How to Program Your 2016 Toyota 4Runner Remote Key Fob

Lost your car remote or need to program a new one for your 2016 Toyota 4Runner? Don’t worry, programming your remote key fob can often be done right at home without a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through the steps to program your remote to your 2016 4Runner, saving you time and money.

Before you begin, ensure you have your new remote and your 2016 Toyota 4Runner nearby. Follow these simple steps carefully to successfully program your remote:

1. Vehicle Preparation: Start by turning off your 4Runner and removing the key from the ignition. Make sure the driver’s side door is open and unlocked. This is crucial for initiating the programming sequence.

2. Initiate Programming Mode – Step 1: Insert your key into the ignition, but do not turn it. Immediately remove the key from the ignition. This action is a signal to the vehicle to prepare for remote programming.

3. Enter Programming Mode – Step 2: Within 40 seconds of removing the key, you need to perform a series of lock and unlock cycles using the power lock switch located on the driver’s door panel.
   a. Lock/Unlock Cycle: Perform five lock/unlock cycles, beginning with the lock function. Aim for a consistent pace of approximately one cycle per second (one cycle includes both locking and unlocking).

   b. Door Closure: After the lock/unlock cycles, close and then immediately open the driver’s side door. This action further prepares the system for the next stage of programming.

4. Enter Programming Mode – Step 3: Again, within 40 seconds of the previous step, repeat another series of lock/unlock cycles and key manipulations.
   a. Lock/Unlock Cycle (Repeat): Perform another five lock/unlock cycles using the power lock switch, starting with the lock function and maintaining a pace of about one cycle per second.

   b. Key Insertion: Insert the key back into the ignition.

   c. Ignition Cycling: Now, you have options depending on whether you want to retain existing remotes or erase them.

   • Retain Existing Remotes (Add New Remote): Turn the ignition to the “ON” position (without starting the engine) and then back to the “OFF” position once. This will keep any previously programmed remotes and allow you to add a new one.
   • Erase All Existing Remotes and Add New Remote: Turn the ignition to the “ON” position and then back to “OFF” twice. This option is useful if you are unsure of how many remotes are programmed or want a fresh start.
   • Check Number of Programmed Remotes: Turn the ignition to “ON” and “OFF” three times to check how many remotes are currently programmed to your 4Runner. The system will respond with lock/unlock cycles to indicate the number.
   • Erase All Existing Remotes (Without Adding New): Turn the ignition to “ON” and “OFF” five times if you want to erase all programmed remotes without immediately adding a new one.

   d. Key Removal: Remove the key from the ignition after cycling it as needed.

5. Programming Mode Confirmation – Step 4: If you have successfully entered programming mode, within 3 seconds, the power door locks should automatically cycle lock and unlock. This lock/unlock cycle is your confirmation that the vehicle is ready to learn the new remote’s signal.

6. Program Remote: Now you are ready to program your remote. This step needs to be performed within 40 seconds of the door locks cycling in the previous step.
   a. Simultaneous Button Press: Press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons on your remote simultaneously for about 1 second.

   b. Lock Button Press and Hold: After releasing both buttons, immediately press and hold only the “LOCK” button for 2 seconds. If the programming is successful for this remote, the door locks will cycle lock and unlock again to confirm.

7. Program Additional Remotes: If you have more remotes to program, immediately repeat steps 6a and 6b for each additional remote. You can program multiple remotes in this session.

8. Exit Programming Mode: To finalize the programming and exit the mode, simply close the driver’s door.

9. Test Remotes: Thoroughly test all programmed remotes to ensure they are working correctly with your 2016 Toyota 4Runner. Check the lock, unlock, and any other functions your remote may have, such as panic or trunk release, to confirm successful programming.

By following these steps, you should be able to program your new remote to your 2016 Toyota 4Runner quickly and easily. If you encounter any issues, double-check each step and ensure you are within the specified time limits. If problems persist, consulting your 4Runner’s owner’s manual or contacting a Toyota dealership might be necessary.