How to Program Your Garage Door Opener to Your Car
Whether you’ve gotten a new car, would like more convenience or want added security, programming a garage door opener to a car has many benefits. The process can sometimes be complex, as not everyone has the same brand of garage door opener, and you may also want to program your remote.
Here, we provide step-by-step guidance on programming your garage door opener to your car without a remote, with a remote and with different garage door opener brands.
Preparing for the Process
It helps to get everything you need and prepare for the process before you start, saving time. Check that your garage door opener is switched on, and park close to it. Additionally, remember the following:
Note the time limits: You’ll have a 30-second window between pressing a button on your opener and syncing it to the HomeLink® system. Try to have a friend help you with this step so you don’t have to rush.
Get everything you need: If you have one, get your garage door opener remote if you’ll be using it. You’ll also want your car’s user manual to locate the HomeLink® buttons and for any specific make and model instructions.
How to Program a Garage Door Opener Without a Remote
Do this if you no longer want to use your garage door opener’s remote to operate your garage door. Using only HomeLink® means you can leave and return home and manage the garage door using the HomeLink® buttons in your car.
Clear the Car’s Existing Memory
Before connecting your garage door’s opener to your car, you can clear any existing codes as an added safety measure. To do this, turn on your car’s “Run” position and press the furthermost left and right buttons on the HomeLink® simultaneously for 30 seconds.
Press the “Learn” Button on Your Opener
Once you’ve cleared the memory, you’ll need to press the “Learn” button on your garage door opener. The button is usually behind the opener, can be any color and is next to an LED light. Press and let go of the button to start the syncing process.
Sync the Garage Door Opener With HomeLink®
You’ll have 30 seconds to return to your car. Press the HomeLink® button of your choice for two seconds. Release and press again until the light on your garage door opener flashes or you hear a clicking sound.
Test the System
To test the system, press the HomeLink® button you’ve chosen, and the garage door will open and close. If not, follow the steps again.
How to Program Your Garage Door Opener to Your Car With a Remote
You can also program your remote if you want additional ways to operate your garage door. Follow these steps:
Gather the remote: Use a remote that’s been preprogrammed to your garage door opener.
Sit in your car: You’ll need to be in your car to link the remote to the car’s garage door opener system.
Press the buttons simultaneously: With the remote near the system, press the button on the remote and the button in your car simultaneously.
Wait for a solid light: The car’s garage door opener button light should blink, then turn solid.
Programming LiftMaster® or Chamberlain
When programming your LiftMaster or Chamberlain garage door opener to your car, it’s important to note that the programming steps for both brands are the same. To program HomeLink®, follow these steps:
Press the “Learn” button on the opener.
Within 30 seconds, program the HomeLink® by pressing one of the buttons for two seconds until the light blinks, and repeat this process.
The garage door opener light should blink, indicating it’s programmed.
If you have a remote, ensure it can operate the garage door. Here’s how to program it to HomeLink®:
Press the “Learn” button on your garage door opener.
Hold the remote near the HomeLink® system in your car.
Choose a button on the HomeLink® system, and press and hold it.
While holding the HomeLink® button, press the garage door’s remote button. The HomeLink® button should blink rapidly, then turn solid.
Release both buttons.
Test the connection by pressing the HomeLink® button. Your garage door should open or close.
When programming your LiftMaster opener to your car, remember that the “Learn” button can have any color, with the latest models having a yellow circular “Learn” button.
Programming Genie
The process for programming your Genie garage door opener to your car is a little different. Here’s the process:
New Genie garage door openers:
Press the “Program” button on the opener. The round blue LED should turn on.
Release the button, and wait for the purple LED to flash.
Within 30 seconds, press your preferred HomeLink® button for two seconds, release it and press it again for another two seconds.
The LED light will flash blue, then stop.
Press the HomeLink® button repeatedly until the garage door moves.
Older Genie garage door openers:
Press the “Learn” button on the garage door opener. The red light will remain on.
Within 30 seconds, press the HomeLink® button once until the red light stays solid.
Press the same button again until the red light goes off.
The garage door should be programmed and will open and close when you press the HomeLink® button again.
Programming Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re trying to program your garage door opener to your car but it’s not working, try the following:
Complete the process away from interfering signals like electronics.
Ensure you’re within the time limits.
If you didn’t clear the car’s previous code memory, try doing that.
Park close to the garage door opener.
Try keeping the car idle or keeping the keys in the ignition.
