ECU/ECM and lost master key!

[alchik]

Well, the wife loses my extra set of keys and it turns out all I have left is a valet key. Didn't think about it till I went to the Stealer and they made an appt for me knowing that's the only key I had. So, I go to the svc appt, wait and then have them tell me they can't program a master key from a valet. Well, I had read that but "they" made the appt. So, now my only options are getting a new ecu/ecm or getting someone to flash it to accept new keys. One thing I did find out that was sort of good was that my 2000 4runner can get a free ecu/ecm from Toyota for a swap out (Call Toyota NA and found out.). Now, the bad is that the Stealer wants me to buy 2 key for about $70 and then approx $390 for ECU installation and programming. Ouch! Ok, I found a local locksmith that can reflash the ECU for $300 and program keys. Seems high to me...
Now, the first question: Is there any benefit to having a new ECU over having the present one reflashed besides saving over $100?
Secondly: Does anyone know of a locksmith that can reflash with key programming for less than $300?

Hmmm, if it's not one thing it's another....

TIA!

 

[techno]

Wow, talk about making something way more complicated than it needs to be.

I only had the valet key when I bought my 4Runner. Went to the dealer, gave them my VIN and they cut a new master key for $12. All they need is the VIN, it's all recorded in their system. Took about 5 mins all up with no appointment needed. For the remote, I got one from ebay for $25 and it came with reprogramming instructions. Very easy to do.

Any reason you can't do something similar?

 

[theizzardking]

Wow, talk about making something way more complicated than it needs to be.

I only had the valet key when I bought my 4Runner. Went to the dealer, gave them my VIN and they cut a new master key for $12. All they need is the VIN, it's all recorded in their system. Took about 5 mins all up with no appointment needed. For the remote, I got one from ebay for $25 and it came with reprogramming instructions. Very easy to do.

Any reason you can't do something similar?

x2

there are 2 ways in the world the dealership way and the shadetree way, i'm sure like mentioned above there is another way other than paying out ludicrous amounts of money for a flipping key, lol

as far as it stands now i'd just get my ecu reflashed but see if you can get a pro do it, you might be able to get better performance out of your engine if you've done any other mods to your truck.

i know for the jeeps the guy is kolak, but i dunno know about these guys.

 

[Qyota]

The reason he can't have a key made from the VIN is because he has a transponder style key system. There is an immobilizer circuit that is tied to the programmed key. If that key isn't put into the ignition, you get an immoble 4runner.

I went through this over the winter when I needed a new (used) ECM.

1. The transponder keys are about $60-80 to have copied at a hardware store. But, you have to have an original master key to do this. You can't have a transponder key cut from a valet key...you'll just end up with a very expensive valet key copy...worthless.

2. I paid $225 for a mobile locksmith in my area (S. Wisconsin) to come to my house (since my truck was immoble) and flash my new ECM to work with my old keys. It worked great. So, $300 for a flash and 2 new keys is actually a pretty decent price. Do it.

3. I see no benefit to a new ECM, unless you think something is wrong with your current one. It really will only delay you getting your truck back on the road (as you wait for Toyota NA to send it to the dealer for installation).

 

[alchik]

Wow, talk about making something way more complicated than it needs to be.

I only had the valet key when I bought my 4Runner. Went to the dealer, gave them my VIN and they cut a new master key for $12. All they need is the VIN, it's all recorded in their system. Took about 5 mins all up with no appointment needed. For the remote, I got one from ebay for $25 and it came with reprogramming instructions. Very easy to do.

Any reason you can't do something similar?

It's more complicated than that. I've got a new master key cut but it has to be programmed into the ecu/immobilizer with an existing master key that has already been programmed into it. Without that, they have no way to get into the programming mode to add the new master transponder key. Also, without the programming the key will not start the car. It's great for security but they've turned into a way to scalp folks who lose their keys.
It sounds like you don't have the immobilizer feature.

 

[alchik]

The reason he can't have a key made from the VIN is because he has a transponder style key system. There is an immobilizer circuit that is tied to the programmed key. If that key isn't put into the ignition, you get an immoble 4runner.

We must have been responding about the same time!
Yeah, I'm leaning toward the ecu flash but I wish I could find it done cheaper as paying $300 just to get a couple of spare keys kinda eats at me...

 

[techno]

Ok, that makes sense. I don't have the immobilizer. As I was writing it occurred to me that maybe your system is different to mine, but with dealerships these days, you never know when they're trying to take you for ride.

What a bummer, looks like you have to spend a few pennies. Good luck.

 

[Brutus]

My wifes Saturn has a key like that.
I assume my '98 isn't the same as the '99 as I have several keys that I got made at a hardware store after I bought my truck.

Anyway, We are AAA members. My wife thought she lost her keys and called AAA to see what they could do about it. Even with the chip in her key, it was gonna be free for them to make her a new one.
I think we pay about 100 bucks a year for membership and it includes a whole lot more than just key makin.

Just a thought.

 

[alchik]

My wifes Saturn has a key like that.
I assume my '98 isn't the same as the '99 as I have several keys that I got made at a hardware store after I bought my truck.

Anyway, We are AAA members. My wife thought she lost her keys and called AAA to see what they could do about it. Even with the chip in her key, it was gonna be free for them to make her a new one.
I think we pay about 100 bucks a year for membership and it includes a whole lot more than just key makin.

Just a thought.

Hmm, never thought about AAA. I suppose that's worth a shot since I pay for the premium membership.

 

[jdw2012]

I'd like to bring this thread back to life as I have the exact same problem.

If I buy a 2nd hand ECM off Ebay ($50-80), install it myself and have a locksmith flash it ($200), is there any problems I would run into?
Would anything else need to be replaced when you change out the ECM?

Otherwise I have to pay for the tow to Toyota and $400 for the 'free' ECM from the dealership.

I have a 2000 Toyota 4Runner Limited.

Thanks!