How to program a key fob

[azskycop]

OK, I had some trouble with this recently and two dealers told me it was "very hard" and even the Lotus Rep had trouble. Once I figured out that Lotus had left out a step or two in the owners manual it was not so bad. I thought I would post this for those of you who may have to replace your batteries or just want to program a new fob:

What Lotus left out, I found in the Alarm manual, and added some from experience:

Start procedure with ignition on and the alarm DISARMED.

Follow owners manual instructions:

Press and hold both buttons on fob until FOB light stops flashing (about 10 seconds). Do this for all remotes to be programmed (Yes even the one that works because this will reset all to a new code). After this the light of the fob should stay on until after programming. This is the last step where the fob light matters, all else concerns the TACH light.

Turn ignition off and on three times fast (within a few seconds) stop in the off position

The TACH light will illuminate for 3 seconds then go out.

Enter your alarm code as per the book. Basically turn on the ignition, count the number of flashes to correspond with the first number of the code and turn off the ignition. Do this for each number of the code. (I would suggest doing this first with the alarm ARMED to see if it DISARMS, that way you at least know you have the correct code and you are able to enter it correctly).

My technique for this that worked well was turn on ignition as fast as possible, wait for the light count, turn off ignition when light illuminated on the count of your number (don't wait for the light to go out-for some reason mine would disarm the alarm either way but worked better this way to program a new fob). Between code number entries turn ignition off and wait about a second (you can hear a click from the engine bay about a second after turning off the ignition). Then repeat above for each number of your code.

(Manual says if wrong number is entered wait 10 seconds then resume with 1st number of code but I would recommend starting over, unless you really feel lucky)

After the last number is entered and you turn off the ignition you have to turn the ignition back on and if all goes well (say a prayer to Colin if you made it this far) you should have a STEADY illuminated TACH light.

Press and hold the #1 (large) key fob button on one of the remotes until the TACH light goes out then comes back on.

Do this for each remaining fob, should be able to do a total of 4 per the book.

Each one should give the same indication as above.

Turn off the ignition and check each fob for function.

That should do it and by the way if it does not work don't fear I found that even after many unsuccessful, incorrect attempts, my original fob never lost its program and would still work.

Good luck and I hope this helped.

[bluejae]

there's a light on the fob?

[zvezdah1]

So, if you replace the battery you have to reprogram the fob?
Chris

[Tyger]

Originally Posted by zvezdah1

So, if you replace the battery you have to reprogram the fob?
Chris

No, you shouldn't have to.
You might have to do a "resynch" of the fob, but that's fairly simple. That seems to depend on how fast you can put the fresh battery in. I think there is a capacitor that keeps all the info currrent for a few seconds while waiting for the new battery.

PS The "light" on the fob is just a tiny red indicator LED in a pinhole, which you would never notice unless you were looking for it.

[a7an]

Greatly appreciate the above information. Extremely helpful.

Does anyone know how to completely disable this horrible thing???

THX

[habendanio]

Sounds simple but I just got a new fob and tried the above procedure. It does'nt work for me.
I can follow the procedure through the first digit of of code but when I turn it back on to enter the second digit I don't get any blinks???
Anybody program any fobs lately that can help walk me through it.

[neckstrap]

I have tried the factory instructions a number of times with my new fob and it didn't work. I can't wait to try your version! However, I will have to wait because the battery and rear clam are off the car.

A Lotus service technician told me it was easier to just disable the system. He said to find the connector behind the seats and connect the outer two pins together and the system will be totally disabled.

When I get the car running, I may try that.

Paul

[snuggles1]

Good to know all this! My prob is that i only have one key fob, can anyone tell me how to go about getting a spare? many thanks!!

[TimMullen]

Originally Posted by snuggles1

Good to know all this! My prob is that i only have one key fob, can anyone tell me how to go about getting a spare? many thanks!!

Unfortunately they aren't used on any other US cars (as far as I know). You can get them at the dealer (expensive), or search the web for European based companies selling the fobs (they are Cobra alarms). I have seen them selling rather cheap on the UK based eBay - I would attempt to buy one from one of the companies selling that way and willing to ship it to the US.

[eighteenseconds]

My original key fob was lost in the mail, so now I only have one; the original spare.
However, with this spare, I don't ever have to perform the extra immobilizer step during the starting porocedure unless It's been less than a minute or two between a stop + exit + arm and a restart. Weirdness.

[neckstrap]

azskycop,

Man, I had high hopes for your method. Unfortunately, it will not work for me. I've tried it many, many times. Everything goes just fine until I finish entering the code and turn the key back on. At this point, the light on the tach should stay on (according to your instructions). Mine flashes quickly and stays off. The alarm IS disabled and I can start and drive the car. However, I cannot complete the fob programming by hitting the big switch in 7 seconds. Hitting it twice doesn't work either.

I have ensured that the engine cover switch, door switches and both front cover switches are closed. The interior light is in the down position and comes on when I open the door. I bought the key fob from a dealer ($160.00) and got my alarm code from them. The light on the fob does exactly what you say it should.

Do you have any other suggestions?

Paul

[GaryD]

Originally Posted by neckstrap

azskycop,
The interior light is in the down position ....

Paul

you had it in the off position though when programing though right? he says with alarm disarmed...

[Aedo]

neckstrap,

I had a struggle and managed to get updated instructions faxed to me from Lotus as follows:

Fob programming instructions are as follows (you need to have the security code for this procedure!!!):

Programming Additional Transmitter Fobs
Two transmitter fobs are provided with the new car. If one transmitter is lost or damaged, a replacement should be obtained immediately from your dealer, and programmed to the car alarm controller using a functioning transmitter fob and the system owner’s unique Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Up to 4 transmitter fobs can be matched with the alarm system, but all fobs must collectively undergo the single programming operation:

a). Before programming the transmitters, the PIN should first be verified. If the PIN is incorrect and a working fob is prepared for reprogramming, all fobs may be disabled. To verify the PIN;
With the car immobilised (tell tale flashing), follow steps (3i) to (3iii) below (ie. do not prepare any fobs). If the PIN is correct, the tell tale should be extinguished, and the system mobilised. If not, the PIN is incorrect.
b). Having verified the PIN as above, proceed as follows:

1. Press, simultaneously, both buttons on a transmitter fob until the fob tell tale stops flashing (approx. 10 seconds). On release of the buttons, the fob tell tale will light.
2. Repeat operation (1) for ALL the transmitter fobs required to operate the system.
3. If the system is immobilised (security tell tale flashing):
(i) Turn the ignition on and off 3 times within 7 seconds; the security tell tale in the tachometer will light for 3 seconds.
(ii) Enter the PIN: Immediately the tell tale goes out, switch ON the ignition and count the number of security tell tale flashes until equal to the first number of the PIN, then turn the ignition OFF, then back ON again.
(iii) Repeat operation (ii) for the remaining 3 digits of the PIN, remembering to tum the ignition OFF and back ON after each code number.
Note: If at any time a mistake is made when entering the PIN, turn the ignition OFF for 10 seconds and recommence entering the PIN.
(iv). If the PIN is correct, the security tell tale will be out. Carry on with step 4.
4. With the system mobilised (security tell tale out):
(i) Turn the ignition on and off 3 times within 7 seconds; the security tell tale in the tachometer will light for 3 seconds.
(ii) Enter the PIN: Immediately the tell tale goes out, switch ON the ignition and count the number of security tell tale flashes until equal to the first number of the PIN, then turn the ignition OFF, then back ON again.
(iii) Repeat operation (ii) for the remaining 3 digits of the PIN, remembering to turn the ignition OFF and back ON after each code number.
Note: If at any time a mistake is made when entering the PIN, turn the ignition OFF for 10 seconds and recommence entering the PIN.
5. After finishing step (4) with the ignition on, within 7 seconds, press once the large button of each transmitter fob.
6. Turn off the ignition.
7. Test operation of each transmitter fob.


Hope this helps!

[dez]

Originally Posted by GaryD

you had it in the off position though when programing though right? he says with alarm disarmed...

I just programmed 3 FOBs with AZSKYCOP's recs and everything went well on the first attempt. Well, technically the second attempt since I did a dry run to make sure the PIN was correct. The light was facing downward when I did it (i.e. light comes on when the door is opened).

Anyway, this thread is just one more example of how valuable EliseTalk is to us owners. Helped me out tremendously, once again.

[Wuffo]

After many many many many many many many attempts to program the key fob it finally worked...... kind of..... the NEW fob worked and the OLD fob did not. I am guessing they BOTH have to be done at the same time. Is that right?


Bill
St Louis

[BRTHTAKR]

Since I permanently placed both my fobs in a small drawer I have had ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEM from them. Locking and unlocking the doors manually is much less time consuming over the course of a year than researching ET and sitting in the garage with a manual & notes and turning a key back and forth like a mental patient.
Also, I feel that a simple manual approach is much more in tune with the nature of the car, and why she selected me as her owner.

[TimMullen]

Originally Posted by Wuffo

After many many many many many many many attempts to program the key fob it finally worked...... kind of..... the NEW fob worked and the OLD fob did not. I am guessing they BOTH have to be done at the same time. Is that right?

Yes. It makes sense if you understand that you really are not programming the key fob. You are programming the alarm to recognize the fob.

When you do the programming process, it clears the alarm's memory of the fobs. It then re-learns each fob in the process. The instructions should have had mention of "repeat this for each fob".

[dfa2100]

Has this thread been linked in the Uberpost? Because if it hasn't... it should be, IMO.

[elindo]

THANKS AZSKYCOP You sure made my day. The keyfob instructions worked fine for me. NOW I LOVE MORE MY ELISE

[zoltiz]

Worked on the 3rd try. I kept skipping the prayer part - very stupid of me. Thanks a million.