The 2019 Camaro sparked controversy as Chevrolet redesigned the classic car into the 21st century, restyling its body and introducing new features such as a rear camera mirror, forward collision alert, 10-speed automatic transmission, and a brand-new infotainment system. Despite these additions, a notable absence stood out – the beloved built-in garage door remote system, a standard feature in cars for the past few decades.
Garage Door Openers Not Available on the 2019 Camaro
The built-in garage door remote, known as HomeLink or the Universal Home Remote, is no longer a feature on Chevrolet’s Camaro. GM Authority decided to remove it for reasons that are still unclear. The garage door opener feature is not present on the standard 2019 Camaro and is not available as an add-on feature either. This leaves Camaro enthusiasts wondering how they will conveniently open and close their garage doors in their 2019 Camaro.
This marks a departure from Chevrolet’s previous practice, as until 2018, the HomeLink and garage door opener feature was included as standard on the 2SS, 2LT, and ZL1 trim levels of their Camaros. Some speculate that this change may be indicative of the Wi-Fi technology advancements in the garage door industry, allowing smart integration and control via connected devices like phones and tablets. However, others have speculated that the omission of this feature in the 2019 Camaro was more related to financial considerations than technological advancements.
Why Chevrolet Removed the HomeLink System
It is possible that GM was trying to reduce the price of their Camaros due to declining sales, leading to the removal of non-essential features such as built-in garage door remote systems. The sixth-generation Camaro was selling less than its older siblings; therefore, Chevrolet officials believed that the car’s increased price may have been to blame. Due to this, Chevrolet likely removed a few features to bring costs down and attempt to undercut their competitors on the forecourt.
Profitability itself is another factor that pundits think may have been the reason for the disappearance of the feature, with other features (i.e., 10-speed automatic transmission and rear camera mirror) making it harder for Chevrolet to turn a profit. However, by keeping these features and getting rid of the built-in garage door opener system, Chevrolet could have an easier time balancing out their profits and making enough money to sustain themselves down the line.
If you prioritize convenience and wish to open and close your garage door with ease after a long day, you might consider a vehicle that comes with HomeLink integration as standard. But what exactly is HomeLink, and how does it work?
What Is HomeLink?
HomeLink is a wireless control system which enables you to safely and easily operate remote devices related to the everyday use of your car. For instance, it can function as a garage door opener or gate opener. It was invented in 1995 by Johnson Controls, winning the PACE Award in 1997 for improving the user experience between cars and homes. By the early 2000s, the system was integrated into over 20 million cars in the US, with that number only growing ever since.
The system has three small buttons that are subtly installed on the vehicle’s rearview mirror, sun visor, or overhead console – somewhere easily accessible as you pull in and out of your garage. The three buttons can be programmed to perform various functions, including operating the alarm system and controlling exterior and interior lights, making them versatile and universal.
It is compatible with almost all garage door openers and gates, including Liftmaster, Chamberlain, and Genie, along with a wide range of RF (radio frequency) controlled devices. Advanced versions of the system can even automate the opening and closing of the garage door or alert you when you accidentally leave it open. While you can always open and close your garage door using a remote control, using a built-in button in your car is undoubtedly a quicker and safer option, eliminating the need for batteries.
The HomeLink system is the most widely used built-in wireless control system for cars globally. If you happen to own a Camaro or any other vehicle with HomeLink, you can use it to operate your garage door. But how exactly do you go about programming the car to your garage door opener?
How to Program a Camaro to the Garage Door Opener
Although this article is about the Camaro, the instructions below should work for any other vehicle. First, you’ll need to have:
- A working hand-held garage door remote control.
- Access to the garage door opener’s learn or smart button.
- The car parked in front of the garage door with the car’s front facing towards the garage door.
The location of the opener’s learn or smart button can differ from model to model, so be sure to check the opener’s owner manual or ask a garage door repair company if you’re not sure where it is.
Programming a Rolling Code Garage Door Opener
If you have a rolling code garage door opener system that meets UL325 Safety Standards, which is very likely if it’s less than 20 years old (manufactured after 1994), then you should follow these steps.
1. Reset the HomeLink Buttons
Reset the vehicle’s HomeLink buttons by holding down the 2 outside buttons at the same time until the in-car LED begins to flash quickly. Keep in mind that this can take up to 60 seconds to work. Ensure that your key is in auxiliary.
2. Program a Button of Choice
This step should be performed when the garage door is closed. Hold the garage opener’s handheld remote close to the vehicle’s HomeLink system. Press and hold down the remote’s button and the HomeLink button you wish to program at the same time until the in-car LED blinks rapidly, signifying that the two are now synced together. Once done, release both buttons.
3. Press the Opener’s Learn Button
Go to the garage door opener and briefly press the learn button (do not hold it down). The LED indicator light should then turn on solid (in some openers, it may blink). Return to your car’s HomeLink, press and hold the in-car transmitter button for 3 seconds, and then release. Repeat this process until the light on the garage door opener unit itself flashes, or the garage door starts closing.
Programming a Fixed-Code Garage Door Opener to Your Car
If your garage door opener was manufactured before 1994, it’s likely a fixed-code opener. In such cases, the process for programming your car’s HomeLink system differs slightly.
- Reset the car’s HomeLink buttons by simultaneously holding down the two outside buttons until the in-car LED starts flashing rapidly. Keep in mind that this process may take up to 60 seconds, and ensure your key is in the auxiliary position.
- Choose the desired HomeLink button and press and hold it while simultaneously holding down the button on your hand-held garage door opener remote. The in-car LED should start blinking rapidly, indicating that the two devices are now synced.
- Test your in-car HomeLink button by pressing it to see if the garage door opens.
If you own a Chevrolet Camaro without a HomeLink garage door opener system installed, there are alternative options to operate your garage door. You can use connected smartphones or keep a hand-held remote inside the car. Some Camaro enthusiasts have even discovered creative ways to retrofit and install their own built-in remote controls inside their vehicles.
