How to program a new key ?

[kennyb3030]

bought my 99 4r about 3 yrs ago and it come with only 1 key, i checked the dealership and they told me about $80 for a new key. i see they have keys on the net for $10-$15. can these keys be programmed easy or do you have to carry it o the dealer ?

 

[MAD 69]

Stay away from the dealership, go to a local hardware/locksmith for a replacement. The dealer wanted $300 for a replacement for my Lexus but I found a small shop that cut me a new one for $60 - it doesn't have the chip in it though...

 

[kennyb3030]

it wont crank without the chip in it right ?

 

[BrianSD_42]

you mean the KEY FOB correct?

There seems to be some confusion (maybe just on my end) with the thread comments.

I had a new metal key cut for me by the dealer based on the VIN. They only charged $25. You can also take your metal key to home depot that will probably be fine.

Getting a new KEY FOB is a different story. I would like to know the cheapest way to do that as well.

Assuming you do need a 2nd KEY FOB you should look around for the answer but it will probably be specific to your car. For example there are two Toyota alarm system types on 3rd gens. One installed at factory and one installed by the dealer, both being Toyota alarms in this scenario. Depending on what you have, you will need to do it a certain way.

Also you can buy a KEY FOB on ebay that will be programmed for you VIN (supposedly) but I haven't tried that.

My main problem is that my KEY FOB plastic housing is breaking down. I am thinking of just getting a dead KEY FOB for $20 on ebay and swapping out the electronics in the FOB.

I have the older oval shaped KEY FOB.

Truck:
97 Limited 4Runner 4x4

 

[J-money$$$]

i just got a new metal key cut for my 4runner for two bucks at lowes

 

[kball]

I had a new metal key cut for me by the dealer based on the VIN. They only charged $25. You can also take your metal key to home depot that will probably be fine.

I had a key cut by the dealer off the VIN. Only cost $5. I hope your key was special otherwise your dealer is ripping people off.

 

[Ghostrider]

The key is not chipped.. The dealer must mean the door open fob.

 

[Nelsonmd]

you mean the KEY FOB correct?

There seems to be some confusion (maybe just on my end) with the thread comments.

I had a new metal key cut for me by the dealer based on the VIN. They only charged $25. You can also take your metal key to home depot that will probably be fine.

Getting a new KEY FOB is a different story. I would like to know the cheapest way to do that as well.

Assuming you do need a 2nd KEY FOB you should look around for the answer but it will probably be specific to your car. For example there are two Toyota alarm system types on 3rd gens. One installed at factory and one installed by the dealer, both being Toyota alarms in this scenario. Depending on what you have, you will need to do it a certain way.

Also you can buy a KEY FOB on ebay that will be programmed for you VIN (supposedly) but I haven't tried that.

My main problem is that my KEY FOB plastic housing is breaking down. I am thinking of just getting a dead KEY FOB for $20 on ebay and swapping out the electronics in the FOB.

I have the older oval shaped KEY FOB.

Truck:
97 Limited 4Runner 4x4

I got one off ebay that works perfectly (the FOB). There are no "pre-programmed" key FOB's though. You may be able to match the FCC ID based on the VIN, but the programming is done on the vehicle, not the FOB.

I don't have the optional alarm though. There have been lots of discussions about this though, so do a search and you will probably be able to find the answer to your questions.

 

[halo32c]

Program Instruction

bought my 99 4r about 3 yrs ago and it come with only 1 key, i checked the dealership and they told me about $80 for a new key. i see they have keys on the net for $10-$15. can these keys be programmed easy or do you have to carry it o the dealer ?

I have a set of FOB Program Instructions I can post or email to you. I should have my car back in a few days so I should get a chance to try it then.

 

[Singtoe]

The limiteds have a secondary theft device or immobilizer. It does have a Transponder chip in the key head.

Below are the instructions I just used to successfully reprogram a freshly cut transponder key blank I purchased on e-bay on my 4Runner.


This method is supposed to work on 1998-2001 Models.

4Runner Key Programming
Add Duplicate Key

1.Simultaneously depress and release brake and accelerator pedals 1 time.
2.Insert master key into ignition
3.Within 15 seconds depress and release accelerator pedal 5 times.
4.Within 20 seconds depress and release the brake pedal 6 times and remove key.
5.Within 10 seconds insert new key into ignition.
6.Within 10 seconds depress and release the accelerator pedal 1 time.
7.After 80 seconds new key is registered and security light goes off.
8.Remove new key and depress and release brake pedal 1 time.

 

[kennyb3030]

thanks alot singtoe, that's what i was looking for :reddance:

 

[bolantej]

Has anyone confirmed that the above process works for a 99 Limited? Dealer wants $130 per key...

 

[ATX4Yota]

The limiteds have a secondary theft device or immobilizer. It does have a Transponder chip in the key head.

Below are the instructions I just used to successfully reprogram a freshly cut transponder key blank I purchased on e-bay on my 4Runner.


This method is supposed to work on 1998-2001 Models.

4Runner Key Programming
Add Duplicate Key

1.Simultaneously depress and release brake and accelerator pedals 1 time.
2.Insert master key into ignition
3.Within 15 seconds depress and release accelerator pedal 5 times.
4.Within 20 seconds depress and release the brake pedal 6 times and remove key.
5.Within 10 seconds insert new key into ignition.
6.Within 10 seconds depress and release the accelerator pedal 1 time.
7.After 80 seconds new key is registered and security light goes off.
8.Remove new key and depress and release brake pedal 1 time.

Bringing this thread back to life...2002 Limited

I successfully tried the exact method described above...WITHOUT A MASTER KEY.

At the onset of this journey, I had 2 (non-OEM) transponder chipped and functioning valet keys after purchasing my Runner. I say "valet" because both keys would start the Runner and unlock the doors, but would not lock the doors nor function in the glove box. Because of wear, both keys were causing the ignition cylinder to stick.

After an initial botched attempt at fixing the worn fingers in the cylinder by a local locksmith (you wouldn't believe the amount of metal shavings in the cylinder shaft after removing), I went to my local stealership and paid $50 for a new Master key according to my Runner's VIN. They wanted an additional $100 to program it.

The new master key unlocked/locked all doors and glove box. In the quoted text above, where it says 'master key', I used one of my already functioning 'valet' keys to program my newly cut 'Master' key. Worked flawlessly.

As a side note, in the 2002 limited, there is a light ring that fits over the ignition cylinder. Because the locksmith I used to 'fix' my ignition cylinder cracked the original cylinder, the light ring would not fit over the head of the replacement cylinder. In this particular light ring, also exists the engine immobilizer. If this immobilizer doesn't sit flush with the cylinder housing, your Runner will not start. Learned that lesson the hard way. Luckily, the locksmith had kept the original 'head' of the cylinder and was able to fit that head over the replacement cylinder. Runner started right up.

 

[Singtoe]

But you had a key with a transponder that worked thus that is the new master key.

Your ecm was accepting of the program because you had a valid transponder.

 

[Mr.X.]

Bringing this thread back to life...2002 Limited

I successfully tried the exact method described above...WITHOUT A MASTER KEY.

At the onset of this journey, I had 2 (non-OEM) transponder chipped and functioning valet keys after purchasing my Runner. I say "valet" because both keys would start the Runner and unlock the doors, but would not lock the doors nor function in the glove box. Because of wear, both keys were causing the ignition cylinder to stick.

After an initial botched attempt at fixing the worn fingers in the cylinder by a local locksmith (you wouldn't believe the amount of metal shavings in the cylinder shaft after removing), I went to my local stealership and paid $50 for a new Master key according to my Runner's VIN. They wanted an additional $100 to program it.

The new master key unlocked/locked all doors and glove box. In the quoted text above, where it says 'master key', I used one of my already functioning 'valet' keys to program my newly cut 'Master' key. Worked flawlessly.

As a side note, in the 2002 limited, there is a light ring that fits over the ignition cylinder. Because the locksmith I used to 'fix' my ignition cylinder cracked the original cylinder, the light ring would not fit over the head of the replacement cylinder. In this particular light ring, also exists the engine immobilizer. If this immobilizer doesn't sit flush with the cylinder housing, your Runner will not start. Learned that lesson the hard way. Luckily, the locksmith had kept the original 'head' of the cylinder and was able to fit that head over the replacement cylinder. Runner started right up.

I tried this method on my 02 and it did not work. I also received only one valey key with my runner. I guess this only works if there is a master key in the vicinity

 

[01Limited]

The limiteds have a secondary theft device or immobilizer. It does have a Transponder chip in the key head.

Below are the instructions I just used to successfully reprogram a freshly cut transponder key blank I purchased on e-bay on my 4Runner.


This method is supposed to work on 1998-2001 Models.

4Runner Key Programming
Add Duplicate Key

1.Simultaneously depress and release brake and accelerator pedals 1 time.
2.Insert master key into ignition
3.Within 15 seconds depress and release accelerator pedal 5 times.
4.Within 20 seconds depress and release the brake pedal 6 times and remove key.
5.Within 10 seconds insert new key into ignition.
6.Within 10 seconds depress and release the accelerator pedal 1 time.
7.After 80 seconds new key is registered and security light goes off.
8.Remove new key and depress and release brake pedal 1 time.

Thanks for sharing this! Will be trying it soon

 

[breeze90]

My 2000 Limited came with only one key. Luckily it was a transponder master key. I bought a spare key off ToyotaPartsDeal for $19, took it to Home Depot where they cut it for free, and programmed the new spare following the steps posted by Singtoe. It works perfectly!

Glad I looked on here before paying an arm and leg to the dealership. Thanks Singtoe for the knowledge!