Lost your 2008 Toyota 4runner Key Fob or need to program a new one? Fortunately, programming a key fob for your 2008 Toyota 4Runner can often be done right at home without a trip to the dealership. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for programming your 2008 Toyota 4Runner key fob, saving you time and money. Make sure you have all your key fobs that you wish to program ready before you begin this process.
Standard Programming Procedure for Your 2008 Toyota 4Runner Key Fob
This is the primary method for programming your 2008 Toyota 4Runner key fob. Follow these instructions carefully:
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Prepare Your Vehicle: Ensure your 2008 Toyota 4Runner is turned off, and all doors are closed. Unlock and open only the driver’s side door. It is crucial that all other doors remain closed throughout this procedure.
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Key Insertion Sequence (Part 1): Within 5 seconds of opening the driver’s door, insert your key into the ignition switch. Do not turn the key. Immediately remove the key. Repeat this insert and remove key cycle one more time.
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Door Cycling Sequence (Part 1): Within 40 seconds of the previous step, close and then open the driver’s door. Repeat this close and open door cycle one more time.
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Key Insertion Sequence (Part 2): Within 40 seconds of the previous door cycling sequence, insert the key into the ignition switch again. Do not turn the key, and do not remove it this time. Close the driver’s door.
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Ignition and Programming Mode Entry: With the key inserted and the driver’s door closed, turn the ignition to the “ON” position, then immediately turn it back to the “OFF” position. Do not start the engine. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
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Confirmation of Programming Mode: Within 3 seconds of removing the key, the power door locks should automatically cycle (lock then unlock). This indicates that your 2008 Toyota 4Runner has successfully entered key fob programming mode. If the door locks do not cycle, return to step 1 and repeat the procedure, or try the alternate programming procedure outlined below.
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Key Fob Programming: Within 40 seconds of the door locks cycling, you will program each key fob:
- A. Simultaneously press and hold the “lock” and “unlock” buttons on the key fob for approximately 1.5 seconds.
- B. Immediately after releasing both buttons, press and hold only the “lock” button on the same key fob.
- Confirmation of Key Fob Programming: Within 10 seconds, the door locks should cycle once (lock then unlock) to confirm successful programming of that key fob. If the door locks cycle twice, it indicates that the remote was not accepted. In this case, repeat steps A and B for that key fob.
- Repeat steps A and B for each additional 2008 Toyota 4Runner key fob you need to program.
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Exit Programming Mode: Open the driver’s door to exit the key fob programming mode.
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Test Your Key Fobs: Test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly with your 2008 Toyota 4Runner.
Alternate Programming Procedure for 2008 Toyota 4Runner Key Fob
If the standard procedure does not work for your 2008 Toyota 4Runner, try this alternate method. Ensure you have all key fobs you wish to program ready.
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Vehicle Preparation: Make sure all doors of your 2008 Toyota 4Runner are fully closed.
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Open Driver’s Door: Open only the driver’s side door.
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Key Insertion: Insert your key into the ignition switch, and then immediately remove it.
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Door Lock Switch Cycling (Part 1): Locate the power door lock switch on your driver’s side door panel. Press the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons alternately at 1-second intervals, repeating this cycle a total of 5 times.
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Close and Re-open Driver’s Door: Close the driver’s door and then re-open it.
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Door Lock Switch Cycling (Part 2): Again, press the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons on the door lock switch alternately at 1-second intervals, repeating this cycle a total of 5 times.
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Key Insertion (Again): Insert the key into the ignition switch.
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Ignition Cycle: Turn the ignition to the “ON” position, and then immediately back to the “OFF” position. Do not start the engine.
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Remove Key: Remove the key from the ignition switch.
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Programming Mode Confirmation: The door locks should cycle automatically to confirm that your 2008 Toyota 4Runner has entered key fob programming mode.
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Key Fob Programming (Alternate Method): For 2008 Toyota 4Runner (and most Toyota vehicles other than Avalon models), press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons on the key fob together for 1.5 seconds. Then, immediately press and hold only the “LOCK” button.
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Confirmation of Key Fob Programming (Alternate): The door locks should cycle once to confirm successful programming. If they cycle twice, the programming has failed. Repeat the button procedure for that key fob.
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Program Remaining Key Fobs: Repeat the button procedure in step 11 and 12 to program any remaining key fobs for your 2008 Toyota 4Runner.
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Exit and Test: Close the driver’s door. Test all programmed key fobs to verify they are now functioning correctly with your 2008 Toyota 4Runner.
These procedures should help you program your 2008 Toyota 4Runner key fob quickly and efficiently. If you encounter issues, double-check each step and ensure you are following the timing guidelines. If problems persist, consulting a professional automotive locksmith or Toyota dealership might be necessary.
