I did this last night with an ebay key, big thanks to Nicolachel! It did take me a few tries, if anyone else has problems, don't be a pansy opening and closing the doors like I was. Nicolachel posted the time everything has to be done in and you gotta get up on them doors to get it done in the required time.

-E

Thanks Nicolachel! 8 bucks for ebay OEM Toyota key + $1.50 local locksmith key cutting = $9.50 which is under 10 bucks. You saved me a ton of money. Auto locksmith that does key cutting and programming wanted $80+.

How do you program the FOB, it seems the instructions are for the key only?

2008 Toyota 4Runner - Free Keyless Remote Fob Entry programming instructions, procedures for all automotive vehicles

1. Start with the key out of the ignition, drivers door is open all others closed and
drivers door is unlocked.

2. Perform these steps within 5 seconds.
A. Insert the key into the ignition(Do NOT Turn) Pull key out.
B. Insert the key into the ignition(Do NOT Turn) Pull key out.

3. Perform these steps within 40 seconds.
A. Close then open the drivers door.
B. Close then open the drivers door.
C. Insert the key into the ignition(Do NOT Turn) Pull key out.

4. Perform these steps within 40 seconds.
A. Close then open the drivers door.
B. Close then open the drivers door.
C. Insert the key into ignition and leave it in ignition.
D. Close the drivers door.
E. Turn the ignition to ON (Do NOT Start) then back to OFF.
F. Remove the key from the ignition.

5. Within 3 seconds, the power door locks should lock then unlock automatically
indicating successful entry into programming mode.
Return to step 1 if the locks do not cycle at this point.

6. Perform these steps within 40 seconds.
A. Press the lock and unlock buttons on the remtoe simutaneously for 1.5 seconds.
B. Immediately after letting go of the lock and unlock buttons,
Press the lock button by itself and hold for 2 seconds. Within 3 seconds, the door
locks should lock and then unlock once indicating successful programming. If
the door locks cycle twice, repeat steps A and B in step 6 as the remote was
not accepted.
C. Repeat steps A and B in step 6 for each new remote.

7. Open drivers door.

Followed the Instructions posted by 'nicolachel' and it worked on the first try for two keys I bought on amazon from keylessremote, for around 20 bucks shipped. I went to Ace hardware to have them cut, about 5 bucks for both keys.

My Amazon Key FOB broke last week. The little silver swivel thing that connects to a key ring detached and as a result the rest of my keys could have been lost.

Just ordered two keys myself. I've only had one key since I bought my truck. Very happy to see all the successful stories!

I'll search too after this, but is there any cheap solution like this for a remote too?!? thnx!

Take the FCC ID number off the back of your existing remote. (it's probably HYQ12BBX) and find one on eBay. Then use the instructions I wrote in this thread on post 64 (which is from Free Keyless Remote Fob Entry programming instructions, procedures for all automotive vehicles to program).. Word of advice.. When your new keys come in take them to the Toyota dealership with your insurance card and have them cut from VIN. That way they won't be a copy of a worn key and will be original.

Thanks for the heads up. Unfortunately, I never got a remote. Only one key and thats it! I'm guessing most should be the same though for the 4th gen?

If you're asking whether the remotes are the same throughout the 03-09 4Runner, they aren't. It looks like you have an 04 and the RKE is HYQ12BAN; only the 03-04 T4R used that remote. The HYQ12BBX is used on the 05-09. They are not interchangeable. The programming is the same however. Also the keys are same and the programming is the same.

I have an '05 V8 and performed this last night and it worked the first try exactly as nicolachel described in first post. It cost me a total of $14 with the key and having it cut at the local locksmith. Thanks for the info!

I did this last week. Stealership only gave me one key. I got a transponder key cut that i ordered from amazon but I also had them cut a generic key just to open the door that I keep in my wallet.

ERRR of course with my luck the incompetant ace hardware key cutter butchered the cutting process so that the key won't work. Off to buy another one.

RYANBT- thanks for posting the instructions for the FOB.

When you get your new one key take it to the dealership to be cut from VIN. Mine have either done it for free, or for the price of a transponderless key cut (<$20). This way you have a true original and not a copy of a worn out original or a copy of a copy.

This does work. I couldn't believe it. I have an 08 SR5. Got a key on amazon for $9. I cut it myself at menards ( I work there) and programmed it within like 2 minutes. I couldn't believe how simple it was. Will get a 3rd key just in case. For $9 total cost you can't go wrong.