Lost your 1998 Toyota Camry key fob or need to program a replacement? While your classic Camry might predate the latest tech, programming a key fob for remote locking, unlocking, and security is still achievable, often with aftermarket systems like SECURIKEY+. This guide will walk you through the process of programming a SECURIKEY+ transmitter, commonly used with older vehicles like the 1998 Camry, to control your car’s essential security features. Understanding how to program your 1998 Camry Key Fob can save you time and money compared to dealership programming fees.
Understanding Your SECURIKEY+ System Channels
The SECURIKEY+ system, often installed in vehicles like the 1998 Toyota Camry to add modern security features, operates on a channel-based system. Think of channels as specific commands your key fob can send to your car. Each button on your 1998 Camry key fob transmitter can be programmed to control one of these channels. It’s important to understand these channels before you begin programming your 1998 Camry key fob:
| CHANNEL # | FEATURE CONTROLLED |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lock |
| 2 | Unlock |
| 3 | Trunk Release (if equipped) |
| 4 | 30-Second Headlight Activation |
| 5 | Remote Panic |
| 6 | Remote Start (if equipped) |
This means when you program your 1998 Camry key fob, you are essentially assigning each button to one of these functions. For example, you can program the “lock” button on your 1998 Camry key fob to Channel 1 (Lock) and the “unlock” button to Channel 2 (Unlock).
Step-by-Step Guide to Programming Your 1998 Camry Key Fob Transmitter
Before you begin, ensure your SECURIKEY+ system in your 1998 Camry is disarmed and the valet switch (usually a small button with an LED) is in the “off” or “out” position. It’s crucial to complete each step within 15 seconds; otherwise, the system will exit programming mode, and you’ll need to start again.
Programming Channels for Your 1998 Camry Key Fob:
- Enter Programming Mode: Turn your 1998 Camry’s ignition key to the “on” position (without starting the engine).
- Valet Switch Activation: Press and release the valet switch 6 times.
You are now in programming mode, and ready to program each button on your 1998 Camry key fob to a specific channel.
Channel 1: Programming the LOCK Feature on Your 1998 Camry Key Fob
- Confirmation: The horn will chirp once, and the LED will flash once, indicating you are in Channel 1 programming.
- Program Lock Button: Press and hold the “LOCK” button on your 1998 Camry key fob until the horn chirps once loudly. This confirms the “LOCK” button is programmed to Channel 1. Repeat this for any additional 1998 Camry key fobs you need to program (up to four).
- Advance to Channel 2: After programming all “LOCK” buttons, press and release the valet switch 2 times to move to the next channel.
Channel 2: Programming the UNLOCK Feature on Your 1998 Camry Key Fob
- Confirmation: The horn will chirp twice, and the LED will flash twice, indicating you are in Channel 2 programming.
- Program Unlock Button: Press and hold the “UNLOCK” button on your 1998 Camry key fob until the horn chirps once loudly. This programs the “UNLOCK” button to Channel 2. Repeat for all key fobs.
- Advance to Channel 3: Press and release the valet switch 2 times to proceed.
Channel 3: Programming the TRUNK RELEASE Option (If Equipped on Your 1998 Camry)
- Confirmation: The horn will chirp three times, and the LED will flash three times.
- Program Trunk Release Button: If your 1998 Camry has a trunk release option connected to the SECURIKEY+ system, press and hold the designated option button (often a GREEN button) on your 1998 Camry key fob until the horn chirps.
- Advance to Channel 4: Press and release the valet switch 2 times.
Channel 4: Programming the 30-Second Headlight Activation Feature
- Confirmation: The horn will chirp four times, and the LED will flash four times.
- Program Headlight Button: If you want a button on your 1998 Camry key fob to activate your headlights for 30 seconds, press and hold the chosen option button until the horn chirps.
- Advance to Channel 5: Press and release the valet switch 2 times.
Channel 5: Programming the Separate PANIC Button Feature
- Confirmation: The horn will chirp five times, and the LED will flash five times.
- Program Panic Button: To assign a panic function to a button on your 1998 Camry key fob (often the GREEN button if not used for trunk release or headlights), press and hold the button until the horn chirps.
- Advance to Channel 6: Press and release the valet switch 2 times.
Channel 6: Programming the REMOTE START Feature (If Equipped on Your 1998 Camry)
- Confirmation: The horn will chirp six times, and the LED will flash six times.
- Program Remote Start Button: If your 1998 Camry has a remote start system connected to SECURIKEY+, press and hold the designated button on your 1998 Camry key fob to program this feature.
- Exit Programming Mode: To exit programming mode after setting up all desired channels, press and release the valet switch 2 times again, or simply turn the ignition key to the “off” position.
Customizing Selectable Features on Your 1998 Camry SECURIKEY+ System
The SECURIKEY+ system in your 1998 Camry offers customizable features to personalize your security system. You can adjust these features using the valet switch and any programmed 1998 Camry key fob transmitter.
Accessing Feature Programming:
- Disarm and Valet Switch: Ensure the SECURIKEY+ system is disarmed and the valet switch is off.
- Ignition ON: Turn your 1998 Camry’s ignition key to the “on” position.
- Enter Feature Programming: Press and release the valet switch 6 times.
- Ignition Cycle: Immediately turn the ignition key off and then back on again.
You are now in feature programming mode. The LED will flash to indicate which feature you are currently adjusting.
Customizable Features for Your 1998 Camry SECURIKEY+ System:
| FEATURE # | FUNCTION | 1 CHIRP (Default) | 2 CHIRPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlights on for 20 seconds during disarm | ON | OFF |
| 2 | Headlights on for 20 seconds during arm | ON | OFF |
| 3 | Automatic ignition controlled door lock | ON | OFF |
| 4 | Automatic ignition controlled door unlock | ON | OFF |
| 5 | Auto unlock | Driver’s door only | All doors |
| 6 | Arming Mode | Passive (Automatic) | Active (Remote Only) |
| 7 | Door Locks Mode | Passive | Active |
| 8 | Trunk release output | 1 second | Latched |
| 9 | Panic Activation | Option button (Green) | Lock button |
| 10 | Trunk Release Hold | Hold Green Button 1 Second | Press Green Button 2 Times |
Changing Feature Settings:
- Navigate Features: The LED will flash a number of times corresponding to the feature number (e.g., 1 flash for Feature 1, 2 flashes for Feature 2, etc.). To advance to the next feature, press and release the valet switch 2 times.
- Change Setting: For each feature, the system will chirp either once or twice, indicating the current setting. To change the setting, press and release the “LOCK” button on your 1998 Camry key fob. The horn will chirp to confirm the new setting (1 chirp or 2 chirps).
- Skip Feature: If you don’t want to change a feature, simply press and release the valet switch 2 times to move to the next feature.
- Exit Feature Programming: After adjusting the desired features, turn the ignition key to the “off” position to exit programming mode.
By following these steps, you can successfully program your 1998 Toyota Camry key fob and customize the features of your SECURIKEY+ system, enhancing the security and convenience of your classic vehicle. Remember to always double-check the specific instructions for your SECURIKEY+ system and 1998 Camry model for any variations.
