How to Program a 1996 Toyota 4Runner Key Fob: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your classic 1996 Toyota 4Runner? Don’t worry, programming your key fob yourself is a straightforward process that can save you time and money compared to going to a dealership. This guide provides you with easy-to-follow instructions to program your 1996 Toyota 4runner Key Fob quickly and efficiently.

Step-by-Step Programming Guide

Follow these steps carefully to successfully program your 1996 Toyota 4Runner key fob. Ensure you read each step thoroughly before proceeding.

Step 1: Vehicle Preparation

Before you begin the programming sequence, make sure your 1996 Toyota 4Runner is properly prepared:

1. Turn off the ignition and remove the key: Ensure the ignition is completely off and remove the key from the ignition switch.
2. Open and unlock the driver’s side door: Physically open the driver’s door and make sure it is unlocked. This is crucial for initiating the programming sequence.

Step 2: Initiating Programming Mode – Part 1

This step begins the process of putting your 4Runner into programming mode. It must be done precisely and within the given time frame:

1. Insert and Remove the Key: Insert your key into the ignition switch, but do not turn it. Immediately remove the key from the ignition.

Step 3: Initiating Programming Mode – Part 2 (Timing Sensitive)

These steps must be completed within 40 seconds of removing the key in the previous step. Speed and accuracy are important here:

1. Perform Lock/Unlock Cycles (5 Times): Use the power lock switch located on the driver’s door. Perform five cycles of locking and unlocking the doors, starting with the lock action. Maintain a consistent pace, aiming for approximately one cycle per second (one cycle equals one lock and one unlock).

   Alt text: Close-up of the power lock and unlock switch on a 1996 Toyota 4Runner driver’s side door panel.

2. Close and Open Driver’s Door: After the lock/unlock cycles, close the driver’s door completely, and then immediately open it again.

Step 4: Initiating Programming Mode – Part 3 (Mode Selection)

This is the final part of entering programming mode and also allows you to choose different programming options. These steps also need to be performed within 40 seconds:

1. Perform Lock/Unlock Cycles Again (5 Times): Repeat the power lock and unlock cycle using the driver’s side door switch for another five cycles, again starting with the lock action and maintaining a consistent pace.

2. Insert Key into Ignition: Insert the key back into the ignition switch.

3. Ignition ON/OFF Cycles (Mode Selection): This step determines whether you retain existing remotes, erase all remotes, check the number of programmed remotes, or erase all remotes. Choose the option that fits your needs:

   • Retain Existing Remotes (ONCE): Turn the ignition to the “ON” position (do not start the engine) and then immediately back to the “OFF” position once. This option will keep any previously programmed remotes and allow you to add new ones.
   • Erase and Add New Remotes (TWICE): Turn the ignition to the “ON” then “OFF” position twice. This will erase all previously programmed remotes, so you will need to reprogram all of your remotes, including any existing ones you want to continue using.
   • Check Number of Programmed Remotes (THREE Times): Turn the ignition ON and OFF three times to check how many remotes are currently programmed to your vehicle. The system may indicate this by cycling the door locks a certain number of times.
   • Erase All Remotes (FIVE Times): Turn the ignition ON and OFF five times to erase all programmed remotes.

4. Remove Key from Ignition: Take the key out of the ignition switch.

Step 5: Confirmation of Programming Mode Entry

Within 3 seconds of removing the key in the last step, the power door locks should automatically cycle LOCK and UNLOCK one time. This lock/unlock cycle is your confirmation that you have successfully entered the key fob programming mode. If the doors do not cycle, you will need to repeat steps 2-4 carefully, paying close attention to the timing and sequence.

Step 6: Program Your 1996 Toyota 4Runner Remote

Now that you are in programming mode, you can program your key fob. This step must be done within 40 seconds of the door locks cycling in Step 5:

1. Press Lock and Unlock Simultaneously: On your key fob remote, press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons at the same time for about one second.

   Alt text: Image of a typical 1996 Toyota 4Runner key fob with lock and unlock buttons highlighted.

2. Press and Hold Lock Button: After releasing both buttons, immediately press and hold down only the “LOCK” button for approximately two seconds.

   The door locks should cycle LOCK and UNLOCK again. This lock cycle confirms that the remote has been successfully programmed to your 1996 Toyota 4Runner.

Step 7: Program Additional Remotes (Optional)

If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat Steps 6a and 6b for each additional remote. You can program multiple remotes in this programming session. Make sure to do this within the 40-second window.

Step 8: Exit Programming Mode

To exit the key fob programming mode, simply close the driver’s door. Closing the door signals to the system that you have finished programming remotes.

Step 9: Test Your Remotes

After exiting programming mode, test all of your programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly. Press the lock and unlock buttons on each remote to verify that they control the door locks on your 1996 Toyota 4Runner.

Congratulations! You have successfully programmed your 1996 Toyota 4Runner key fob. If you encounter any issues, carefully re-read each step and try again. Sometimes, timing and precise execution are crucial for successful key fob programming.