2012 Mitsubishi Outlander

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander – Key Fob and Smart Key Programming Instructions

Standard Key or Remote Head Key – Immobilizer (Start Function)

Programming Note: This procedure is not applicable to vehicles sold in Canada. To program a new key, you must have two valid programmed keys already available. This process registers only the engine start function.

Remote buttons on a Remote Head Key must be programmed separately.

  • Step 1: Insert the first working key into the ignition. Turn it to the ON position (do not start the engine) and leave it for 5 seconds.
  • Step 2: Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and remove the key.
  • Step 3: Within 30 seconds, insert the second working key and turn it to the ON position. After approximately 10 seconds, the immobilizer indicator will begin to blink.
  • Step 4: When the light starts blinking, turn the key to the LOCK position and remove it.
  • Step 5: Within 30 seconds, insert the new unprogrammed key and turn it to the ON position. The immobilizer light should remain solid for 3 seconds, then turn off to confirm success. If the light turns off at an incorrect time, the process must be repeated from Step 1.
  • Step 6: Confirm that the new key starts the vehicle.
  • Step 7: Repeat this process for each additional key to be programmed. Remote Head Key – Remote Button Programming This section programs the lock/unlock remote functions of Remote Head Keys.

You must have at least one currently working remote to begin the process.

  • Step 1: Have all the remotes you plan to use ready. Remotes not programmed during this session will no longer function.
  • Step 2: Using a working remote, press and hold the UNLOCK button for 4 to 10 seconds, then press and hold the LOCK button.
  • Step 3: Within 10 seconds of pressing the LOCK button, release LOCK, then UNLOCK. The doors will cycle (lock and unlock), indicating the vehicle is in programming mode.
  • Step 4: Within 60 seconds, program each remaining remote: Press and hold LOCK and UNLOCK simultaneously for 2 seconds Release both buttons for 1 second Press and release UNLOCK
  • Step 5: After each remote is programmed, the doors will lock and unlock once to confirm.
  • Step 6: If no remotes are registered within 60 seconds, the system exits programming mode.
  • Step 7: Test all remotes to ensure proper operation. Smart Key System – Full Smart Key and Remote Function Programming This process is not supported for vehicles sold in Canada. You must have two working smart keys and a cut emergency key to program a new smart key.

Programming includes two parts: engine start function and button pairing.

Part 1: Immobilizer (Start Function) Programming

  • Step 1: Remove the emergency key from the new smart key fob.
  • Step 2: Press the lock release tabs and remove the ignition switch cover.
  • Step 3: Insert the emergency key into the ignition switch.
  • Step 4: Attach the first working smart key to the emergency key and turn it to the ON position for 5 seconds, then back to LOCK.
  • Step 5: Within 30 seconds, remove the first smart key and attach the second working smart key. Turn it to the ON position. After about 10 seconds, the immobilizer indicator will start to flash.
  • Step 6: Turn the second smart key back to LOCK and remove it.
  • Step 7: Within 30 seconds, attach the new smart key to the emergency key and turn it to the ON position. The immobilizer light will remain on for 3 seconds and then turn off to confirm success. If the light turns off prematurely, the process must be restarted.
  • Step 8: Repeat from Step 1 to program additional smart keys.

Part 2: Remote Button Programming

  • Step 1: Remove the emergency key and ignition switch cover.
  • Step 2: Insert the emergency key into the ignition and attach the first programmed smart key.
  • Step 3: Turn the key to the ON position. Begin the next step within 30 seconds.
  • Step 4: Detach the smart key from the emergency key.
  • Step 5: On the first smart key, press and hold UNLOCK and LOCK simultaneously for 4 to 10 seconds.
  • Step 6: Within 10 seconds, release LOCK first, then UNLOCK.
  • Step 7: On the second programmed smart key, press UNLOCK for 4 to 10 seconds, then press and hold LOCK.
  • Step 8: Release LOCK, then UNLOCK, within 10 seconds. The immobilizer light should blink on the vehicle's multi-information display.
  • Step 9: Within 60 seconds, take the new smart key and press the LOCK button twice. The immobilizer light will stay on for 30 seconds, confirming successful programming.
  • Step 10: Confirm all smart keys start the engine and operate the remote features.