Is your 2005 Toyota Highlander key fob malfunctioning, or did you recently purchase a replacement remote? The good news is, programming a new key fob for your 2005 Toyota Highlander can often be done right at home, saving you a trip to the dealership. This guide provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions to program your 2005 Toyota Highlander key fob yourself.
Before you begin, ensure you have all necessary key fobs you wish to program with you. This procedure will program all remotes at once, and any previously programmed remotes not included in this session will no longer work.
Here’s how to program your 2005 Toyota Highlander key fob:
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Start with the Key and Door: Make sure your key is out of the ignition. Open and unlock only the driver’s side door, ensuring all other doors, including the trunk, are closed tightly.
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Key Insertion Sequence: Within a quick 5-second window, insert your key into the ignition and pull it out twice. This needs to be a swift motion.
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Door Cycling – Round One: Next, close and then open the driver’s side door twice. Again, maintain a reasonable pace for these actions.
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Key Insertion and Removal – Round Two: Insert the key into the ignition and then immediately remove it.
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Door Cycling – Round Two: Repeat the door closing and opening sequence: close then open the driver’s side door twice.
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Final Key Insertion: Insert the key into the ignition one last time, and this time, leave it in the ignition cylinder.
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Close Driver’s Door: Close the driver’s side door.
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Ignition Switch Cycle: Turn the ignition switch to the ‘ON’ position, then immediately back to the ‘OFF’ position. Do not start the engine.
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Remove the Key: Take the key out of the ignition.
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Confirmation – Door Lock Cycle: At this stage, the door locks should automatically cycle (lock then unlock) one time. This cycle indicates that your 2005 Toyota Highlander has successfully entered programming mode and is ready to learn the new key fob.
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Programming the Key Fob: Take the first key fob you want to program. Press and hold both the ‘LOCK’ and ‘UNLOCK’ buttons simultaneously for about 1.5 seconds. After releasing these two buttons, immediately press and hold only the ‘LOCK’ button for 2 seconds.
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Confirmation – Lock Cycle (Again): The door locks will cycle once more to confirm successful programming of that specific remote. If you have additional key fobs to program, quickly repeat step 12 for each additional remote. If you are finished programming remotes, proceed to the next step.
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Complete Programming: Open the driver’s side door. This action signifies the end of the programming sequence.
Front view of a 2005 Toyota Highlander key fob with three buttons: lock, unlock, and panic.
You should now be able to use your newly programmed 2005 Toyota Highlander key fob to remotely lock and unlock your doors.
If you encounter any difficulties during this programming process, or if you prefer to have a professional handle the key fob programming for you, consider searching for a qualified automotive locksmith or installer in your local area. They will have the expertise and tools to assist you.
