Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a major inconvenience. Luckily, programming a new key fob for your 2000 Toyota Solara can often be done yourself, saving you time and money compared to dealership programming. This guide provides comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructions for programming your 2000 Toyota Solara Key Fob, ensuring you regain remote access to your vehicle quickly and efficiently. Whether you’ve purchased a new aftermarket key fob or are working with a replacement, these methods will help you get programmed and back on the road.
Method 1: Standard Key Fob Programming Procedure
This first method is the most common procedure for programming a 2000 Toyota Solara key fob. Ensure you have all the transmitters (key fobs) you wish to program for your vehicle at hand before starting.
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Prepare the Vehicle: With all doors closed, unlock and open the driver’s door. Make sure all other doors remain closed throughout this process.
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Key Insertion Sequence (Part 1): Within 5 seconds of opening the driver’s door, insert your key into the ignition but do not turn it. Immediately remove the key. Repeat this insert and remove key action once more. Essentially, insert and remove the key twice in quick succession.
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Door Cycling and Key Insertion (Part 2): Within 40 seconds of the previous step, close and then open the driver’s door. Repeat this close and open door action once more. Again, perform this twice. Following the door cycling, insert the key into the ignition one last time and leave it inserted. Do not turn the ignition yet.
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Final Door Close and Ignition Cycle: Within 40 seconds, close the driver’s door. With the key still in the ignition, turn the ignition to the “ON” position, and then immediately turn it back to the “OFF” position. Remember, do not start or crank the engine during this step. Remove the key from the ignition.
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Programming Mode Confirmation: Within 3 seconds of removing the key, the power door locks should automatically cycle – locking and then unlocking. This automatic lock cycle indicates that your 2000 Toyota Solara has successfully entered key fob programming mode. If the door locks do not cycle at this point, return to step 1 and carefully repeat the procedure. You can also try the alternate programming procedure detailed below.
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Key Fob Programming: Within 40 seconds of entering programming mode:
- A. Simultaneous Button Press: Press and hold both the “lock” and “unlock” buttons on the key fob you are programming simultaneously for approximately 1.5 seconds.
- B. Lock Button Hold: Immediately after releasing both buttons, press and hold only the “lock” button on the key fob. 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 means the remote was not accepted. In this case, repeat steps A and B in step 6 again for the same remote.
- Repeat steps A and B for each additional 2000 Toyota Solara 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.
After completing these steps, test each programmed 2000 Toyota Solara key fob to ensure they correctly lock and unlock your vehicle.
Method 2: Alternate Key Fob Programming Procedure
If the standard method doesn’t work for your 2000 Toyota Solara key fob, this alternate procedure may be successful. It’s important to have all your remotes ready before beginning this procedure as well.
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Vehicle Preparation: Ensure all doors are fully closed before starting.
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Open Driver’s Door: Open only the driver’s door.
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Key Insertion (Initial): 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 the driver’s side door panel. Press the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons alternately at approximately 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 immediately 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 5 times.
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Key Insertion (Programming): Insert the key into the ignition switch and leave it there.
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Ignition Cycle: Turn the ignition to the “ON” position (without starting the engine), and then immediately turn it back to the “OFF” position.
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Key Removal: Remove the key from the ignition switch.
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Programming Mode Entry Confirmation & Remote Activation: The door locks should cycle automatically to confirm entry into programming mode. At this point, you need to activate your 2000 Toyota Solara key fob:
- ALL OTHER VEHICLES (Including Solara): Press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons on the remote simultaneously for 1.5 seconds. Then, immediately press and hold only the “LOCK” button until the door locks cycle once.
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Programming Confirmation: The door locks should cycle once to confirm successful programming of the key fob. If the locks cycle twice, the programming procedure has failed for that remote.
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Program Remaining Remotes: Repeat the button procedure from step 10 to program any remaining 2000 Toyota Solara key fobs.
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Final Step: Close the driver’s door.
Test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly with your 2000 Toyota Solara.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Timing is Crucial: Key fob programming procedures are often time-sensitive. Ensure you are performing the steps within the specified timeframes (e.g., within 5 seconds, within 40 seconds). If you are unsure, try the procedure again, focusing on speed and accuracy.
- New Batteries: Make sure the key fobs you are trying to program have fresh batteries. Low battery power can sometimes interfere with the programming process.
- Correct Key Fob: Verify that the replacement key fob is indeed compatible with a 2000 Toyota Solara. Check part numbers or consult with a parts specialist if you are uncertain.
- Start Over: If you encounter issues, don’t hesitate to start the procedure over from step 1. Sometimes a fresh attempt can resolve glitches.
By following these detailed instructions, you should be able to successfully program your 2000 Toyota Solara key fob and regain the convenience of remote locking and unlocking. If you continue to experience difficulties, it may be necessary to consult with a professional locksmith or your local Toyota dealership for assistance.
