Losing or damaging your Lexus car key can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, in many cases, you can program a new or existing Lexus key fob yourself, saving time and money compared to dealership programming. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step process on How To Program Lexus Car Key remotes for keyless entry.
This procedure is designed to help you program your Lexus key, allowing you to regain control over your vehicle’s locking and unlocking system. Please note that while this method works for many Lexus models, specific procedures may vary depending on your car’s year and model. Always consult your owner’s manual for the most accurate instructions for your vehicle.
Follow these steps carefully to program your Lexus car key:
Step 1: Preparation
Begin with the driver’s side door open and unlocked. Ensure all other doors are closed. Remove the key from the ignition.
Step 2: Key Insertion and Removal (Twice)
Insert your Lexus key into the ignition switch and remove it two times within a 5-second period. This initiates the programming sequence.
Step 3: Door Cycling (Twice)
Within 40 seconds of completing Step 2, close and then open the driver’s side door twice. This action signals the system to prepare for remote programming.
Step 4: Key Insertion and Removal (Once)
Insert the Lexus key into the ignition switch one more time and remove it.
Step 5: Door Cycling (Twice Again)
Within 40 seconds of Step 4, close and open the driver’s door twice again. This further confirms your intention to program the remote.
Step 6: Key Insertion and Door Closure
Insert the key into the ignition switch. Then, close the driver’s door.
Note for Specific Models: For certain Lexus models, you might need to reverse the order of Step 6. If the standard procedure doesn’t work, try closing the door first, and then insert the key into the ignition. This is sometimes necessary for models similar to these Toyota counterparts:
- 2000 – 2005 Celica (Toyota equivalent)
- 2001 – 2003 Prius (Toyota equivalent)
- 2001 – 2005 ECHO (Toyota equivalent)
- 2001 – 2005 RAV4 (Toyota equivalent)
- 2003 – 2004 Avalon (Toyota equivalent)
While these are Toyota models, Lexus, as the luxury division of Toyota, may share similar electronic systems in certain model years. If you encounter issues, consider this alternative sequence.
Step 7: Ignition Mode Selection
Now, you need to select the programming mode. Turn the ignition switch from the “Lock” position to the “On” position and back to “Lock” at approximately 1-second intervals. The number of times you perform this action determines the programming mode:
- 1 time: ADD mode (adds a new remote without erasing existing ones).
- 2 times: REWRITE mode (erases all existing remotes and programs new ones). Use this if you are replacing a lost remote for security.
- 3 times: CONFIRMATION mode (confirms the current programming mode).
- 5 times: PROHIBITION mode (disables remote programming).
Step 8: Key Removal and Confirmation
Remove the key from the ignition. The power door locks will now cycle “lock” to “unlock” a number of times, corresponding to the mode you selected in Step 7. This confirms your mode selection.
Step 9: Remote Programming (Add or Rewrite Modes)
If you selected ADD or REWRITE mode, proceed with the following steps within 40 seconds of the door lock confirmation:
**A.** Press and hold both the Lock and Unlock buttons on your Lexus transmitter simultaneously for 1 to 1.5 seconds, and then release both buttons.
**B.** Within 3 seconds of step A, press and hold the Lock button on the transmitter for more than 1 second, and then release.Successful Programming: If the keyless entry remote transmitter has been successfully programmed, the power locks will cycle “lock” to “unlock” once.
Programming Failure: If there are issues with the remote transmitter or the procedure, the locks will cycle twice. If this happens, double-check that you have the correct remote for your Lexus model and repeat the entire procedure from Step 1.
**C.** If you need to program multiple remotes, repeat steps A and B for each additional remote.Step 10: Exit Programming Mode
Open the driver’s door to conclude the programming mode.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully program your Lexus car key. Remember to always double-check your owner’s manual for any specific instructions related to your Lexus model. If you encounter persistent problems, it is recommended to contact your local Lexus dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith for assistance. They will have specialized tools and expertise to help with how to program lexus car key and ensure your vehicle’s security system is properly configured.
