Hey Fellas, Im normally over in the 3rd gen forum but i need your help. I got a call from my Brother this morning, He has a 2007 limited that was just broken into. They stole his wifes purse that among other things had the master key, the key fob, as well as her ID that has her address on it. He only has outside parking so we're concerned about how to secure the vehicle so they dont come back and steal it as well as the best path going forward.

Im thinking immediately pull the starter relay and install a club when parking overnight. Anybody have any other suggestions to secure it in the interim?

Going forward Ive done a little searching but im having trouble finding the best path forward. It looks as though rekeying all of the cylinders would be cost prohibitive, im guessing insurance might only cover the broken window and maybe the stolen contents.

Does anybody know if it is possible to:

1) can you disable or modify the immobilizer for the master key such that even though it physically turns the ignition key, it will not start the engine? I know the dealer can reprogram new keys but is there any way to change the frequency so the stolen key no longer disables the immobilizer?

2) can you reprogram the alarm ecu so that the key fob no longer disables the alarm and unlocks the doors? I know its possible to resync a new fob to the alarm but how do we stop the existing fob from granting access?

Im thinking long term the best bet might be to go the aftermarket alarm route. Correct me if im wrong, but this way we could disable the factory key fob altogether, they open the door with the stolen key but that triggers the aftermarket alarm. The factory immobilizer system becomes irrelevant because the aftermarket alarm will have its own kill switch?

OR do we research maybe a new ignition cylinder and or a new alarm ecu?

Any advice or experience is appreciated. My searches have not yielded much help and we're not sure how to address immediate security concerns as well as the long term because of this worst case scenario of losing the key and the fob.

Thanks Fellas

Also he is down in the LA/Long Beach area. His dealer quoted him $500 just to replace the key and the fob. I dont recall what dealer he goes to but i think they are trying to hose him above and beyond the normal stealership rates. Anybody recommend a reputable and FAIR dealer in the LA/Orange County area?

Sad story, I had a similar experience and lost my gps, pistol, camel bak, and north face backpack, as well as my switchblade key.

Toyota wanted $1400 to rekey everything (and they told me that was my only option), $800 just in parts. I ended up getting an aftermarket alarm installed for $400 that has an engine override (and remote start ).

They told me as long as I activate the alarm even the factory key won't start it because if you try to enter or start it without deactivating the alarm it locks the starter and sets the alarm off. There is a "secret" hidden override switch that I can use if something ever happens where I have to get in without the alarm remote.

Now I have to deal with the annoying "chirp chirp" instead of the factory beeping but I don't worry about anyone coming and stealing my 4r.

edit: as far as the key goes I think you're getting ripped. I paid $60 for the switchblade key with transponder and my dealer programmed the transponder for free.

thanks for the quick reply Matt. Its a real shame that some people out there are so quick to cause so much grief for hard working people out there just trying to get by. (that includes the stealerships too, shame on you all!)

Yeah, im kind of thinking aftermarket is the way to go. I have an aftermarket with remote start on my 3rd gen and i really love it, especially in the wintertime.

In the meanwhile, if i can figure out how to verify his alarm system is the rs3200+, ive found program instructions on how to clear all previous fobs and reprogram his existing fob. Im hoping if we can do that, then the fob they have wont work and when they go to open the door with the key, it will trigger the alarm.? not sure if thats the case. We will pull a starter relay or something in the meanwhile so they cant insert the ignition key to disable the alarm/immobilizer and drive away.

Then im hoping that the key transponder is the same way and they can wipe the all keys from memory and just reprogram his existing key? So they open the door, trigger the alarm, disarm the alarm by inserting key in the ignition, but key wont work because immobilizer system is disabled for that key.

if thats the case then maybe we dont have to pony up for a new aftermarket.

thats my hope anyways. Thanks again for the reply Matt, Ill post up what i figure out here.

I really hope that works for him but my dealership told me that was not an option.

Could've been a line to make me spend more money, good luck either way and be sure to post up and let us know what happens.

I think as long as they use a key that fits properly the alarm will be deactivated regardless of the programming of the remote.

Also I'm almost positive the transponder doesn't have an effect on the door lock and will only keep them from starting the vehicle; I believe I was using the switchblade key on the doors only before I got the dealership to program the transponder.

Here is another option. I am assuming, or maybe hoping, he has comprehensive insurance.

My point? Some insurance companies cover all repair cost related to a break in. Losing a "smart" key is a serious issue, in particular since they now know where you live. You have every reason to be a bit concerned. There is a 90% chance they were *******s looking for cash and tossed her purse, but you never know.

I believe to re-do the key system with a new transponder chip, they have to replace brains. That is pretty hefty fee, but you might be able to convince the insurance to pay it.

Something to think about.

On your #2:

You can erase all remotes from ECU memory. Then program only those that you have. It must be 30 min job (28 min searching the net and 2 min. actual programming). Try to Google it.
At least, in this case they will not be able to disarm your factory alarm.

There is a procedure to erase all the learned keys, it used to be a huge problem with older toyotas to the point that Toyota would cover you on your first ECM if you needed new keys. (they stored the data in the ECM for imobilizer pre-02 I think it was) But these newer systems allow you to reprogram the keys. Unfortunetly I do not remember the procedure to do it without the Techstream Scantool.

Matt i think youre right, that the key would probably disable the alarm anyways regardless of the fob. as you suggest it probably all comes down to the key transponder.

DC youre right on man. He talked to his insurance co today, he does have comprehensive and apparently they are maybe going to give him new keys that are keyed the same but with a different chip? theyre gonna replace and reprogram the fobs for him as well. Hes taking it in tomorrow.

Im not sure what they mean though, if they will just cut him new keys or actually change the transponder key ecu only and not rekey it. Hes gonna clarify tomorrow but your dead on, and i guess its in the best interest of the insurance co not to pay out a stolen vehicle.

Thanks Columbo, i did find earlier today the procedure to reprogram the fobs. In fact here it is in case anybody else needs it.

Blackworks, Im guessing by your sig that youre a toyota tech. I bow to you sir, lol. Actually that makes more sense that they built in a back door to reprogram the keys.

Im guessing at the end of this they will have a key that will open his doors but not start the vehicle and if thats the case he will probably wanna get an aftermarket alarm anyways.

It should go without saying i appreciate everybodys input. Ill post an update tomorrow after he takes it in.

Chris

ok actually cant upload the pdf for reprogramming the fobs cuz its too big, ill see if i can convert it to a jpg or if anybody needs it pm me.

For a temp fix though its a pain, when he leaves the vehicle overnight pull the fuel relay out and take it with him. I used to do this when i was at colege in boston to keep my truck form getting stolen. Even with a key they cant start it without a fuel relay. Ive also done this when we left our car at the terminal to go on a cruise in NYC.

I would have your friend try to push for new locks all around, its a pain and expensive, but he should be able to point out that with that key, the vehicle is still not safe from further break-in because the key can open the Driver's Door, Rear Glass, GloveBox, ect.

Sounds like he is getting the best. They are going to remove the security transponder chip in the car and put in a new one, then code the new keys to the new chip. That means the old keys will no longer be able to do anything.

Best solution. I know that is expensive to do, good think the insurance company is doing it. And yes, paying that is cheaper than a stolen car to pay for.

Here is a link for programming key fobs. Not only Toyota, but others as well.

Free Keyless Remote Fob Entry programming instructions, procedures for all automotive vehicles

thank you Rick. Thats where i ended up but after I dl'd the instructions i couldnt find my way back there.

Jerry, good call on the relay. I doubt anyone is going to take the time to troubleshoot a missing relay let alone have one on them or the wits to swap one.

Blackworks your word is money. He just called me and they are in the process of reprogramming new keys. Unfortunately they are not going to rekey any of the cylinders despite his requesting so. They quoted him $2300 if he wanted that done. Why so much???

Disappointing yes, but at the end of the day, im actually a little surprised the insurance company even stepped up as much as they did.

So the Bas****os will be able to get in but hes gonna get an aftermarket alarm so even if they open the door the alarm will still trigger. That and the key they have will no longer start the vehicle. So who knows, maybe if they do come back this will save him another broken window.

I thought we were going to be on our own figuring this out but between the insurance company stepping up and the collective genius here in t4r, we are good to go.

Thanks again for everybody's input, and please dont leave your valuables in plain site. you have been warned

I used to leave stuff in plain sight and sit on my porch with my 30-06. DNR gave me a ticket for hunting over bait. Lesson Learned, won't do that again.

LMAO I wish that were legal in my area...