Programming your transponder key for OEM Toyota security keys.

Step 1: Cut your blank key

Step 2: Press and release the the GAS and BRAKE peddle simultaneously (at the same time) . . . . ****do this without the key in the ignition

Step 3: Insert the working (master) key into the ignition and press the GAS pedal 5 times within 15 seconds of inserting the key into the ignition

Step 4: (With the key still in the ignition) Press the BRAKE peddle 6 times. Do this within 20 seconds of completing step 3. Then remove the master key (the working key)

Step 5: Insert the new key and press the GAS peddle once.

Step 6: Wait for the security light that blinks to stop blinking (could take up to 2 minutes... took approximately 20 seconds until mine stop blinking.

Step 7: As soon as the red security light stops blinking remove the NEW key and press the brake peddle once







TEST to make sure your new key is successfully programmed.



It took me 2 attempts to successfully program.
DO NOT rush the steps but be mindful of the time intervals between steps.
It doesn't have to be fast, just precise.
I pressed the peddles relatively firmly my 2nd attempt.

I purchased my chip key/transponder keys from eBay, but i cannot guarantee that this will work for all 3rd party keys bought over the internet.
these eBay chip keys are hallow feeling and i wish i had an OEM transponder key that felt a little more substantial and hardy. you can definitely tell the difference between the two keys.



keep in mind i have an OEM toyota security system (not a 3rd party security system like CARR for example) in my vehicle and will not take responsibility for any mistakes made during this process.
*****TRY AT YOUR OWN RISK******

i cannot take credit for these instructions either. found these instructions on youtube and believe they work on most toyota's with transponder keys from 96' and up although i don't know the cutoff year...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dNCOltF7kk

thank you for these instructions

this only works if you have a master.

The key that I've received looks like a master (thick black toyota logo), but it was actually a valet key.

i have to get a new cpu and its corresponding keys.

if you replace the entire ignition key and lock assembly do you need to program keys?

There may be a locksmith in your area that can reprogram the ecu for you. I know in my town we have a guy who does it

I strongly doubt it. I've researched quite a bit and the only way is to get a new ECU and matching transponder key.

Since I still have a key, I don't need to swap out all the locks. I can get a new ECU and cut the new key to match the existing locks, but that's another $100. (I didn't want to spend that yet).

I did find a guy on eBay/website does this, but I think he may be from your area and you are referring to him.

The dealership HAS to be able to take care of this. It's absurd to think someone needs to buy an ECU because they lost a key.

i've heard of one time ecu replacement offered by toyota (but couldn't confirm)

yea, dealer (i mean stealership) will solve it for you, but it will cost you probably upwards of $300~500+.

This was one of the downside w/ 3rd gens. From what I've read, they updated it from the 4th gen to make it 'flash'-able.

I work at a dealership in parts. the guy we have has been doing it a while he charges 300 for customers to bring their ecu with 2 new keys to be programmed.

NO you do NOT need to retumble your locks. the dealership has the ability to cut you a key with the original code to your vehicle.

yes at one time toyota was giving you one ecu for free as long as you bought 2 keys. you had to pay for labor from the installation of the ecu and key. They stopped doing this in December (the free ecu portion, you know have to pay like 800 for a new ecu)


dont make assumptions on everything with out getting correct info. Like I said try a locksmith and see if they can reprogram the orignial ECU from your truck. you just need to buy 2 new toyota keys which retail for about 30 bucks. That is a lot better than spending $1000+ on a new ECU.

alot of the late 90's toyota models were like this. they mostly switched over by 2004~

also in response to where you quoted me, the guy's name is Johnny his company is Action Lock here in Charlottesville. I am not sure if he does online stuff with that.

That makes sense. thanks for the info. (I wish my local parts guy was knowledgable as you are)

BTW, this is the service I've seen on eBay. Not sure if it's the same guy or not.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-ECU-r...b7d9b0&vxp=mtr

That guy is a couple hours north of us I havent heard of him.

Its no problem man I like to help however I can. Ever have any questions, just ask!

i have another blank transponder key, and after i get it cut I'm going to use my NON-master key to attempt a program of the new key...

i will report back as soon as i attempt.

it sounds like it WILL NOT work,,,, but i still want to try now that i have another key successfully programmed....

The parts guy at my dealer said I could buy a new key for $40, and I would need a service appointment to program it for another $65.

He said I could 'Wipe the whole system' if I tried to program it myself using these instructions. I would then have to tow my truck in and have it reprogrammed because it wouldn't start then.

Is that really a possibility? Is there really any danger in having them cut me a new key and me trying to program it?

he is trying to get money from you. you would literally pay someone 65 dollars to spend 5 minutes doing the steps above. he is the reason dealers have a bad name. i programmed my own keys following the exact same instructions

Instructions seem a little wonky but if it works, it works. I posted a thread with instructions as well about a little more than a year ago with how to program transponder keys, which worked for me.

From my understanding, the transponder keys ONLY came with the limited option. I have a theory, I havent got around to testing, but I believe by removing one wire from from engine harness, you could get an non-limited ecu from the same manufacturing dates to work without a transponder key. I have to go back to my EWDs to figure out which wire that was. Im pretty positive it will work, because I was able to get a 99 limited engine wire harness to work with a 99 non limited ecu during 3.4swap with my old first gen.