Can Not Program Key or Key Fob

[SCHUNTER1969]

Can Not Program New Key and Power Lock Issues

Ok so let me begin by saying if this has been covered please just attach a link in your response. I could not find anything but you never know.

I have a 1999 Toyota 4Runner limited that has a chip in the key.

I have two issues:

1)I can not program a new key, I bought a new key and tried over and over to program it. Nothing. It turns the car over, unlocks and locks the doors but will not start the car. So obviously I failed to program it. I took it to a local place that does this kind of work because the last thing I want to do is take it to the stealership. The local shop told me the car has the maximum programmed keys and I need to take to take it to the stealership to have the ECU reset and he told me it would cost around $500... that sucks. I am down to one key that starts the car... I am going to call around to a couple of places and see if they have the capability to do such a task before going to the stealership and getting bent over.

My question is this, with today's technology is there a way where I can buy the tools and software to do this myself. I would rather pay $500 and do it myself so I would have the capability of helping my fellow yota friends if they had the same issue. For example, I have one of those OBD2 code readers that also outputs all kind of data via wifi to my phone, it is awesome and I love it. I know they make the 16 pin port that allows you to plug it into a laptop and do the same function as the OBD2 device. So is it possible to go this route and with some kind of software and reset my ECU to allow more keys to be programmed? Also if anybody has had this done through the stealership, do you know what they actual reset? Did they use they use the 16 pin port? Any information you can provide would be welcomed.

I also have this issue for the key fob! I can not program a new key fob. I have tried many different kinds, many different steps, and they have all failed. I am assuming I have the same issue, the maximum amount of key fobs have been programed and the ECU requires a reset.

Has anybody had this work done at a local shop where they did not charge an arm and a leg?

2)My power locks have started to work intermittently. Sometimes they work, sometimes they do not. I know this is an issue with Toyotas and common issue with the 3rd gen 4runner as age progresses. I also know that if I dished out $500 for the junction box with all the fuses under the steering wheel it would fix the issue or I could try a used part. If that is the issue, the fob for unlocking and locking the doors works intermittently as well as the unlock and lock buttons located in the car. I also know that I could locate the failing relay and replace it but I do not trust myself with a solder on the junction box when failing could result in more damage.

My question is this, is it possible to install a remote STARTER kit, that would bypass the failing relay? I know just about all remote starter kits come with unlock and lock function on the fob. So if I installed one of these kits would it bypass the failing relay OR even after installing the remote starter kit it would still require the use of the failing relay? I know because of the year of my 4runner I would require a programmed immobilizer bypass for the starter kit to work.

Also, is there another possibility of a failed component other than the ECU? How would I trouble shoot that? The fob and all bottoms act the same, sometimes they work and sometimes they do not.

***If anybody has had issues with power locks even after installing a remote starter kit please tell me!***

Any information, successes, failures, results, etc is welcomed.

 

[Toyotayoda]

I sincerely doubt it would be $500 at the dealer to reset the immobiliser, especially since you already have keys. Once it's reset you need a code to be able to program a new master key, which you need to do to program other keys, even aftermarket tools to do such a job can be as little as $2500. I know there were camry, solar and I think sienna models of the 99-01 year range that required a new ECU(now discontinued) once you've lost a key or reached your key limit, but have not seen or heard of any 4Runners being that way.

 

[SCHUNTER1969]

I did find that Toyota might warranty out the ECU and all you have to do is pay for the labor of the swap, flash, and programming new keys! Check this out:

https://www.yotatech.com/f123/thank-you-toyota-warrantied-ecm-ecu-99-4runner-227447/

I am going to call them today and post what I found out. Hopefully that will take care of my key issues. And then down to the power locks.

 

[Airmapper]

Page 1637 [Body Electrical section: BE-169] of the service manual may have what you need. (I have one that claims it is for a 2002 model...but I suspect it's the same.)

There is a procedure to erase transponder key codes.

There is also a procedure to erase key fobs, it starts on page 1564 [BE-96]

Read those in detail, but if you maxed out your registered amount of keys and/or fobs, I think you can reset them all as long as you have one good master key.

 

[SCHUNTER1969]

[MENTION=151780]Airmapper[/MENTION]

Huh this definitely something I can try. I have attached pages of the manual you referenced so we are on the same page.

For page 1637: Erasure of Transponder Key Code

When you use a Master Key and perform these steps does it erase all previously programmed transponder keys? Or does it erase the key performing the steps?

Have you had success doing this?

I need to double check and make sure the key I have is a master key.

 

[Airmapper]

Huh this definitely something I can try. I have attached pages of the manual you referenced so we are on the same page.

For page 1637: Erasure of Transponder Key Code

When you use a Master Key and perform these steps does it erase all previously programmed transponder keys? Or does it erase the key performing the steps?

Have you had success doing this?

I need to double check and make sure the key I have is a master key.

Yes that is what I was reading. Be careful though I'm not for sure it's what you need but thought it might be useful.

I've had success adding keys and fobs but I didn't have to try to remove any.

Above all else, if you have a master key I wouldn't try the erasure procedure with it. I guess you don't have any of the other keys to erase though?

The fobs shouldn't be as dangerous, if all else fails I think you can erase all and program them in again.

 

[SCHUNTER1969]

[MENTION=151780]Airmapper[/MENTION]

Ok so you are reading the manual as if this will delete all keys including the one used to complete the procedure?

 

[Airmapper]

[MENTION=151780]Airmapper[/MENTION]

Ok so you are reading the manual as if this will delete all keys including the one used to complete the procedure?

Well it's a bit confusing. Reading it again, it sounds like it erases the code on the key used. If that is the case I don't know why it has to be a Master Key.

I also found info saying you can only have 3 "codes" but then it also says you can have up to 7 keys...?

It sounds like it's possible, but given you only have one good key it sounds a bit risky. You don't want to de-program your one good key.

My 4runner only had one master key and I was able to add 2 more without a hitch, and I know it must have had more at some time.

 

[Ikanaiak]

https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInf...6D.html&locale=en&openSource=TechinfoPrelogin

not sure if this is what you're talking about.

More manuals https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInf...nfpb=true&_pageLabel=ti_home_search_docs_page

 

[SCHUNTER1969]

[MENTION=145585]Ikanaiak[/MENTION]

Bottom of the first page say:

"Notes: For factory remote keyless entry system programming information, refer to the vehicle’s repair manual."

I am currently all factory when it comes to keyless entry.

 

[SCHUNTER1969]

Should I try this junction box to take an attempt at fixing the power locks?

4 RUNNER 1999 Fuse Box, Engine 133954 | eBay

 

[Philbo]

any update on the result? Which procedure worked out?

 

[Philbo]

Also, how can you tell if you have an immobiliser ECU? I'm swapping my ECU from an auto to a manual and want to figure out if the manual ecu has an immobiliser. I only have the harness and the ecu from the manual.

 

[Brian.]

Also, how can you tell if you have an immobiliser ECU? I'm swapping my ECU from an auto to a manual and want to figure out if the manual ecu has an immobiliser. I only have the harness and the ecu from the manual.

I went through programming an Immo vehicle without a Master key, info here:

Keys and Remotes and Immobilizers, Oh My!, or...

As for how to know if you have an Immo system, best I know is that the first was the 1999 Limited, and by 2001 they all had them (I think, someone always contradicts when I post what I know). You're going to have to dig that info up on your own. 99% of the time, this stuff doesn't get handed to you.. get familiar with searching (see the stickies for how to use google for better searches).

There are about 7~8 different ECU part numbers, maybe that will give you a clue. Or, you can open the ECU up and look for the immobilizer chip (in the link I posted is Another link with photos).

 

[Philbo]

Thanks for your quick reply. I did open up the ecu and there is a EPROM chip inside named under IC900 and from the vids I saw, this is the one chip guys are reprogramming. So I guess I have the Immo in both ECUs. I am thinking of swapping the chip itself from my auto ecu by resoldering it in my manual ECU. I did many hours of researching but all the info I find does not apply to my specific year or is not clear to me.
My truck is a 1999 Limited Auto.
All my parts seems to be coming from a 2000 manual (I bought the parts already off the donor truck, but according to the ECU p/n it semmes to be 2000).

 

[Brian.]

If you're handy with soldering (I'm not, at all, and still managed to do 2 ECUs a grand total of 3 times... felt $50 for a test was worthwhile and now it's a backup with key), it shouldn't be an issue. Just keep the orientation right on the chip, not like it's going to Hurt anything (no writing is done, only reading).

But yes, if both ECU's have the Immo chip, then you're stuck with getting the Immo system functional. Sorry. But, you've got more info than I did and know that it's possible (I didn't when I started). It's nothing you can't overcome.