Lost your remote or need to add a new one to your autostart system? Programming a remote car starter can seem daunting, but often it’s a straightforward process you can do yourself. This guide will walk you through the general steps to program your remote, ensuring you can once again enjoy the convenience of starting your car remotely. Whether you’re adding a new remote or need to reprogram after battery changes, understanding the process will save you time and potentially a trip to a professional installer.
Programming a New or Additional Remote Control
Most aftermarket and factory-installed remote start systems use a similar procedure to learn new remotes. Here’s a general step-by-step guide. Always refer to your specific remote start system’s owner’s manual for the most accurate instructions, as procedures can vary slightly between brands and models.
- Disarm and Turn Off: Ensure your vehicle’s security system is disarmed and the ignition is completely turned off. It’s usually best to start with the car in an off state and parked.
- Open Driver’s Side Door: Open the driver’s side door and leave it open throughout the programming process. This often signals to the system that you are initiating a programming sequence.
- Ignition ON: Turn your vehicle’s ignition key to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine, just turn the key to the point where the dashboard lights illuminate.
- Locate and Press the Override/Programming Button: Find the programming or override button. This is typically a small, often black button located underneath the instrument panel on the driver’s side. Press and hold this button.
- Wait for Confirmation: Continue holding the programming button. After approximately 15 seconds, you should hear a confirmation signal. This is commonly a series of horn chirps, often three chirps, indicating the system has entered remote programming mode.
- Release the Button: Once you hear the confirmation chirps, release the programming/override button.
- Activate the Remote: Press the primary button (usually the start or lock button) on the remote control you wish to program. The system should respond with a single horn chirp or siren sound to confirm it has successfully learned the new remote’s signal.
- Program Additional Remotes (if needed): If you are programming multiple remotes, repeat step 7 for each additional remote you want to add.
- Exit Programming Mode: Turn the vehicle ignition off to exit the remote programming mode.
- Test Your Remotes: Thoroughly test all programmed remote controls to ensure they are working correctly by attempting to remote start, lock, and unlock your vehicle.
Deleting and Reprogramming Remotes
If you have lost a remote or suspect one has been stolen, you might want to delete all previously programmed remotes and reprogram your remaining ones. This ensures that the lost or stolen remote can no longer control your vehicle.
- Using Reprogramming Method: Repeating the “Programming a New or Additional Remote Control” procedure will often overwrite previous remote codes. By reprogramming all your current remotes, you effectively delete any that are not reprogrammed during the process.
- Using Unlock Switch (if applicable): Some systems, particularly those integrated with factory Remote Keyless Entry (RKE), offer an alternative deletion method. While in transmitter learn mode (step 5 above), pressing the vehicle’s door mounted “unlock” switch may erase all learned transmitters. Consult your system’s manual to see if this feature is available. After erasing transmitters this way, you will need to reprogram all desired remotes.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Check Remote Battery: Ensure the battery in your new or existing remote is fresh and properly installed. A dead battery is a common cause of remote malfunction.
- Remote Compatibility: Verify that the replacement remote is compatible with your specific remote start system. Using an incompatible remote will prevent successful programming.
- System Malfunction: If you consistently fail to program remotes, there may be an issue with the remote start system itself. In such cases, consulting a professional car audio or remote start installer is recommended.
By following these steps and consulting your specific system’s manual, you should be able to successfully program your autostart remote car starter and enjoy the convenience it offers.
