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Homelink Alternative Method

Discussion in 'Knowledge Base Articles Discussion' started by Tideland Prius, Oct 16, 2007.

  1. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    If you're here, you've probably tried both methods outlined in your owner's manual and still can't get your Homelink to pair up and open/close your garage door.

    Here's a 3rd method that you can try from the Homelink company (Johnson&Johnson) themselves

    1. Initialize the HomeLink system on the mirror.
    2. Hold the remote near the mirror and hold the button until flashing.
    3. Press the "Training Mode" on the garage opener unit.
    4. Press the HomeLink button for 3 seconds.
    5. Repeat Step 4.
    6. Repeat Step 4 Again.


    It is similar to the Rolling Code method but not identical.

    Thanks to SKGuh for the method!
     
  2. Winston

    Winston Member

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    That is great for when you don't have easy access to another remote.
     
  3. mingoglia

    mingoglia Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Oct 16 2007, 03:35 PM) [snapback]526573[/snapback]</div>
    That makes sense. I usually skip to the rolling code directions in the manual (which don't use the existing remote). Usually they don't work. I'll then try the remote method and it won't work. I'll follow that up with the rolling code method and it usually works. Failing in that order, has unintentionally caused me to follow what you posted. It happened with my new Grand Cherokee 2 months ago, then with my new Prius a couple of days ago. I couldn't get the Prius to pair. Tried the rolling code method, didn't work. Tried the remote method, didn't work. Then tried the rolling code again and it worked. I've always figured it was a fluke. Perhaps though using the pairing method consecutively after the remote method caused it to (accidently) work.
     
  4. darelldd

    darelldd Prius is our Gas Guzzler

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Oct 16 2007, 03:35 PM) [snapback]526573[/snapback]</div>
    Though I have mine working in the traditional (manual way), I'm interested in this, and have some questions.

    1. What does "initialize" mean?
    2. press *which* button until *what* flashes? I'm assuming this has something to do with the initicalization of #1.

    The rest makes sense to me, at least!
     
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  5. echase

    echase New Member

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    Or, if you haave package 1, get an inexpensive replacement remote at home depot (~$20) then take it out of it's case, and solder wires to the leads on the button. Wrap the gizmo in bouble wrap to avoid rattles, and tuck it into your dash, then wire to a new button on your dashboard (~$2 at radioshack)

    Very reliable, and easy to access (I used one of the blank spots on the dash, where the EV button should be). Of course in a couple of years I will have to open the dash to replace the battery, but it's increadibly easy with the snap-off panels on the prius.
     
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Nov 2 2007, 08:01 AM) [snapback]533906[/snapback]</div>
    1. Probably means reset everything (although that's not really necessary I think... probably a programmer's thing.. you know.. Clear All)

    2. The Homelink button. I don't think the remote light will flash.
     
  7. skguh

    skguh Member

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    Another Thought

    I just noticed this thread and wanted to add some low-cost alternatives: Call the provider, HomeLink. I sent them an e-mail with a detailed description of my difficulties, namely that my Model Genie garage door shaft drive opener (purchased in about 1998) didn't listen to either method offered in the manual or on the website. They called me back that day, gave me a contact number so that I could go out to the house (I was at work) into the garage, and they walked me step-by-step through the process described to Tideland. The initialization is part of both methods outlined in the provided directions, but the vendor (HomeLink) has different codes for different units and models. I've programmed both my garage doors and have a free button (gotta find a secure entry somewhere) left. And all it took was reading the book and calling the number provided.
     
  8. ilusnforc

    ilusnforc Member

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    Found another old dead thread... bored at work.

    If you have a newer Wayne Dalton opener like mine or any other brand/model that has a "Z-Wave" feature, there are 2 different "program" or "learn" buttons... don't make the mistake I did...

    I was apparently using the Z-Wave program button and spent about an hour both on and off the phone with the Homelink people, called the number in the owners manual which ended up at Toyota who transferred me to Homelink. The homelink rep was very nice and helpful, sounded knowledgeable but apparently she hadn't encountered an opener with Z-wave and 2 different program/learn buttons.

    A few days later I was reading through the manual for my opener online to see what all this Z-wave was about, finally figured it out and went out to take a look. Sure enough, the learn button on the back was the one for Z-wave and the program button for the opener was on the side (where my car was parked) otherwise in plain view and well within reach. Went through the steps exactly as outlined in the manual and it worked on the first try (using the right button that is...).

    I've programmed my homelink to at least 3 different openers prior to this one and have helped other people with homelink in their cars to get them programmed wondering why on earth they still have their remote clipped to the visor with homelink buttons on their mirrors. Hope this helps someone.
     
  9. macaski

    macaski New Member

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    I just pushed the learn button once and then pushed my homelink button in until it started to flash real fast, took 30 seconds.