How to Program Your Car’s Built-In Remote to Work with Genie Garage Door Openers

Integrating your car’s built-in remote system with your Genie garage door opener offers unparalleled convenience. HomeLink and Car2U are the leading in-car technologies designed to do just that, eliminating the need for a separate handheld remote. Typically located on your visor or overhead console, these systems become an extension of your car’s functionality, directly controlling your garage door. The advantage is clear: no more fumbling for a remote or worrying about battery replacements, as HomeLink and Car2U are powered directly by your vehicle’s electrical system. Genie garage door openers are designed to be fully compatible with both HomeLink and Car2U. HomeLink systems are identifiable by a single LED indicator, often accompanied by a house icon on the center button. Car2U systems, in contrast, feature three LED lights, one above each button.

Programming Your HomeLink® System

For detailed instructions in PDF format, you can refer to the HomeLink Instructions PDF. A helpful video tutorial is also available HomeLink Programming Video.

Step 1: Clear Existing HomeLink Programming

Begin by clearing any previous programming from your HomeLink system. Press and hold the outer two HomeLink buttons (usually the first and third) simultaneously. Keep holding them until the indicator light on the HomeLink starts to blink slowly, and then quickly. This process typically takes about 20 seconds. Once the indicator blinks rapidly, release both buttons. This reset is crucial as it ensures a clean slate for programming your Genie garage door opener.

NOTE: Clearing HomeLink will erase all previously programmed devices. You will need to reprogram any other garage door openers or devices after this step.

Step 2: Sync HomeLink with Your Genie Remote

Decide which of the HomeLink buttons you want to use for your Genie garage door opener. Take your handheld Genie remote and position it close to the chosen HomeLink button, approximately two inches away. Press and hold the button on your Genie remote that you typically use to open your garage door. While still holding the Genie remote button, press and hold the selected HomeLink button at the same time. Continue to hold both buttons until the HomeLink indicator light changes from a slow blink to a rapid blink. Once it blinks rapidly, release both buttons. This step teaches your HomeLink system to recognize the frequency of your Genie remote.

Step 3: Program HomeLink to Respond to Your Genie Opener

The final step involves teaching your HomeLink system to communicate directly with your Genie garage door opener unit. The procedure varies slightly depending on whether you have a newer or older Genie opener model.

For Newer Genie Garage Door Openers (with a Program Button):

1. Locate the PROGRAM button on the powerhead unit of your Genie garage door opener. Press and hold this PROGRAM button until a round blue LED light turns ON. Once it’s lit, release the button. A long purple LED will then start to flash, indicating it’s in programming mode.
2. Press and hold the HomeLink button you programmed in Step 2 for two seconds, and then release. Repeat this process: press and hold the same HomeLink button again for two seconds and release. The long LED on the opener unit will flash blue and then turn off, signaling successful communication.
3. Test the connection. Press the programmed HomeLink button a few more times. Your garage door should now activate. If it doesn’t respond immediately, continue pressing the button a few times to ensure synchronization.

For Older Genie Garage Door Openers (with a Learn Button):

1. Find the learn code button on your Genie garage door opener’s powerhead. Press and release this “learn” button. A red LED light will begin to blink, indicating the unit is ready to learn a new code.
2. Immediately press and release the HomeLink button you programmed in Step 2 one time. The red LED on the opener unit should stop blinking and remain on steadily.
3. Press and release the same HomeLink button one more time. The red LED should now turn off.
4. Test the programming. Press the HomeLink button again. Your garage door should now open or close. If not, try pressing again a few times.

NOTE: For further assistance, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual, visit HomeLink’s official website, or the Genie Company website at www.GenieCompany.com.

Programming Your Car2U® System

For detailed instructions in PDF format, you can refer to the Car2U Instructions PDF.

Step 1: Reset Car2U to Factory Default Settings

Car2U systems come with pre-set default settings for each button. By default: Button 1 is set for Genie® openers, Button 2 for LiftMaster® openers, and Button 3 for Wayne Dalton® openers. If you are programming for the first time or want to start fresh, resetting to defaults is a good first step.

Car2U in car garage opener buttons on a car ceiling for remote garage access

1. To reset, press and hold buttons 1 and 3 simultaneously for approximately 20 seconds. Continue holding until all three LED lights above the Car2U buttons begin to flash together.
2. Once all three LEDs are flashing, release both buttons. The Car2U system is now reset to its factory default settings.

NOTE: Resetting Car2U will erase any previously programmed garage door openers. You’ll need to reprogram all devices after this reset.

Step 2: Program Car2U to Recognize Your Genie Opener

Programming Car2U to work with your Genie opener involves a similar process to HomeLink, with slight variations depending on your Genie model.

For Newer Genie Models (with a Program Button):

1. Locate the PROGRAM button on your Genie garage door opener powerhead. Press and hold it until the round blue LED illuminates and stays ON. Once lit, release the button. The long purple LED will start flashing.
2. Choose a Car2U button to program for your Genie opener. Press and hold this designated Car2U button for two seconds, and then release. Repeat: press and hold the same button again for two seconds, and release. The long LED on the opener unit will flash blue and then turn off, indicating successful signal reception.
3. Test the connection. Press the programmed Car2U button a few times to activate your garage door.

For Older Genie Models (with a Learn Button):

1. Locate the learn code button on your Genie garage door opener powerhead. Press and release the “learn” button. The red LED will begin to blink.
2. Press and release your chosen Car2U button one time. The red LED on the opener unit should stop blinking and become steadily lit.
3. Press and release the same Car2U button one more time. The red LED should turn off.
4. Test. Press the Car2U button again. Your garage door should now operate.

Step 3: Reassigning a Factory Default Button for a Genie Opener

If you wish to use a button that is pre-set for another brand (like button 2 or 3) for your Genie opener, you can reassign it. This is particularly useful if you are programming multiple Genie openers.

1. Press and hold Car2U buttons 1 and 3 for just ONE SECOND, and then release. All three LEDs will light up solid red.
2. Choose the button you want to reassign to Genie (button 2 or 3). Press and hold this button. The corresponding LED for this button will start to flash. While continuing to hold this button down, quickly press and release button 1. Then, press and release button 1 again.
3. Release the button you’ve been holding in step 2 and wait for the LED to stop flashing. This button is now programmed for Genie. If you have a second Genie opener to program to another Car2U button, repeat Step 2 with a different Car2U button.

NOTE: For additional support, refer to your vehicle’s manual, visit learcar2u.com, or the Genie Company website: www.GenieCompany.com.