How to Program a 1999 Toyota 4Runner Key Fob: A Simple Guide

Lost your 1999 Toyota 4Runner key fob or need to program a new one? Don’t worry, you can easily program your key fob yourself without a trip to the dealership. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process to program your 1999 4runner Key Fob, saving you time and money.

Step-by-Step Programming Instructions

Follow these instructions carefully to successfully program your 1999 Toyota 4Runner key fob. It’s important to complete each step accurately and within the specified timeframes for the programming to work.

Step 1: Vehicle Preparation

First, ensure your 1999 Toyota 4Runner is properly prepared for programming.

1. Turn off the ignition and remove the key. Make sure the ignition is completely off and the key is removed from the ignition cylinder.
2. Open and unlock the driver’s side door. This door must be open and unlocked throughout the initial programming steps.

Step 2: Entering Programming Mode – Part 1

This step initiates the programming sequence of your 4Runner.

1. Insert the key into the ignition but do not turn it.
2. Remove the key from the ignition.

Step 3: Entering Programming Mode – Part 2

This step continues the programming sequence and must be performed quickly.

1. Within 40 seconds of removing the key in Step 2, use the power lock switch on the driver’s door to 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).

   Alt text: Close-up of the power lock switch on the driver’s side door panel of a 1999 Toyota 4Runner.

2. Close and then open the driver’s door. Ensure the door is fully closed and then reopened.

Step 4: Entering Programming Mode – Part 3

This final part of entering programming mode involves a repeat of the lock/unlock cycle and ignition key manipulation.

1. Within 40 seconds of completing Step 3, use the power lock switch on the driver’s door to perform another 5 lock/unlock cycles, starting with the lock action, at the same pace as before.

2. Insert the key into the ignition.

3. 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 step determines the programming mode:

   • Once: Retains currently programmed remotes and adds the new remote.
   • Twice: Erases all existing programmed remotes and programs only the new remote(s).
   • Three times: Checks how many remotes are currently programmed to the vehicle (for diagnostic purposes, not needed for standard programming).
   • Five times: Erases all existing programmed remotes (another method for clearing remotes).

4. Remove the key from the ignition.

Step 5: Confirming Programming Mode Entry

Confirmation is crucial to ensure you’ve successfully entered programming mode.

1. Within 3 seconds of removing the key in Step 4, the power door locks should automatically cycle lock and unlock. This lock/unlock cycle indicates that your 1999 Toyota 4Runner has successfully entered the key fob programming mode.

Step 6: Programming Your Remote

Now you can program your 1999 4Runner key fob.

1. Within 40 seconds of the door locks cycling in Step 5, take your key fob remote and press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously for 1 second.

   Alt text: Image of a 1999 Toyota 4Runner key fob remote highlighting the lock and unlock buttons.

2. Immediately after, press and hold the LOCK button for 2 seconds. The door locks should cycle lock and unlock again. This lock/unlock cycle confirms that the remote has been successfully programmed to your 1999 Toyota 4Runner.

Step 7: Programming Additional Remotes (Optional)

If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat this step.

1. Repeat Step 6a and 6b for each additional remote you need to program. Make sure to do this within the 40-second programming window.

Step 8: Exiting Programming Mode

To finalize the programming process, simply exit programming mode.

1. Close the driver’s door. Closing the driver’s door will automatically exit the key fob programming mode.

Step 9: Test Your Remotes

The final and most important step is to test all programmed remotes.

1. Test each key fob remote to ensure they lock and unlock the doors of your 1999 Toyota 4Runner correctly.

   Alt text: A person is shown testing the programmed key fob remote on a 1999 Toyota 4Runner by pressing the lock button.

If all remotes function as expected, congratulations! You have successfully programmed your 1999 Toyota 4Runner key fob. If you encounter any issues, carefully re-read the steps and try again, ensuring you are within the time limits for each step. If problems persist, consulting your Toyota 4Runner owner’s manual or a professional automotive locksmith may be necessary.