Lost your 2003 Toyota Tacoma key fob or need to program a new replacement? Forget expensive dealership visits! You can easily program your key fob right at home. This guide provides simple, step-by-step instructions to program your 2003 Toyota Tacoma keyless entry remote yourself. This process is specifically for Tacoma models with the factory-installed keyless entry system.
Before you begin, it’s crucial to gather all the key fobs you plan to use with your Tacoma. Programming a new fob will erase all previously programmed fobs from the system’s memory. Therefore, you’ll need to reprogram all of your remotes during this process. The system can handle up to four key fobs.
Here’s how to program your 2003 Toyota Tacoma key fob:
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Ensure the driver’s side door is open and all other doors are closed. Remove the key from the ignition.
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Insert the key into the ignition switch, and then immediately remove it. Do not turn the key.
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Using the power door lock switch on the driver’s side door, press the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons alternately at 1-second intervals, five times in total. You should hear the door locks cycle.
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Close, and then reopen the driver’s side door.
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Again, press the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons on the door lock switch alternately at 1-second intervals, five times.
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Insert the key into the ignition switch.
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Now, you need to select the programming mode based on your needs. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position, and then back to “OFF” as instructed below:
- Once: To program a new remote while keeping existing programmed remotes.
- Twice: To program a new remote and erase all existing programmed remotes.
- Three times: To check the number of remotes currently programmed to the system. The system will respond by cycling the door locks to indicate the number of programmed remotes.
- Five times: To erase all programmed remotes.
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Remove the key from the ignition switch. The door locks should cycle once, twice, or five times, depending on the mode you selected, confirming the mode selection. If you selected the check mode (three times), the locks will cycle slowly one to four times to indicate the number of registered remotes.
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Take the first key fob you want to program. Press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons simultaneously for 1 to 1.5 seconds.
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Immediately after releasing both buttons, press the “LOCK” button on the remote for 1 second. The system should respond by locking and unlocking the doors once to confirm successful programming. Two lock/unlock cycles indicate programming failure.
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If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat steps 9 and 10 for each remote.
Note: To exit programming mode at any time, simply close the driver’s door or insert the key into the ignition switch.
By following these straightforward steps, you can easily program your 2003 Toyota Tacoma key fob, saving time and money. For replacement remotes or further assistance, visit Car and Truck Remotes for a wide selection of Toyota Tacoma key fobs.
