How to install a homelink garage opener w/pictures

You can also buy a 2012 Tacoma, no install at all

 

My homelink install. Got a homelink module from Mike here for $20. Pics tell the rest of the story.

1 - install a switch to the overhead console. Radio Shack had one for $3.
.

2. Solder wires to the #1 switch. Took a little trial and error to find out which soldering points to connect the wires to. Very delicate procedure.

3. Poked holes in the original cover to let the wires pass through. Wanted to keep the unit in it's original enclosure to keep it protected.

4. Mod complete. Ready to finish installing. Some glue in the holes might help keep the wires more secure.

Fully installed Homelink module -waiting for power connect to overhead light wiring.

Done! One switch, hidden.

If I get more time and patience I might add the other two switches as well, and maybe some small lights in the area.

Stage 2 - added 2 more switches and add an external LED:

Also added quick-disconnects and used a glue gun to seal up the wire exits so they won't flex

Drilled holes for the additional switches and made a hole to install the LED. Used a glue gun on the backside of the LED to help hold it in place

Stuffed everything up into the ceiling and re-mounted the overhead console. Clean install (yeah, one button isn't quite in line with the others). LED works GREAT:

Kenobe

 

Where did you get the switch?

 

Radio Shack. It was less than $3. It's a momentary switch which means it only works when being pushed.

Note, I wrapped the wiring at the switch with heat shrink tubing and electrical tape to keep the wires from flexing the terminals too much - they can break easy while installing everything.

 

Hey OP, nice idea and write up. I purchased a homelink from ebay and had it installed in about 45 minutes. This mod was so easy and I can't believe I never thought to do this with other vehicles I've owned. I'm glad to get my dash cubby back. Thanks for the post.

 

You are welcome Nick. Good job Kenobe and thank you for puting the pictures here, so other guys can see them. I like your idea better. If i had to do it all over again i would do it your way because you can put the button anywere. I really like TOGLIDE's install., I wish he could post the pics here and this could be a sticky so people can choose and see the diferent ideas.

 

I install it, but how to program it? Any idea?

 

http://www.overheaddoor.com/garage-door-openers/Pages/homelink-programming-instructions.aspx

 

I found for step 2 to press the button you want to use until it starts blinking rapidly, THEN press the button on the garage door remote.

Seems a trick to make them work sometimes but patience, it can be done

 

If you go to homelink.com there is a video showing you. I just did this yesterday. After it learned the code from my remote , i then had to sync it with the opener...

 

Just installed one yesterday, Thanks for the write-up man!

 

Is there a smaller homelink transmitter that will fit in between the reading lights in the TRD overhead console? I'd prefer to mount one in that location, but the transmitter appears to be too big to fit. I wonder if a different OEM homelink transmitter from another vehicle would be smaller (I'm eyeing the one in my wife's Honda Pilot). Are the transmitters all the same, and only the front control faces differ?

 

I think they are all the same. You could do it the way it is done in the link in the OP and use three buttons. I was going to put mine there then got lazy and decided against it...

 

Yeah, that location looks okay, but I'd prefer not to cut into my headliner. I'd rather mount it through a hard surface because I'm afraid that over time it would push through the soft headliner. I've thought of putting it on the side of the center console (facing the driver, adjacent to the gear shift knob/housing or the forward cup holders), but that wouldn't look very factory-ish. I like to keep things looking as OEM as I can.

 

I was referring to the link at the bottom of his post

 

Last month I completed the Homelink mod from the following link, http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/166140-homelink-install.html. Everything worked great until today, now no LED light and my door didn't open. The temp, compass and map lights still work.

I removed the overhead console and conected the power leads to another power source. I checked for loose solder connections but didn't find any. Now the LED is on constantly and I have about 25% continuity across the switchs. I unsoldered the switches from the new circuit board, those seem OK. I also unsoldered all of the added wiring to try and isolate the problem. Is it possible that one of the original switches in the Homelink could have gone bad? Has anyone else had this problem? I don't know of a way to check the original switches without removing them from the circuitboard.

Any suggestions?

 

If the light is always on that means there is a short somewhere. Or, maybe the module itself went bad? That would be a rare event, though. Most likely the wires that were soldered to the Homelink shifted and maybe are touching the case of the switches or some other solder point. Check each carefully, maybe even re-solder the wires that are attached to the Homelink.

You can always get another module from E-bay for ~$25.

 

Can anyone tell me how to remove the original 3-button panel without damaging it? I tried prying it off with a 1/4" screwdriver blade but it didn't budge and the trim around the buttons was beginning to flex so I stopped.
I want to install it with these buttons - through the headliner like in the OP - so I don't want to break the button panel.

Thanks,

 

If I remember right you push inward on the tabs and lift the face off. There is some pressure but it should come off fairly easy.

 

Look at the second picture, if you get something thin, press the pin in from both sides and pull up.
The pin is like an arrow at the end and it has an opening in the center along the pin to allow to unhook the tips of the arrow.
I highly recommend to do the other install, mine is hiden but you have to touch the visor everytime that you need to use it.
Good luck