Is your 2012 Scion xB key fob malfunctioning, or did you recently acquire a new remote and need to get it working with your car’s system? Programming your key fob yourself can save you time and money compared to dealership services. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to program your 2012 Scion xB keyless entry remote. It’s important to note that while these steps will program the remote functions (lock, unlock, panic), the physical key portion and the immobilizer chip (if applicable) may require professional locksmith services for cutting and programming.
Understanding Key Fob Programming Modes for Your 2012 Scion xB
The programming system for your 2012 Scion xB offers different modes to manage your key fobs. These modes allow you to verify the number of remotes already programmed, add new remotes without erasing existing ones, rewrite the entire system with new remotes, or even disable the remote locking function altogether. Let’s explore each of these modes in detail.
Confirmation Mode: Checking the Number of Programmed Remotes
Before you start adding or reprogramming remotes, it’s helpful to know how many are currently recognized by your Scion xB. Confirmation mode allows you to check this. Here’s how:
- Ensure your 2012 Scion xB is off, the key is removed from the ignition, and the driver’s side door is open and unlocked.
- Insert the key into the ignition, then immediately remove it.
- Within 5 seconds of the first step, insert the key into the ignition again, and remove it once more.
- Within 40 seconds, close and then open the driver’s side door twice. Insert the key into the ignition and remove it again.
- Within another 40 seconds, close and open the driver’s side door twice again. Then, insert the key into the ignition, and this time, close the driver’s door.
- Turn the ignition switch from the LOCK position to the ON position, and then back to OFF, three times in a row. Leave the key in each position (ON and OFF) for about one second.
- Remove the key from the ignition. The doors will automatically lock and unlock repeatedly at roughly 2-second intervals. Count the number of lock cycles. This number indicates how many remotes are currently programmed. If the doors cycle five times, it means no remotes are currently programmed.
Add Mode: Programming an Additional Key Fob
If you want to add a new key fob to your 2012 Scion xB without deleting any existing programmed remotes, use the Add mode. Follow these steps:
- Begin with your 2012 Scion xB turned off, key removed, and the driver’s door open and unlocked.
- Insert the key into the ignition, and then immediately remove it.
- Within 5 seconds, insert the key into the ignition again, and remove it once more.
- Within 40 seconds, close and open the driver’s side door twice. Insert the key into the ignition and remove it again.
- Within another 40 seconds, close and open the driver’s side door twice again. Then, insert the key into the ignition, and close the driver’s door.
- Turn the ignition switch from LOCK to ON, then back to OFF just once, leaving it in each position for approximately one second.
- Remove the key from the ignition. The doors should lock and unlock one time, indicating you are in Add mode.
- Within 40 seconds, take the key fob you want to program and press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously, then release them.
- Within 3 seconds of releasing the buttons, press and release either the LOCK or UNLOCK button on the fob. If the programming is successful, the doors will lock and unlock once. If it fails, they will lock and unlock twice.
- If you have more remotes to program, repeat steps 8 and 9 within 40 seconds.
- To finalize the programming process, insert the key into the ignition or simply open any door.
Rewrite Mode: Replacing Existing Key Fobs with New Ones
Rewrite mode is used when you want to erase all previously programmed key fobs and program a new set. This is useful if you’ve lost a key fob or want to ensure only your current remotes work with your 2012 Scion xB. Here are the steps:
- Start with your 2012 Scion xB off, key removed, and the driver’s door open and unlocked.
- Insert the key into the ignition, then immediately remove it.
- Within 5 seconds, insert the key into the ignition again and remove it once more.
- Within 40 seconds, close and open the driver’s side door twice. Insert the key into the ignition and remove it again.
- Within another 40 seconds, close and open the driver’s side door twice again. Then, insert the key into the ignition and close the driver’s door.
- Turn the ignition switch from LOCK to ON, then back to OFF twice, leaving it in each position for about one second each time.
- Remove the key from the ignition. The doors should lock and unlock twice, signaling that you are in Rewrite mode.
- Within 40 seconds, press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter of the key fob you wish to program, and then release.
- Within 3 seconds, press and release either the LOCK or UNLOCK button. Successful registration will be indicated by the doors locking and unlocking once. Failure will be indicated by two lock/unlock cycles.
- If you have additional remotes to program, repeat steps 8 and 9 within 40 seconds.
- To finish, insert the key into the ignition or open any door.
Prohibition Mode: Disabling the Wireless Door Lock Function
Prohibition mode is for disabling the remote keyless entry system entirely. This might be useful in specific situations, though it’s rarely needed for typical users. To enter Prohibition mode:
- Begin with your 2012 Scion xB off, key removed, and the driver’s door open and unlocked.
- Insert the key into the ignition, then immediately remove it.
- Within 5 seconds, insert the key into the ignition again, and remove it once more.
- Within 40 seconds, close and open the driver’s side door twice. Insert the key into the ignition and remove it again.
- Within another 40 seconds, close and open the driver’s side door twice again. Then, insert the key into the ignition and close the driver’s door.
- Turn the ignition switch from LOCK to ON, then back to OFF five times, leaving it in each position for about one second each time.
- Remove the key from the ignition. The doors will lock and unlock five times in quick succession, confirming that Prohibition mode is active and the wireless door lock function is now disabled.
By following these instructions, you can confidently program your 2012 Scion xB key fob and manage your vehicle’s remote access system effectively. Remember to work quickly and precisely within the given timeframes for successful programming.
