Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer? Don’t worry, programming your key fob at home can be a straightforward process, potentially saving you a trip to the dealership. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for programming both the key portion and the remote functions of your 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer key fob.
Programming the Key Portion of Your 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Key
Before you begin, it’s crucial to have your new key cut by a qualified locksmith. This step is essential because the key must physically match your ignition cylinder. Once you have a correctly cut key, follow these steps to program the transponder chip:
- Insert a Working Key: Place an existing, functional key into the ignition cylinder.
- Turn Ignition ON: Turn the ignition to the “ON” position (without starting the engine) and hold for 5 seconds. Then, turn the ignition back to “OFF” and remove the key.
- Insert Second Working Key: Within 10 seconds, insert a second working key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. You should see the security light flash twice. Turn the ignition back to “OFF” and remove the key.
- Insert New Key: Within 10 seconds, insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position.
- Wait for Security Light: The security light will illuminate for approximately 3 seconds. This indicates that your new key has been successfully programmed to the immobilizer system of your 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer.
- Turn Ignition OFF and Remove Key: Turn the ignition to the “OFF” position and remove the newly programmed key.
- Program Additional Keys (Optional): If you have more keys to program, immediately repeat steps 4 and 5. Ensure you program all new keys within 30 seconds of removing the second working key in step 3 and seeing the security light flash.
- Exit Programming Mode: To exit the programming mode if you don’t have more keys to program, simply leave the ignition switched to the “ON” position for longer than 30 seconds.
Programming the Remote Portion of Your 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Key Fob
Now that the key portion is programmed, let’s move on to programming the remote control functions of your 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer key fob. This procedure involves using the OBD-II data port in your vehicle.
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Locate the OBD-II Data Port: The OBD-II data port in a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is typically located underneath the driver’s side dashboard, often to the right of the steering column.
Alt text: Location of the OBD-II data port under the dashboard of a vehicle, commonly used for diagnostic and key fob programming procedures.
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Ignition OFF: Ensure your keys are out of the ignition and the ignition is in the “OFF” position.
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Prepare Jumper Wire: You’ll need a jumper wire to connect terminals 1 and 4 of the OBD-II data port. It’s crucial to identify terminals 1 and 4 correctly in your vehicle’s data port layout. Double-check your vehicle’s manual or a reliable wiring diagram if you are unsure.
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Connect Terminals 1 and 4: Carefully connect the jumper wire between terminal 1 and terminal 4 of the OBD-II data port. Leave the jumper wire connected throughout the remote programming process.
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Hazard Switch Activation: Within 10 seconds of connecting the jumper wire, press the Hazard Switch (the button that activates your hazard lights) 6 times.
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Confirmation Signal: The doors of your Mitsubishi Lancer should automatically lock and unlock once. This indicates that the system has entered programming mode and is ready to learn new remote key fobs.
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Press LOCK Button on Remote: On the remote you want to program, press the “LOCK” button three times within 10 seconds.
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Programming Confirmation: If the programming is successful, the doors will lock and unlock one more time. This confirms that the remote signal from your 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer key fob has been recognized and programmed.
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Program Additional Remotes (Optional): If you have additional remotes to program (up to a total of 4, including any existing remotes), repeat step 7 for each remote within one minute. After each successful programming, the doors will lock and unlock once.
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Disconnect and Exit: Once you have programmed all desired remotes, disconnect the jumper wire from the OBD-II data port and remove any keys from the ignition. The programming process is now complete.
Programming 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer F.A.S.T. Keys (If Equipped)
For 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer models equipped with the F.A.S.T. (Free Access Start Technology) key system, programming new F.A.S.T. keys requires a slightly different procedure and necessitates having two already programmed and valid F.A.S.T. keys.
- Remove Emergency Key: Take out the emergency mechanical key from the F.A.S.T. key fob.
- Remove Ignition Switch Cover: While pressing the lock release buttons on the ignition switch surround, carefully remove the cover of the ignition switch.
- Insert Emergency Key: Insert the emergency key into the ignition switch.
- Insert Programmed F.A.S.T. Key: Insert one of your already programmed and working F.A.S.T. keys into the emergency key that’s in the ignition.
- Turn Ignition ON (With Both Keys): Turn the emergency key (with the F.A.S.T. key inserted) to the “ON” position. You must perform the following steps within 30 seconds of this step.
- Remove Programmed F.A.S.T. Key: Remove the programmed F.A.S.T. key from the emergency key, leaving the emergency key in the ignition.
- First Valid F.A.S.T. Key Procedure: With your first valid, programmed F.A.S.T. key, press and hold the “UNLOCK” button for 4 to 10 seconds. While still holding the “UNLOCK” button, press and release the “LOCK” button.
- Release Buttons (First Key): Release both the “LOCK” and then the “UNLOCK” buttons in sequence, within 10 seconds of pressing the “LOCK” button in the previous step. You must perform the following steps within 30 seconds of this step.
- Second Valid F.A.S.T. Key Procedure: With your second valid, programmed F.A.S.T. key, repeat step 7: press and hold the “UNLOCK” button for 4 to 10 seconds, and while holding it, press and release the “LOCK” button.
- Release Buttons and Check Display (Second Key): Release both the “LOCK” and then the “UNLOCK” buttons in sequence, within 10 seconds of pressing the “LOCK” button in the previous step. The immobilizer display should blink on the information screen in your multi-information display. You must perform the next step within 60 seconds.
- Program New F.A.S.T. Key: With the new, blank F.A.S.T. key, press the “LOCK” button twice. The immobilizer display should then illuminate for 30 seconds on the information screen.
- Completion: This completes the programming of your new F.A.S.T. key for your 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Important Notes for F.A.S.T. Key Programming:
- The indicator light on the F.A.S.T. key should illuminate each time a button is pressed.
- The keyless entry system will not function if any key is left in the ignition switch.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to successfully program a new key fob for your 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer. Always double-check your Mitsubishi Lancer owner’s manual for any specific instructions or variations related to your vehicle’s model and trim level. If you encounter difficulties, consulting a professional locksmith or your Mitsubishi dealership is recommended.
