Most remotes can be self-programmed. If these procedures do not work, you must have your remote programmed by a professional automotive locksmith or dealership.
Obtain all remote transmitters for this vehicle. This procedure's a little more complicated than others, we recommend having someone help you perform this procedure. We have found it easier to have one person manage the jumper wire while the second person performs the procedure.

Diagram of Data Link Connector (DLC)
Procedure #1 (01-04 Montero Sport)
- Locate the Data Link Connector (DLC). It will be under the dash on the drivers side. You may need to lie on the floor and look up to easily access it. Use the diagram above to identify ports 1 and 4. Notice that the DLC connector is tapered. You can use this to help identify the proper ports. Be sure there's metal contact pins in ports 1 and 4.
- Insert key into the ignition and leave in the OFF position.
- Using a suitable jumper wire, jump pin 1 to pin 4. Jump means to make a connection between the two pins using any metal wire. A paperclip bent in the shape of a "U" usually works perfect. Be certain the jumper wire makes contact with the pins in ports 1 and 4. Once the jumper wire is installed it needs to remain there throughout this procedure until instructed to remove.
- Within ten seconds of connecting the jumper wire, turn the ignition switch to ACC then back to off, THREE times. You must do this step very quickly; all three cycles should take 2-3 seconds. (ACC is the position when you turn the key back toward you, OFF is the position where you can remove your key). The doors will automatically lock and unlock once indicating the vehicle is in programming mode.
- Now press the LOCK button on the first remote to be programmed THREE TIMES within ten seconds. The doors will automatically lock and unlock once indicating the vehicle has programmed that remote.
- If you have additional remotes to program, repeat step 5 within one minute.
- Once all remotes are programmed remove jumper. Test all remotes to ensure proper programming.
Procedure #2 (00 Montero Sport)
- Locate the Data Link Connector (DLC). It will be under the dash on the drivers side. You may need to lie on the floor and look up to easily access it. Use the diagram above to identify ports 1 and 4. Notice that the DLC connector is tapered. You can use this to help identify the proper ports. Be sure there's metal contact pins in ports 1 and 4.
- Insert key into the ignition and leave in the OFF position.
- Using a suitable jumper wire, jump pin 1 to pin 4. Jump means to make a connection between the two pins using any metal wire. A paperclip bent in the shape of a "U" usually works perfect. Be certain the jumper wire makes contact with the pins in ports 1 and 4. Once the jumper wire is installed it needs to remain there throughout this procedure until instructed to remove.
- Within ten seconds of connecting the jumper wire, turn the ignition switch to ON then back to OFF, THREE times*. You must do this step very quickly; all three cycles should take 2-3 seconds. (ON is the position just shy of cranking the engine, OFF is the position where you can remove your key). The doors will automatically lock and unlock once indicating the vehicle is in programming mode.
- Now press the LOCK button on the first remote to be programmed THREE TIMES within ten seconds. The doors will automatically lock and unlock once indicating the vehicle has programmed that remote.
- If you have additional remotes to program, repeat step 5 within one minute.
- Once all remotes are programmed remove jumper. Test all remotes to ensure proper programming.
* If you are getting no response from turning the ignition from ON to OFF, Then try the step turning the ignition from OFF to ACC. The 2000 Montero sport was the first vehicle with this procedure and it was changed for the 01 model year from ON to OFF, to ON to ACC. (ACC is the position when you turn the key back toward you, OFF is the position where you can remove your key).