Programming Keys

Overview

The VR4 ETACS module and the associated antenna module supports up to two key remotes for unlocking and locking the doors. As discussed in the ETACS page, the security of the factory remotes is poor and does not use rolling codes or adequate encryption.

Isn't this sensitive information?

As those who work in the Information Security industry say: "Security through obscurity is no security at all". Incorrectly assuming that the factory VR4 remote key fob system is secure leads to poor choices, which in the worst case results in your car being stolen. We provide this information here for the world so that two things happen:

1. You know how to program new keys to unlock your car; and
2. All VR4 owners end up installing a separate immobiliser

Why keep the stock keys then?

The stock system allows you to wind up and wind down your windows remotely. It's actually a handy feature, but if you don't like the idea, then ditch the stock fobs and get an alarm with immobiliser and remote key fobs.

Key Fob programming

Step	Task	Details
1	Brige pins 1 and 4 of the diagnostic connector	Diagnostic connector location Bridging pins 1 and 4 of the diagnostic connector
2	Sit in the car with the key(s) to be programmed and close all the doors	All doors must be closed for programming to work
3	Turn the ignition ON	Make sure the Check Engine Light is flashing constantly.
4	Turn the ignition OFF
5	Disconnect one of the bridging wires and immediately re-insert it
6	Cycle the ignition to the Accessory and then OFF 3 times	Turn the ignition to ACC and wait one second Turn the ignition to OFF and wait one second Turn the ignition to ACC and wait one second Turn the ignition to OFF and wait one second Turn the ignition to ACC and wait one second Turn the ignition to OFF
7	Verify the doors lock and unlock	If you were successful in steps 1-6, the doors will lock and unlock one time. If they do not lock and unlock, start again from step 1 until they do.
8	Press the transmitter on the key to be programmed 3 times	On the key to be programmed to the car, press any of the buttons three times.
9	Verify the doors lock and unlock	If you were successful in step 8, the doors will lock and unlock to confirm the key has been programmed.
10	Repeat step 8 for the second key (if any)	If you have a second key that needs to be programmed, repeat step 8 and make sure that the doors also lock and unlock.
11	Remove the bridge from the diagnostic connector pins

Screenshot from workshop manual

The following screenshot is the source of the above procedure: