Losing or needing an extra key fob for your 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer doesn’t have to mean an expensive trip to the dealership. Programming a new key fob for your Mitsubishi Lancer can be done at home with the right instructions. This guide provides comprehensive step-by-step instructions for programming your 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer key fob, covering key transponder programming, remote control programming, and F.A.S.T. key registration.
Programming the Key Portion (Transponder)
This section will guide you through programming the transponder chip within your key, which is necessary to start your 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. Note that the key portion will likely need to be cut by a locksmith or a key cutting service to physically match your ignition.
-
Insert Working Key: Begin by inserting an existing, working key into the ignition cylinder of your Mitsubishi Lancer.
-
Turn Ignition ON and OFF: Turn the ignition to the “ON” position (without starting the engine) and hold it for 5 seconds. Then, turn the ignition back to the “OFF” position and remove the key.
-
Insert Second Working Key: Within 10 seconds of removing the first key, insert a second working key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. You should see the security light on your dashboard flash twice. Turn the ignition back to the “OFF” position and remove this second 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 should illuminate for approximately 3 seconds. This indicates that the new key has been successfully programmed to your 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
-
Test and Program Additional Keys (Optional): Turn the ignition to “OFF” and remove the newly programmed key. Test the key to ensure it starts your vehicle. If you have more keys to program, repeat steps 4 and 5. Remember, all new keys must be programmed within 30 seconds of step 3 (when the security light flashed twice).
-
Exit Programming Mode: If you do not need to program any more keys, or to exit programming mode, simply leave the ignition switched to the “ON” position for more than 30 seconds.
Programming the Remote Portion (Keyless Entry)
Once the key transponder is programmed, you’ll want to program the remote control functions to lock and unlock your doors remotely. Follow these steps to program the remote portion of your 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer key fob.
-
Locate the Data Port (OBD-II): Find the OBD-II data port in your 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. It is typically located underneath the driver’s side dashboard, usually to the right of the steering column.
-
Insert Keys and Turn OFF: Insert your key into the ignition, but leave it in the “OFF” position.
-
Connect Data Port Terminals 1 and 4: Ensure that there are metal contact pins in terminals 1 and 4 of the OBD-II data port. Use a suitable jumper wire to connect terminals 1 and 4. Keep the jumper wire connected throughout the remote programming procedure. It is crucial to correctly identify terminals 1 and 4.
-
Press Hazard Switch: Within 10 seconds after connecting the jumper wire, press the hazard light switch 6 times. The doors of your Mitsubishi Lancer should automatically lock and unlock once. This indicates that the system has entered programming mode for the remote.
-
Press LOCK Button on Remote: Press the “LOCK” button on the new remote that you wish to program three times within 10 seconds. If the programming is successful, the doors will lock and unlock one more time.
-
Repeat for Additional Remotes (Optional): If you have additional remotes to program (up to 4 total, including any existing remotes), repeat step 5 for each remote within one minute. Each successful programming will be indicated by the doors locking and unlocking once.
-
Disconnect and Exit: After you have programmed all desired remotes, disconnect the jumper wire from the OBD-II port and remove the key from the ignition. Test each remote to ensure it is working correctly with your 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Programming F.A.S.T. Keys (with Two Existing Keys)
If your 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a F.A.S.T. key (Mitsubishi’s advanced keyless system) and you have two already programmed and working F.A.S.T. keys, you can program additional F.A.S.T. keys using the following procedure.
-
Remove Emergency Key: Remove the mechanical emergency key from the new F.A.S.T. key fob.
-
Remove Ignition Switch Cover: While pushing the lock release buttons on the ignition switch cover, carefully remove the cover.
-
Insert Emergency Key: Insert the emergency key into the ignition switch.
-
Insert Programmed F.A.S.T. Key: Insert an already programmed and working F.A.S.T. key into the end of the emergency key that is inserted in the ignition.
-
Turn Ignition ON: Turn the emergency key (with the F.A.S.T. key attached) to the “ON” position. Complete the following steps within 30 seconds.
-
Remove First F.A.S.T. Key: Remove the programmed F.A.S.T. key from the emergency key.
-
Use First Valid F.A.S.T. Key (Unlock and Lock): With the first valid (already programmed) F.A.S.T. key, press and hold the “UNLOCK” button for 4 to 10 seconds. While holding the “UNLOCK” button, press and release the “LOCK” button once.
-
Release Buttons on First Key: Release both the “LOCK” and then the “UNLOCK” buttons in sequence, within 10 seconds of pressing the “LOCK” button in step 7. Complete the following steps within 30 seconds.
-
Use Second Valid F.A.S.T. Key (Unlock and Lock): With the second valid F.A.S.T. key, repeat step 7: press and hold the “UNLOCK” button for 4 to 10 seconds, and press the “LOCK” button once while holding “UNLOCK”.
-
Release Buttons on Second Key and Wait: Release the “LOCK” and then “UNLOCK” buttons on the second F.A.S.T. key in sequence, within 10 seconds of pressing the “LOCK” button in step 9. The immobilizer display should blink on the information screen in your Mitsubishi Lancer’s multi-information display. Complete 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.
-
Registration Complete: The new F.A.S.T. key registration is now complete. Test the new F.A.S.T. key to ensure all functions are working properly.
Note: 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 instructions, you can program a new key fob for your 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, saving time and money compared to dealership programming. Ensure each step is followed carefully for successful programming. If you encounter difficulties, consulting a professional locksmith or your Mitsubishi dealer is recommended.
