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Need help with Homelink for garage door

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by fredmertz, Feb 26, 2006.

  1. fredmertz

    fredmertz New Member

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    I just can't seem to get the homelink to work on my garage doors. I have gotten it to work on my other cars but for some reason it doesn't work on the Prius.

    I have a Genie mechanism with rolling codes. I followed the steps in the manual by using the handheld opener then by using the lear button on the Genie unit.

    I also found some other instructions on this site that I followed but could not get it to work.

    The light on my %1 homelink button flashes fast now but doesnt seem to connect to the Genie. I tried the other buttons too, but was unsuccessful.

    I know this problem is vague, but does anyone have a tip or trick that could possibly help me?
     
  2. mssmith95

    mssmith95 Michael

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    I just programmed mine for the first time yesterday. It took a few tries, but it finally worked. These are the steps I followed:

    1. I tried to program it as a rolling code model, just like the instructions said...but it did not work

    2. I then erased (accidentally) all of the codes from the garage door...so that all of my other remotes did not work as well

    3. I then tried to program it again, and it worked.

    My only conclusion is that erasing the old codes somehow fixed the issue. I used to install car alarms, and found this same issue with the car alarm remotes. Although the alarm was supposed to accept more then 2 remotes, sometimes it would get "stuck" and needed to be competely reset before I could program the new one.

    To program it, I did the following:

    1. I pushed the learn button on my opener (note: I have a Craftsman, and all you have to do it push the learn button once...if you hold it down it erases all of the codes after 6 seconds...yours may be different...but may have a similar reset feature).

    2. Within around 10 seconds, and with the car in the driveway, around 10 ft in front of the garage, I pushed the left-most homelink button 2 times. This did not activate the garage, so I pushed it one more time and the garage blinked, indicating it had accepted the programming.

    3. Tested it...unlike the garage door remote, you have to hold the homelink button for a second or two before the garage activates...there is a longer delay then with my remote.

    4. I reprogrammed my other remotes by pushing the learn button again and then pushing the button on the remote.

    Let me know if this helps!
     
  3. fredmertz

    fredmertz New Member

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    I tried that procedure, but to no avail.

    I did assume that you meant to say "press the learn button on the main unit" after you erased all your codes. I proceeded to have it learn my other cars and handheld remote which worked for them.

    I wonder why the Prius is different. Anyone?

    I'm at a loss. I have been meaning to replace my chain driver garage door openers with belt drive units. Maybe its time I do that.
     
  4. AlphaTeam

    AlphaTeam Member

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    You know mine was a pain in the butt also.
    It did work in the end.
    let me find the post that helped me.

    EDIT:
    Ok here it is.

    But it was this post in particular.


    I have no idea why the batter thing would matter, but I farted with mine for a couple days and when I turned the battery away it did the trick?????????????
     
  5. dreichla

    dreichla New Member

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    After programming, the one thing I've noticed is I have to press the button for several seconds before my garage door opens.
     
  6. walt

    walt New Member

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    I had just about given up trying to follow the directions in the manual for my '06 prius. Then I went to the garage door opener's web site - downloaded their "how to program" section - found a couple "minor" differences from what the prius manual said - followed the opener's directions - and bingo, it works now. As mentioned above, I have to hold my prius opener button for two full seconds to get the door to open/close, and the original opener required only an instantaneous touch of the button to function, but I am slowly getting my fingers retrained.
     
  7. fredmertz

    fredmertz New Member

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    Well, I tried every possible combination including holding my left foot up in the air while rubbing my belly. That didn't work either.

    I ended up installing all new belt drive units in the garage. The chain drive units were on their last leg anyway and I was concerned about the chain snapping and crashing on to one of the cars.

    After installing the new units, I pressed the learn button and the Homelink worked like a charm.

    It was much more work and money than I expected for a leisurely Sunday but in the end, its all good.

    Thanks for all the great advice. ;)
     
  8. hdrygas

    hdrygas New Member

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    Did you replace the batteries?? You need to hold down the button on the remote for a "long long time" and if your battery is the least bit down you will not program the car. Follow the directions very correctly, get help to do this.
     
  9. fredmertz

    fredmertz New Member

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    Yes, I replaced the batteries, tried different remote units, tried different main units, tried holding the batteries away from the homelink system, reset the homelink, reset the main system(s), researched the Homelink website and followed all other directions, researched the Genie site and followed all of their directions, researched this site and tried all the variations recommended. Bottom line, there seemed to be some compatibility issue.

    I replace the units and was able to setup the Homelink in 2 minutes with the new units. I am good to go.

    Once again, thanks for all the advice given on this site. Everyone that frequents this site seems to be very personable and helpful. You don't find that often when people don't have to show their true identity.
     
  10. yuanja

    yuanja New Member

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    i agree, i have a genie and it does not do anything. my other car works just fine with the genie garage door opener.

    i first left the car in the drive way - but no way. maybe distance. so i parked the car just underneath the garage opener motor.

    does my car need to be in running mode? i simply press power (w/o my feet on the break) and the auxilary power came up. my programing attempt was based on this mode.

    next, i've followed the instruction on the manual:
    located the learn button on my garage door, press it. a light start to flash on the opener.

    then, i went inside my car, press the first button twice. a red light blinks once each time i pressed. i then press the button the third time. nothing happens. DOES THE LIGHT NEED TO BE FLASHING?

    anyways, i am about to give up. i wonder if toyota's service reps is any help. wish me luck.
     
  11. IsrAmeriPrius

    IsrAmeriPrius Progressive Member

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    It is a two step process. First, you must teach the Homelink unit the rolling code for your garage door opener. Secondly, you need to teach the garage door opener to recognize the Homelink device.

    Both the Homelink and the Genie websites indicate that their products are compatible with each other.

    From the Homelink Training page for the 2006 Toyota Prius:

     
  12. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    I had trouble programming mine too. It worked flawlessly once I did the reset/erase procedure for my car Homelink.
     
  13. fredmertz

    fredmertz New Member

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    I replaced all my Genie units with Chamerlain "Whisper Quiet Plus" belt drive units. I was then able to program all the remotes in a couple minutes flat.

    I previously had some older Genie units that wouldn't work no matter what I tried. The folks at Genie were very helpful but could not get them to work properly.

    The new belt drive units are really great. My garage is on top of my house so having the garage door openers that quiet is really nice.
     
  14. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    If I had known about belt drive openers when I built the workshop at my hobby farm, I would have picked them hands down.

    I went on a "Parade of Homes" tour last week here in Winnipeg and the builder was showing off his Genie belt drive. God those things are quiet! I would't care if I had to change the belt every 2 years, the drive action is so smooth and quiet it's still worth it.
     
  15. bfenenga

    bfenenga Junior Member

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    You guys are great. I followed the instructions and all's good now with my new home and garage doors.

    Thanks!
     
  16. ceric

    ceric New Member

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    yuanja,
    Homelink is hooked up to constant 12V (not ignition 12V). It works anytime when pressed.
    The procedure should be very simple. No manual required.
    - hold down the outwside two buttons until the red light go steady (no more flashing)
    This takes about 10 seconds or so. This erases the old codes inside the mirror unit
    - go to the garage opener and press the training button (usually red on the back side)
    A light turns on, and you have about 20-30 seconds to press the button on mirror.
    - go inside your vehicle, press the corresponding button. Hold it down until the red light changes flashing status (I forgot. Either from flashing to steady or from steady to flashing - one of the two). Release the button. Press it again to see if it works.
    Homelink buttons are different from fob buttons. It takes about 1-2 seconds of pressing. Sometimes, one tap on the button is not enough to trigger it.

    Several key points here
    - need to erase old codes
    - you don't have unlimited time to train the mirror unit. You need to do it fairly quickly.
    - press it a bit longer than buttons on regular fob.

    I follow that process to program my homelink on my CX-9 recently. It is also made by Gentax. Look and feel is very similar to the one on my Prius as well.