so I lost my spare key and got a new generic blank with a chip that's compatible with my '01 runner. I still have the original master key. I got the new spare cut and I tried and tried to use the procedure detailed on here where you depress the gas and brake pedals in the right sequence to program the key blank, and it just will. not. work. I took it to the stealership and they want an HOUR of labor ($135) to program the key. Does anyone know where else I can get the key programmed that won't cost $135? I really think that's an absolute ripoff. Thanks!

The ECU can only store four (4) fobs. It is is possible that's your problem if POs added additional key fobs over the years.

This is what a dealer told me when I was having all sorts of problems adding one. A dealership can reset the ECU counter to zero, but it would cost a couple hours so I decided to live with only having one.

Good luck,

Eddie

Uhmmm... Could you please point out where this procedure to program a chip key is outlined...?

It's all over threads in this forum. Here's one

"This method is supposed to work on 1998-2001 Models.

4Runner Key Programming
Add Duplicate Key

1.Simultaneously depress and release brake and accelerator pedals 1 time.
2.Insert master key into ignition
3.Within 15 seconds depress and release accelerator pedal 5 times.
4.Within 20 seconds depress and release the brake pedal 6 times and remove key.
5.Within 10 seconds insert new key into ignition.
6.Within 10 seconds depress and release the accelerator pedal 1 time.
7.After 80 seconds new key is registered and security light goes off.
8.Remove new key and depress and release brake pedal 1 time."

didn't work for me

Do you have an old laptop? If so, you can get the dealer software called Techstream and a USB interface on Amazon or Ebay -- I think for about $20. Then you can do it yourself. I have Techstream, and I'd program the key for you for free if you were closer to me.

However, even though I have the ability to program it, if I was in your predicament I wouldn't bother to do it -- I always thought the chipped keys were a dumb idea.
I'd go to the hardware store and get several non-chipped keys cut from your "master" chipped key.
Then take your chipped key and duct tape it up under the dash as close as you can to the ignition switch. Then the ECU senses the chipped key, and you're through dealing with all this nonsense.

Came in to post this, lol.

Added bonus, makes it a lot easier to have your vehicle stolen lol

No easier than an SR5.

Still easier than it should be!

I feel your pain. When I bought my '99 it only had a Valet key and trying to get a Master key made was a big pain. Toyota couldn't do it because the 4Runner was originally a Canadian model and they can't lookup info on cross border cars. The locksmith wanted $200 just to look at it and then probably another $100 to get the programming done, if they could actually do it.

I eventually found this Instructable:
https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY...-or-Swapped-E/

Took the info off it and their reference documents and then build my own EEPROM programmer. Now, I have 2 Masters and 1 Valet.

So, here's my advise for you:
1) Are you sure you have a Master key and not the Valet key? A Master key will turn off the security light immediately after inserting the key. A Valet will hold a steady light for 1-3 seconds, then turn off. If you don't have a Master, then the programming instructions you outlined won't work.
Here are the programming instructions from RemotesRemotes.com. This is where I bought my key blanks from.
Tip: Try for 1 press-release per second. Steady and firm. Wait 1 second between steps, don't rush. It takes a long time for the keys to actually program. They say 60-80 seconds, but the first one of mine took almost 2 minutes. Just wait for the security light to stop blinking.

Note: If I recall correctly, there was another instruction set somewhere that gave options for step 5. 1 press - Add Master Key, 2 press - Add Valet, 3 press - Remove All and add Master, 5 press - count keys stored. But, I can't find it now. (It could also be that my memory of this is from another system or car entirely!) This was for remote programming, my bad memory.

2) Regardless of Master or Valet, big box hardware stores (HomeDepot, Lowes, etc) can cut and program transponder keys. Check them out. You may have to buy one of their keys (I think around $40), but it will be an exact copy of your current working key.

3) "Virginize" the ECU EEPROM and start with newly programmed keys. You can go with the DIY route from the Instructable or software from Immobilizer Cleaner Tool software [IMMOCLEN20] - $25.00 : OtherDeal.com, Automotive Electronics Car Computers ECU ECM Racing Chips Diagrams Service Software
Note: I can not and do not vouch for this software. I only know about it by following links from the various articles.

hey, this is super great. I've done this once...manually...and the foot pedal sequence worked. To do it again I'd probably just do Home Depot though...it's worth the $40 just to have it simple and work