Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your 1997 Acura TL? Don’t worry, programming your keyless entry remote for your Acura TL can be done at home without special tools. This guide provides simple, step-by-step instructions to program your key fob for 1996-1998 Acura TL models with a factory-installed security system. Get your key fob working again quickly and regain the convenience of remote locking and unlocking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Programming Your Acura TL Key Fob
Before you begin, it’s important to understand a few key points about your Acura’s keyless entry system.
Important Notes Before Programming:
- Maximum Transmitters: Your Acura TL system can store 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 the transmitters you intend to use ready before starting.
Now, let’s get started with the programming process:
-
Open Driver’s Side Door: Begin by opening the driver’s side door and ensure it remains open throughout the programming procedure.
-
Unlock Door Manually: Locate the master power door lock switch on the driver’s side door panel. Push and hold this switch in the “UNLOCK” position. Maintain pressure on the unlock switch for the duration of the following steps.
-
Key Insertion and Removal Cycle: This step is crucial for initiating programming mode. Insert your key into the ignition switch, and then immediately remove it. Repeat this insert and remove action a total of five times in rapid succession, ensuring you complete these five cycles within 10 seconds. Speed is key here!
-
Ignition Key Insertion and Lock Cycle Confirmation: Insert the key into the ignition switch one last time and leave it in. If you’ve successfully entered programming mode, the power door locks (except the driver’s door) will cycle (lock then unlock) automatically. This cycle is your confirmation that the system is ready to learn new transmitter codes.
-
Transmitter Programming: Take the first key fob you want to program. Press either the “LOCK” or “UNLOCK” button on the transmitter. Upon pressing a button, listen for the power door locks to cycle again (lock then unlock). This cycle confirms that the system has accepted the transmitter’s code.
-
Programming a Second Transmitter (Optional): If you have a second key fob to program, you must program it immediately after the first. Within 10 seconds of programming the first transmitter, press the “LOCK” or “UNLOCK” button on the second transmitter. Again, the power door locks should cycle to confirm successful programming.
-
Exit Programming Mode: Release the master power door lock switch that you’ve been holding in the “UNLOCK” position. Releasing this switch will signal the system to exit the programming mode.
Test each of your programmed transmitters to ensure they are working correctly by pressing the lock and unlock buttons and verifying the door locks respond.
Ordering a Replacement Transmitter
If you need to order a new key fob transmitter for your 1997 Acura TL, these can only be obtained through authorized Acura dealerships. Acura dealers order transmitters from American Honda using their standard parts ordering procedures. Contact your local Acura dealer to order a replacement transmitter if needed.
Replacing the Transmitter Battery
If your existing key fob is not working, but you suspect the transmitter itself is fine, the first step is to replace the batteries. The battery type required for the Acura TL key fob transmitter is CR2016. Each transmitter uses two CR2016 batteries. Replacing the batteries is a straightforward process that can often resolve issues with a non-functioning remote.
