For owners of a 1999 Toyota Rav4 looking to program extra remote fobs, you might be searching for “1999 Rav4 Obd2 Programming Software.” However, unlike some newer vehicles, programming remote fobs for the 1999 Rav4 typically doesn’t require OBD2 software or a diagnostic tool. Instead, it involves a manual, step-by-step process that you can perform yourself. This guide, inspired by insights from experienced Rav4 owners, will walk you through programming additional remote fobs for your 1999 Rav4 without needing any specialized software.
This method focuses on accessing and utilizing the security control box within your vehicle to program your remote fobs. While online searches might suggest OBD2 programming, this procedure is confirmed to be effective for the 1999 Rav4 model based on hands-on experience. Let’s get started.
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your 1999 Rav4 Remote Fob
Before you begin, ensure you have all the remote fobs you wish to program ready. It’s also crucial to make sure all doors and windows are closed, and that your doors are in an unlocked state to begin the programming sequence.
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Access the Security Control Box: The first step involves gaining access to the security control box, which is located within the center console area of your Rav4.
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Remove the Center Console: Start by removing the center console. You’ll find two screws on each side of the console and one additional screw located in the rear cupholder. Carefully unscrew and remove these.
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Detach the Red Flashing Light Housing: Once the screws are removed, detach the red flashing light housing from the console. You can then post this housing through the hole in the console where it normally sits to keep it out of the way.
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Disconnect the Ashtray Light Bulb: Locate the small bulb underneath the console that illuminates the ashtray. Carefully remove this bulb. This step is necessary to fully detach the console.
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Remove the Gear Knob and Console: Take off the gear knob and then completely remove the center console. Set the console aside to provide clear access to the control boxes underneath.
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Locate the Security Control Box: With the center console removed, you’ll be able to see several control boxes.
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Identify the Airbag Control Box: Near the handbrake, you should see the Airbag control box.
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Locate the Immobilizer Control Box: Look towards the front of the car, on the left side, almost under the dashboard. Here, you’ll find the Immobilizer control box.
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Find the Security Control Box: To the right of the immobilizer control box, you will find the Security Control Box. This is the box we need to access for remote programming.
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Free the Security Control Box: The security control box is held in place by cable ties.
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Cut the Cable Ties: Carefully cut the two cable ties that secure the security control box in its position. This will loosen the box.
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Release the Cable Tie in the Footwell: To fully access the box, you’ll need to carefully cut the cable tie holding the cable in place in the left-hand footwell, under the dashboard. This will allow you to maneuver the box for programming.
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Prepare the Security Control Box for Programming: Now that the security control box is loose, you can carefully take it out from its space enough to access its underside. Be gentle and avoid pulling excessively on the wires.
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Examine the Box Underside: Look at the bottom of the security control box. You’ll notice that the plug with the wires is encased by a metal case. There’s also a sticky-backed foam strip on the back that extends around the bottom of this metal casing.
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Peel Back the Foam and Remove Metal Casing: Carefully peel back a small section of the foam from around the bottom edge of the metal casing. You will reveal a rivet and a screw that are holding the box section in place. Remove both the rivet and the screw. This will allow you to slide off the bottom part of the metal case.
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Access the Green Button: Once the metal case bottom is removed, you will see a plug on the front edge and, towards the back, a small round hole with a green button inside. This green button is what you’ll use to initiate the remote programming sequence.
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Program the Remote Fobs: With access to the green button, you are now ready to program your remote fobs.
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Turn Key to ACC Position: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ACC” (Accessory) position. Ensure it is in the ACC position and not in the “ON” position.
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Press the Green Button: Use a matchstick or a similar small, pointed object to push and hold the green button inside the small round hole. Upon pressing the button, the red light in the console (the flashing light housing you detached earlier) should light up solid, indicating programming mode is active.
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Press Both Buttons on the Fob: While the red light is solid, press both buttons on the remote fob simultaneously.
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Listen for Confirmation Clicks: After pressing the fob buttons, you should hear three small clicks. These clicks confirm that the remote fob has been successfully accepted and programmed by the system. The red light in the console will then turn off.
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Test the Remote: Remove the key from the ignition. You can now test the newly programmed remote fob to see if it works correctly. Note that the remote might not function if the key is still in the ignition; it will only operate once the key is removed.
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Program Additional Remotes (If Needed): If you have more remotes to program, simply repeat the process from step 5.2 (“Turn Key to ACC Position”) onwards for each additional remote. While the exact limit is unknown, this method has been confirmed to program at least three remotes, including the original ones.
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Reassemble the Security Control Box and Console: After successfully programming all your remote fobs, it’s time to reassemble everything.
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Reattach the Metal Case Bottom: Replace the box section on the bottom of the security control box. You can use a short self-tapping screw to replace the rivet for easier future access if needed.
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Secure the Security Control Box: Cable tie the security control box back into its original position and securely cable tie the cable back in place under the dashboard in the left-hand footwell.
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Reinstall the Center Console: Replace the center console in reverse order of removal. Remember to reconnect the ashtray light bulb and reattach the red flashing light housing to the console before screwing it back into place. Finally, reattach the gear knob.
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Conclusion
Programming remote fobs for your 1999 Rav4 is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any “1999 rav4 obd2 programming software.” By following these manual steps to access the security control box and utilize the green programming button, you can easily add extra remote fobs to your vehicle. This method provides a cost-effective and DIY-friendly solution for 1999 Rav4 owners looking to enhance their keyless entry system. Remember to handle the components carefully and ensure all connections are secure during reassembly. Enjoy the convenience of your newly programmed remote fobs!
