How to Program a 2010 Toyota 4Runner Key Fob: A Step-by-Step Guide

Losing or damaging your key fob can be a real hassle, especially for your 2010 Toyota 4Runner. Fortunately, programming a new key fob for your vehicle can often be done yourself, saving you time and money compared to dealership services. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to program a 2010 Toyota 4runner Key Fob, allowing you to regain convenient access to your vehicle.

Before you begin, ensure you have a compatible key fob for your 2010 Toyota 4Runner. This procedure is designed for adding or reprogramming key fobs to your existing vehicle system. Follow these instructions carefully to successfully program your key fob.

Programming Your 2010 Toyota 4Runner Key Fob

This process requires a series of timed steps involving the ignition, door locks, and your new key fob. Please read through all the steps before starting to familiarize yourself with the procedure.

1. Vehicle Preparation: Begin by ensuring your 2010 Toyota 4Runner is ready for programming. The key must be OUT of the ignition. Open and UNLOCK the driver’s side door. It is crucial that all other doors are closed during this process.

2. Enter Programming Mode – Step 1: Initiate the programming sequence by inserting your key into the ignition. Do NOT turn the key. Immediately remove the key from the ignition after insertion. This step is a signal to the vehicle to prepare for key fob programming.

3. Enter Programming Mode – Step 2: This step must be performed WITHIN 40 seconds of completing Step 2.
   a. Locate the power lock switch on the driver’s door. Perform 5 lock/unlock cycles using this switch, starting with the LOCK action. Maintain a consistent pace, aiming for approximately one cycle per second. (One cycle consists of one lock and one unlock action).

   b. After the lock/unlock cycles, CLOSE and then OPEN the driver’s side door. This action is part of the sequence to enter programming mode.

4. Enter Programming Mode – Step 3: This step must be performed WITHIN 40 seconds of completing Step 3.
   a. Again, using the power lock switch on the driver’s door, perform another 5 lock/unlock cycles, starting with the LOCK action. Maintain the same consistent pace of approximately one cycle per second.

   b. INSERT the key into the ignition.

   c. Now, you need to use the ignition to select the programming mode.

   • Turn the ignition to the ON position (Do NOT start the engine) and then back to the OFF position ONCE to retain any existing programmed remotes and add the new remote.
   • Turn the ignition to the ON position and then back to the OFF position TWICE to ERASE ALL existing programmed remotes and program ONLY the NEW remote(s). If you are replacing a lost key fob, this step is recommended for security.
   • Turn the ignition to the ON position and then back to the OFF position THREE times if you want to CHECK how many remotes are currently programmed to your 2010 Toyota 4Runner.
   • Turn the ignition to the ON position and then back to the OFF position FIVE times to ERASE ALL existing programmed remotes. This is another option to clear all previous remotes.

   d. REMOVE the key from the ignition after completing the ignition turns as selected above.

5. Enter Programming Mode – Step 4: Within 3 seconds of removing the key from the ignition in Step 4d, the power door locks should automatically cycle LOCK and then UNLOCK. This lock/unlock cycle is your confirmation that your 2010 Toyota 4Runner has successfully entered Programming Mode and is ready to learn the new key fob signal.

6. Program Remote: You now have a 40-second window to program your key fob.
   a. Take your new 2010 Toyota 4Runner key fob. PRESS and HOLD both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the remote simultaneously for 1 second.

   b. Release both buttons and then immediately PRESS and HOLD ONLY the LOCK button for 2 seconds. If the programming is successful, the door locks will cycle LOCK and then UNLOCK again to indicate that the remote has been successfully programmed to your vehicle.

7. Program Additional Remotes: If you have additional key fobs to program for your 2010 Toyota 4Runner, REPEAT Steps 6a and 6b for each additional remote. You can program multiple remotes in this programming session.

8. Exit Programming Mode: To exit the programming mode, simply CLOSE the driver’s door. This action signals to the vehicle that you have completed the key fob programming process.

9. Test Remotes: Thoroughly TEST all programmed remotes to ensure they are working correctly. Check the lock, unlock, and panic buttons to confirm full functionality of each programmed 2010 Toyota 4Runner key fob. Programming is now complete.

By following these steps carefully, you should be able to successfully program a new key fob for your 2010 Toyota 4Runner. This DIY method offers a convenient way to manage your vehicle’s key fob needs without the need for specialized tools or dealership intervention. Enjoy the convenience of your newly programmed key fob!