Programming Your 2005 Toyota 4Runner Key Fob: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your 2005 Toyota 4Runner? Programming your key fob yourself can save you time and money compared to dealership services. This guide provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions to program your 2005 Toyota 4runner Key Fob, ensuring you regain remote access to your vehicle quickly and efficiently.

Step-by-Step Programming Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to program your 2005 Toyota 4Runner key fob successfully. Ensure you perform each step accurately and within the specified timeframes for optimal results.

Step 1: Vehicle Preparation

Before you begin the programming process, make sure your 2005 Toyota 4Runner is properly prepared:

1. Key Position: Ensure the key is completely OUT of the ignition.
2. Driver’s Door: OPEN and UNLOCK the driver’s side door. This door must remain open throughout the initial programming steps.

Step 2: Initiate Programming Mode – Part 1

This step begins the process of entering programming mode on your Toyota 4Runner:

1. Insert and Remove Key: INSERT the key into the ignition cylinder, then immediately REMOVE it. Do not turn the key at any point during this step.

Step 3: Initiate Programming Mode – Part 2

This step requires using the power lock switch and driver’s door in a timed sequence:

1. Lock/Unlock Cycle (5 times): Within 40 seconds of step 2, use the power lock switch located on the driver’s door. Perform 5 lock/unlock cycles, starting with the LOCK action. Maintain a consistent pace, aiming for approximately one cycle per second (one cycle equals one lock and one unlock).

2. Close and Open Driver’s Door: Immediately after the lock/unlock cycles, CLOSE the driver’s door, and then OPEN it again.

Step 4: Initiate Programming Mode – Part 3

This step involves another lock/unlock cycle, ignition key manipulation, and determines the programming mode:

1. Lock/Unlock Cycle (5 times): Within 40 seconds of step 3b, use the power lock switch on the driver’s door again to perform 5 lock/unlock cycles, starting with LOCK. Maintain the same pace as in step 3a.

2. Insert Key into Ignition: INSERT the key into the ignition cylinder.

3. Ignition ON/OFF Cycles (Choose Mode): TURN the ignition to the ON position (do not start the engine), and then back to the OFF position. The number of times you perform this ON/OFF cycle determines the programming mode:

   • ONCE: Retain currently programmed remotes and add new remote(s).
   • TWICE: Erase all existing programmed remotes and program new remote(s).
   • THREE times: Check how many remotes are currently programmed to the vehicle.
   • FIVE times: Erase all existing programmed remotes.

4. Remove Key from Ignition: REMOVE the key from the ignition cylinder.

Step 5: Programming Mode Confirmation

Successful entry into programming mode is signaled by the vehicle itself:

1. Door Lock Cycle: Within 3 seconds, the power door locks should automatically cycle LOCK then UNLOCK. This lock/unlock cycle confirms that your 2005 Toyota 4Runner has successfully entered programming mode and is ready to learn the new key fob.

Step 6: Program Your Remote

Now you can program your 2005 Toyota 4Runner key fob:

1. Press Lock and Unlock Buttons: Within 40 seconds of entering programming mode, take your key fob remote. PRESS and HOLD both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously for 1 second.

2. Press and Hold Lock Button: Release both buttons and then immediately PRESS and HOLD the LOCK button alone for 2 seconds.

3. Confirmation Cycle: The door locks will cycle LOCK then UNLOCK one more time. This cycle indicates that the remote has been successfully programmed to your 2005 Toyota 4Runner.

Step 7: Program Additional Remotes (Optional)

If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat step 6 for each additional remote. Ensure you complete these steps within the 40-second programming window.

Step 8: Exit Programming Mode

To finalize the programming process and exit programming mode:

1. Close Driver’s Door: Simply CLOSE the driver’s door. Closing the door signals the system to exit the programming mode.

Step 9: Test Your Remotes

The final and crucial step is to test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly:

1. Test All Functions: Test the LOCK, UNLOCK, and PANIC (if applicable) buttons on each programmed remote to verify proper operation.

If all remotes function as expected, programming is complete. You have successfully programmed your 2005 Toyota 4Runner key fob. If any remote does not function correctly, carefully repeat the entire programming process from Step 1, ensuring each step is followed precisely.