04 4Runner transponder key programming

H

huckleberry668

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My 04 4Runner keys have the transponder in them to immobilize the engine if not used. I want to have 2 more keys made in case if the factory break or gets lost.

I saw a few for sale on eBay and wonder how the programming of the key would go? and how good those keys are?

anyone has the instructions? or know about this?

thanks
 
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Been covered several times before. You must go to the dealer and have at least one of the master keys for them to be able to program additional keys.
 
jharris2 said:
Been covered several times before. You must go to the dealer and have at least one of the master keys for them to be able to program additional keys.
Click to expand...
Resurrecting this thread..

I did a bunch of research this evening... and I'm reading that this is indeed possible.

There are a few folks out there that seem to specialize in Toyota keys. Since my newly obtained vehicle only came with 1 key (a master) I'll make some calls tomorrow and to get the scoop.
 
It's possible through a locksmith with special equipment. There is a website that can send you a key that will work in the lock and they will sub-contract the work to a local locksmith/contractor to get the key programmed to the immobilizer.

jharris2 and I are stating this is not a DIY job.
 
jharris2 said:
You must go to the dealer and have at least one of the master keys for them to be able to program additional keys.
Click to expand...

Is the gray valet key considered a master key? - or do you need to have the full function black one. (When purchasing car you only get a single back and a single gray one).
 
wolfgang said:
Is the gray valet key considered a master key? - or do you need to have the full function black one. (When purchasing car you only get a single back and a single gray one).
Click to expand...
Black is master, grey is valet. You need black/master for programming additional ones.

My dealer charges $43 to program keys (so if I want 2 additional masters, it's only $43 total, not $43 each).

I can get keys online for about 32+shipping. Dealership charges $50 per key
 
wolfgang said:
Is the gray valet key considered a master key? - or do you need to have the full function black one. (When purchasing car you only get a single back and a single gray one).
Click to expand...

You should get three keys, two masters (black) and valet (gray) (and two keyless remote fobs). I got three keys with all of my Toyotas, even the Tacoma, which the valet is absolutely useless (doesn't have a locking glove box).
 
Turns out that it's not possible to program youself... at least not if your key has a small dot on it just below the black plastic.

I finally gave in and went to the dealership.

Went to service department and asked for 2 keys. Price was $43 for each key (cut) and $45 for programming (1 charge for 2 keys). Total cost out the door was $135.

That's a lot of money for 2 keys, but hey, now I have backups!
 
no master key!

Consider yourself super lucky. I didnt realize that there was even a valet key. I lost my (2004 Sport 6cyl) 2 masters and the dealer told me that they would have to charge me 80 for each key, 100+ for each remote, and over 200 for the labor of reprogramming!
I left without doing it to see if I could find a better way. I may still find at least one master.

I live in Westchester, NY (NYC burbs). Anyone know of a locksmith around here that can do this or am I screwed?!


statman24 said:
Turns out that it's not possible to program youself... at least not if your key has a small dot on it just below the black plastic.

I finally gave in and went to the dealership.

Went to service department and asked for 2 keys. Price was $43 for each key (cut) and $45 for programming (1 charge for 2 keys). Total cost out the door was $135.

That's a lot of money for 2 keys, but hey, now I have backups!
Click to expand...
 
update

as an update to this:
I found my master!!! So I only have one master and 1 valet key (with both remotes). I found this site that says how to program a new transponder key if you can get it cut:
Factory Anti-Theft Transponder Bypass and Databus Reference Guide

does ANY ONE know if this works? I dont want to spend 35 bucks on an ebay key, schlep over to home depot to have it cut, then find out that it doesnt work and have to go to the ripoff dealers even more in the hole. :)




dangerous said:
Consider yourself super lucky. I didnt realize that there was even a valet key. I lost my (2004 Sport 6cyl) 2 masters and the dealer told me that they would have to charge me 80 for each key, 100+ for each remote, and over 200 for the labor of reprogramming!
I left without doing it to see if I could find a better way. I may still find at least one master.

I live in Westchester, NY (NYC burbs). Anyone know of a locksmith around here that can do this or am I screwed?!
Click to expand...
 
dangerous said:
as an update to this:
I found my master!!! So I only have one master and 1 valet key (with both remotes). I found this site that says how to program a new transponder key if you can get it cut:
Factory Anti-Theft Transponder Bypass and Databus Reference Guide

does ANY ONE know if this works? I dont want to spend 35 bucks on an ebay key, schlep over to home depot to have it cut, then find out that it doesnt work and have to go to the ripoff dealers even more in the hole. :)
Click to expand...

Has anyone tried programming a key with these instructions?
 
key programming

I have programmed my 2003 Lexus IS 300 keys using that protocol, but I have never used it on the my 4runner. but your link lists both procedures to be the same. The lexus key is a single key/remote instead of the 2 piece fob + key, but I was able to purchase a cut key from the internet using the key code and program it to my car without any problems.

good luck
 
dangerous said:
as an update to this:
I found my master!!! So I only have one master and 1 valet key (with both remotes). I found this site that says how to program a new transponder key if you can get it cut:
Factory Anti-Theft Transponder Bypass and Databus Reference Guide

does ANY ONE know if this works? I dont want to spend 35 bucks on an ebay key, schlep over to home depot to have it cut, then find out that it doesnt work and have to go to the ripoff dealers even more in the hole. :)
Click to expand...


That sounds about right,
My last 4Runner only had one key, so I bought a key off E-Bay and it came with printed programming instructions.

I followed those and the alarm system indications were different before compared to after the programming, so I figured it was safe to have the key cut then. (I did not want to spend cutting money if the programming did not work.

I'm not positive the metod in the link is the same since I included the instructions in the file when I sold that one (99 LTD with security)

Not sure what may have convinced early posters that this is not a DIY thing, maybe something changed? (mine was 5 years ago, and my current 99' had two keys)
The one thing that is required is you have to have a black programmed key to DIY, not a Valet (grey) key, or so I have read.
 
update

Thought I would share my recent experience. I had the grey valet key only. I know you have to have the black master. I called three different dealerships and got three different pricing for the ecu programming and price of the key. One priced matched another and did the programming for only $100, I thought this was a lot considering it only took about 20 minutes, contradicting other dealers statements that it was a rigorous process that took hours...I got new black programmed key for $155 out the door. I've ordered two more black mast keys off eBay and plan to use the programming method posted on here.
 
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