Is your 1998 Toyota Camry key fob failing, or have you acquired a replacement that needs programming? You’re in the right place. As automotive experts at keyfobprog.com, we understand the frustration of a malfunctioning or unprogrammed key fob. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of programming your 1998 Toyota Camry key fob, ensuring you regain full control of your vehicle’s security system.
This guide is specifically designed for Toyota Camry models from 1998 that are equipped with the SECURIKEY+ system. SECURIKEY+ is a factory-installed security system that allows for remote operation of various vehicle functions, including locking, unlocking, and optional features like trunk release and remote start. You can program up to four transmitters to your SECURIKEY+ system, making it easy to add replacement fobs or equip multiple drivers.
Let’s dive into the programming process to get your 1998 Toyota Camry key fob working seamlessly with your vehicle.
Understanding Your SECURIKEY+ System Channels
Before we begin the programming steps, it’s crucial to understand how the SECURIKEY+ system channels work. Think of these channels as individual commands that your key fob can send to your Toyota Camry. Each button on your key fob can be programmed to control one of these channels. Here’s a breakdown of the available channels:
| 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) |
It’s important to note that each button on your key fob can only be programmed to a single channel. For example, the “green” button on your key fob cannot operate both the headlight feature and the remote start option simultaneously; it must be programmed to control only one of these functions.
Programming Your 1998 Toyota Camry Key Fob Transmitter: Step-by-Step
Follow these detailed steps to program your new or additional key fob transmitter to your 1998 Toyota Camry’s SECURIKEY+ system. Remember to complete each step within 15 seconds to avoid the system exiting programming mode. If this occurs, simply restart from the beginning.
Before you begin:
- Ensure your SECURIKEY+ system is disarmed.
- Verify the lighted valet switch is in the “off” (out) position.
Programming Procedure:
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Turn the Ignition ON: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “on” position. Do not start the engine.
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Valet Switch Activation: Locate the L.E.D. valet switch (refer to your vehicle’s manual for its exact location if needed). Press and release the valet switch 6 times in quick succession.
At this point, the system will enter programming mode, starting with CHANNEL 1 (LOCK & Panic Feature). You will hear a single horn chirp and see the L.E.D. flash once, indicating you are in Channel 1 programming mode.
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Program the LOCK Button (Channel 1):
- Press and hold the LOCK button on the key fob you wish to program.
- Continue holding the LOCK button until you hear one loud horn chirp from your Toyota Camry. This confirms the LOCK button on that transmitter is programmed for Channel 1.
- Repeat this step for any additional key fobs you want to program for the LOCK function (up to four transmitters).
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Advance to UNLOCK Feature (Channel 2): After programming the LOCK buttons for all desired transmitters, press and release the L.E.D. valet switch 2 times to advance to the next channel.
You will now hear two horn chirps and see the L.E.D. flash twice, indicating you are in Channel 2 programming mode for the UNLOCK feature.
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Program the UNLOCK Button (Channel 2):
- Press and hold the UNLOCK button on the key fob.
- Hold the button until you hear one loud horn chirp. This confirms the UNLOCK button is programmed.
- Repeat for other transmitters as needed.
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Advance to TRUNK RELEASE Option (Channel 3): Press and release the L.E.D. valet switch 2 times to move to Channel 3.
You will hear three horn chirps and see three L.E.D. flashes for Channel 3, which is for the TRUNK RELEASE option (if your vehicle is equipped with it).
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Program the TRUNK RELEASE Button (Channel 3 – Optional):
- If you have the trunk release option and want to program a button for it (typically the GREEN button), press and hold the designated button.
- Listen for one horn chirp to confirm programming.
- Repeat for other transmitters if necessary.
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Advance to 30-Second Headlight Feature (Channel 4): Press and release the valet switch 2 times to proceed to Channel 4.
Four horn chirps and four L.E.D. flashes will indicate Channel 4, which is for the 30-second headlight activation feature.
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Program the HEADLIGHT Button (Channel 4 – Optional):
- If you want to use the headlight feature and program a button (often the GREEN button if not used for trunk release), press and hold the chosen button.
- Wait for one horn chirp to confirm.
- Repeat for other transmitters as desired.
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Advance to Separate PANIC Button Feature (Channel 5): Press and release the valet switch 2 times to get to Channel 5.
Five horn chirps and five L.E.D. flashes signal Channel 5, the Separate PANIC Button Feature.
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Program the PANIC Button (Channel 5 – Optional):
- If you wish to program a button for the panic feature (GREEN button in some configurations), press and hold the button.
- Listen for one horn chirp to confirm programming.
- Repeat for any other transmitters.
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Advance to REMOTE START Feature (Channel 6): Press and release the valet switch 2 times to reach the final channel, Channel 6.
Six horn chirps and six L.E.D. flashes indicate Channel 6, the REMOTE START Feature (if your vehicle has this optional kit).
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Program the REMOTE START Button (Channel 6 – Optional):
- If your 1998 Toyota Camry has remote start and you want to program a button (typically the GREEN button if available), press and hold the button.
- Wait for one horn chirp to confirm.
- Program other transmitters as needed.
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Exit Programming Mode: To exit the programming mode after configuring all desired channels, you can either:
- Press and release the L.E.D. valet switch 2 times again.
- Simply turn the ignition key to the “off” position.
The system will terminate programming mode, and your newly programmed key fobs should now operate the programmed functions on your 1998 Toyota Camry.
Alt text: 1998 Toyota Camry key fob featuring lock, unlock, and optional function buttons.
Programming Selectable Features on Your SECURIKEY+ System
The SECURIKEY+ system in your 1998 Toyota Camry also offers customizable features that you can adjust to your preferences. These features control aspects like headlight behavior, automatic door locking, and panic button functionality. You can change these settings using the valet switch and any programmed key fob transmitter.
Here’s a list of the selectable features:
| FEATURE # | FUNCTION | 1 CHIRP OPTION | 2 CHIRPS OPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 or all doors | Driver’s door only | All doors |
| 6 | Active or Passive arming | Passive (Automatic) | Active (Remote Only) |
| 7 | Active or Passive door locks | Passive (Automatic) | Active (Remote Only) |
| 8 | Trunk release output – 1 second or latched | 1 second | Latched |
| 9 | Panic on lock button or option button | Option button (GREEN) | Lock button |
| 10 | Trunk Release Hold – 1 second or 2 presses | Hold 1 Second | Press 2 Times |
To modify these selectable features, follow these steps. Remember the 15-second time limit between steps. You don’t need to go through all features; you can stop after adjusting the ones you want to change by simply turning the ignition off.
Steps to Program Selectable Features:
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Disarm and Valet Switch Off: Ensure the SECURIKEY+ system is disarmed and the valet switch is in the “off” (out) position.
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Ignition ON: Turn the vehicle’s ignition key to the “on” position (do not start the engine).
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Valet Switch 6 Times: Press and release the L.E.D. valet switch 6 times.
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Ignition OFF then ON: Immediately turn the ignition key to the “off” position and then back to the “on” position.
The system will now enter feature programming mode, starting with FEATURE 1. The L.E.D. will flash and the horn will chirp to indicate the feature number and current setting.
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FEATURE 1: Headlights ON During Disarm: The L.E.D. will flash 1 time. The horn will chirp either 1 time (Headlights ON) or 2 times (Headlights OFF) indicating the current setting.
- To change the setting: Press and release the LOCK button on your key fob. The horn will chirp either 1 or 2 times to indicate the new setting.
- To keep the current setting: Press and release the L.E.D. valet switch 2 times to advance to FEATURE 2.
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FEATURE 2: Headlights ON During Arm: The L.E.D. will flash 2 times. Horn chirps indicate the current setting (1 chirp = ON, 2 chirps = OFF).
- To change: Press the LOCK button.
- To skip: Press the valet switch 2 times.
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FEATURE 3: Ignition Controlled Door Locks: L.E.D. flashes 3 times. Horn chirps indicate setting (1 chirp = ON, 2 chirps = OFF).
- To change: Press the LOCK button.
- To skip: Press the valet switch 2 times.
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FEATURE 4: Ignition Controlled Door Unlock: L.E.D. flashes 4 times. Horn chirps indicate setting (1 chirp = ON, 2 chirps = OFF).
- To change: Press the LOCK button.
- To skip: Press the valet switch 2 times.
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FEATURE 5: Auto Unlock Driver’s Door or All Doors: L.E.D. flashes 5 times. Horn chirps indicate setting (1 chirp = Driver’s door, 2 chirps = All doors).
- To change: Press the LOCK button.
- To skip: Press the valet switch 2 times.
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FEATURE 6: Passive or Active Arming: L.E.D. flashes 6 times. Horn chirps indicate setting (1 chirp = Passive, 2 chirps = Active).
- To change: Press the LOCK button.
- To skip: Press the valet switch 2 times.
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FEATURE 7: Passive or Active Door Locks: L.E.D. flashes 7 times. Horn chirps indicate setting (1 chirp = Passive, 2 chirps = Active).
- To change: Press the LOCK button.
- To skip: Press the valet switch 2 times.
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FEATURE 8: Trunk Release Output: Do not change this feature. Leave it at the factory preset (1 chirp) mode. Press and release the valet switch 2 times to advance to FEATURE 9.
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FEATURE 9: Panic on Option Button or Lock Button: L.E.D. flashes 9 times. Horn chirps indicate setting (1 chirp = Option button, 2 chirps = Lock button).
- To change: Press the LOCK button.
- To skip: Press the valet switch 2 times.
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FEATURE 10: Trunk Release Hold – 1 Second or 2 Presses: L.E.D. flashes 10 times. Horn chirps indicate setting (1 chirp = Hold 1 Second, 2 chirps = Press 2 Times).
- To change: Press the LOCK button.
- To exit programming mode: If you are finished or have cycled through all features, simply turn the ignition key to the “off” position to exit the programming mode.
By following these instructions, you can successfully program your 1998 Toyota Camry key fob and customize the selectable features of your SECURIKEY+ system to best suit your needs. If you encounter any difficulties, re-read the steps carefully and ensure you are within the 15-second time limit for each step.
