First Remote Programming: Immediately after releasing both buttons, press and HOLD ONLY the LOCK button on the same remote for approximately two seconds. If the programming is successful for this remote, you will once again see the door locks cycle (lock and unlock) to confirm.
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Programming Additional Remotes (If Applicable): If you have more key fob remotes to program, repeat steps 12 and 13 for each additional remote. Remember to do this within the programming mode timeframe. If you only have one remote to program, proceed to the next step.
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Exit Programming Mode: Simply close the driver’s side door. This action will signal the system to exit the programming mode, and your newly programmed 2001 Lexus car key fob remote(s) should now be functional.
By following these detailed instructions, you should be able to program your 2001 Lexus ES 300 key fob remote quickly and efficiently. If you encounter any difficulties or prefer professional assistance, you can search online for local key fob programming services in your area. Alternatively, for replacement key fobs, you can find a wide selection online from reputable retailers specializing in keyless entry systems.
