Lost or misplaced your 2004 Rav4 Key Fob? Getting a replacement from the dealership can be expensive and time-consuming. The good news is you can easily program a new aftermarket key fob yourself, saving you both time and money. This guide provides simple, step-by-step instructions to program a 2004 RAV4 key fob, allowing you to regain keyless entry convenience quickly and affordably.
System Preparation for Key Fob Programming
Before you can program your new 2004 RAV4 key fob, you need to prepare your vehicle’s system. Follow these steps carefully:
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Initial Setup: Sit in the driver’s seat with the driver’s side door open and unlocked. Ensure all other doors are closed and locked.
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Key Insertion Sequence (Twice): Within 5 seconds of starting, perform the following sequence twice:
- Insert the key into the ignition (do not turn it).
- Remove the key from the ignition.
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Door and Key Cycle (Series 1): Within 40 seconds, complete this sequence:
- Close the driver’s door.
- Open the driver’s door.
- Close the driver’s door.
- Open the driver’s door.
- Insert the key into the ignition (do not turn it).
- Remove the key from the ignition.
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Door and Key Cycle (Series 2): Within 40 seconds, perform this sequence:
- Close the driver’s door.
- Open the driver’s door.
- Close the driver’s door.
- Open the driver’s door.
- Insert the key into the ignition (do not turn it).
- Leave the key in the ignition.
- Close the driver’s door.
- Turn the key to the “ON” position (do not start the engine).
- Turn the key to the “OFF” position.
- Remove the key from the ignition.
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Programming Mode Confirmation: Within 3 seconds, the door locks should automatically lock and then unlock. This lock cycle indicates that your 2004 RAV4 has successfully entered programming mode. If the locks do not cycle, return to step 1 and repeat the system preparation process.
Programming Your 2004 RAV4 Key Fob
Once your vehicle is in programming mode, you can program your new 2004 RAV4 key fob:
- Remote Programming Sequence: Within 40 seconds of entering programming mode:
- Simultaneous Press: Press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons on the key fob simultaneously for about 1.5 seconds, then release both buttons.
- Lock Button Press: Immediately after releasing the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons, press and hold the “LOCK” button alone for 2 seconds.
- Confirmation: Within 3 seconds, the door locks should automatically lock and then unlock, confirming successful programming of the key fob. If the door locks cycle twice, it indicates the remote was not accepted. In this case, repeat steps A and B in step 6.
- Programming Additional Remotes: To program additional 2004 RAV4 key fobs, repeat steps A and B in step 6 for each new remote.
These straightforward instructions will help you program your 2004 RAV4 key fob quickly and efficiently. By following these steps, you can avoid costly dealership programming fees and enjoy the convenience of keyless entry once again.
