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What is HomeLink® Wireless Control System?
HomeLink is an integrated transceiver (a transmitter and receiver) that can be programmed to activate radio frequency (RF) devices such as garage doors, estate/community gates, entry door locks, home/office lighting, or other RF devices.
HomeLink is compatible with radio-frequency devices operating between 288 and 399 MHz (exclusive of the restricted 322-335 MHz range). Select 2001 and newer vehicles may be compatible up to 418 MHz (exclusive of the restricted 400-410 MHz range). Please contact us by email or phone (1-800-355-3515) to verify vehicle compatibility.
How does HomeLink work?
Through a simple training process, HomeLink duplicates the codes of the original transmitter. As a result of our relationships within the Access Control Industry, HomeLink is also capable of learning rolling (encrypted) codes.
How can I get HomeLink?
HomeLink is packaged as a standard feature, bundled within a specific trim level package, or as an option on most new vehicles.
If your vehicle does not have HomeLink, or HomeLink is not available on a vehicle you are interested in purchasing, your dealer may be able to help you get HomeLink. Contact your local dealer for more information.
I can't program my HomeLink
You can either call our customer service number (1-800-355-3515) or contact us by email for complete programming assistance. First try the following troubleshooting tips:
Warning: If programming a garage door opener or gate, it is advised to unplug the device during the HomeLink programming and also if performing the "cycling" process to prevent possible motor burn-up.
- Check the frequency of the device’s hand-held transmitter (usually found on the back). HomeLink is compatible with radio-frequency devices operating between 288-399MHz (some 2001 and newer vehicles may be compatible up to 418MHz. Please contact us for vehicle compatibility).
- Put a brand new, store bought battery in the hand-held transmitter. During the programming process the battery's energy tends to drain (more so with an older battery). A new battery will increase the speed and accuracy in which the hand-held transmitter sends its signal to HomeLink.
- Retrain HomeLink holding the hand-held transmitter at different lengths and angles from the HomeLink button you are trying to program. Try 4-6 inches away at a different angle.
- Cycle the hand-held transmitter during programming: Press and hold the HomeLink button while you press and release the hand-held transmitter every 2 seconds until the indicator light changes from a slow blink to a rapid flash.
- To verify HomeLink has programmed to a non-rolling code ("fixed") device, press and hold the HomeLink button. If the indicator light remains solid, it has picked up the signal and should operate the device. If it remains a slow blink, HomeLink has not picked up the signal from the hand-held remote. Try programming the button again or choose another button to program.
- To verify HomeLink has picked up a rolling code signal: press and hold the programmed HomeLink button. If the indicator light blinks rapidly for two seconds and turns solid, HomeLink has successfully picked up the rolling code signal. Please follow the rolling code instructions outlined in the "programming a garage door opener" section to complete the process.
Range troubleshooting tips:
Poor range can be caused by interference around or near the vehicle or due to the use of older batteries in the original transmitter during programming.
Warning: If programming a garage door opener or gate, it is advised to unplug the device during the HomeLink programming and also if performing the "cycling" process to prevent possible motor burn-up.
- Put a new battery in your hand-held transmitter. Training the HomeLink takes more power from the battery than when you push the button to open the door. Sometimes by putting a new battery in the hand-held transmitter, it does help pick up a better train and increases the range.
- Retrain the HomeLink at different lengths and angles. Start by holding the hand-held transmitter 3-4 inches away then 5-6, even 6-8 inches from the buttons. Sometimes this helps pick up a better train to HomeLink.
- Try a second transmitter with new batteries.
- Straighten the antenna wire that hangs down from the garage door opener motorhead.
What other capabilities does HomeLink have besides operating garage doors?
HomeLink will activate/deactivate home/office lighting and small appliances; lock/unlock entry door locks; and open/close gates.
Where can I purchase HomeLink compatible products?
Home/Office Lighting: Visit your local RadioShack or Sears retail outlet for compatible lighting products or contact us for additional information or to purchase a HomeLink Lighting Package.
Appliances: Contact us to get details on how you can activate small appliances using your HomeLink.
Gates: Refer to the Yellow Pages of your local telephone directory under "Gates" or "Gate Operators."
How do I program a pre-1982 garage door opener?
Warning: If programming a garage door opener or gate, it is advised to unplug the device during the HomeLink programming and also if performing the "cycling" process to prevent possible motor burn-up.
As long as the garage door opener is in the same frequency band (288-418 MHz*), HomeLink can be programmed to this older unit. However, frequencies of some older openers can shift outside of the HomeLink operating band, and become incompatible. The best way to program an older garage door opener is: 1) Put NEW batteries in the original transmitter and 2) Hold the original transmitter between one and three inches away from the HomeLink surface until HomeLink learns the signal (refer to our programming section for complete instructions).
If HomeLink has not picked up the signal within a few seconds, position the original transmitter at different lengths and angles.
If these suggestions do not work, you may have a problem with the garage door opener itself. If you chose to contact a garage door opener service technician, be aware that, under FCC regulations, they or anyone else are unable to service the device if it was manufactured before 1982. Many garage door openers manufactured before 1982 do not have the safety stop-and-reverse feature which is now required by law. Some states (NY, IN, CA, MN) require service technicians to totally disable the opener if they find it to be malfunctioning.
My garage door opener doesn’t have a hand-held transmitter. Will HomeLink still work?
No, you have to have a hand-held transmitter to program HomeLink.
How does HomeLink work with KEELOQ®-based rolling code garage door openers
Click here to learn how HomeLink works with KEELOQ-based rolling code garage door openers.
*Select 2001 and newer vehicles may be compatible up to 418 MHz. Please contact us for vehicle compatibility.
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