programming 2008 4runner keys

[digin66]

After loosing one of two keys that we had for our '08 that we just got I read alot of posts about buying key blanks and programming them yourself. After trying numerous threads and getting frustrated with the instructions I finally found a video on Youtube that explained it clearly. they claim it works on 2003-2006 and I just confirmed it works on a 2008 so here you go. saves alot of time and money with dealerships and locksmiths.

How to program a transponder key in a 2003-2006 Toyota 4runner - YouTube

here is the process.

buy chipped key blanks on ebay, i got 2 for $18.
go to a local hardware store and get them cut, $2 for both of them.
follow these steps to program the key:
1. make sure doors are closed, antitheft light will be blinking.
2. insert master key 5 times into ignition leaving master key in the ignition on the 5th insertion, antitheft light will be out.
3. open and close the driverside door 6 times.
4. pull out master key. antitheft light stays on.
5. insert key to be programmed and leave the key in until the antitheft light stops blinking, about 60 seconds
6. pull out newly programmed key and insert master key and start engine. this gets car out of program mode.
7. shut off car and insert key that was just programmed and start car.

place spare key on frame of car so that you don't get stranded when you drop your main set of key in the lake:bluejump:

 

[BenAzdell]

Successful Programming of 2008 4Runner Transponder Keys

Finally got two replacement 'dot' keys programmed to work with my 2008 4Runner after discovering & executing the Eraser procedure to clear lost keys from the 5 key capacity. We now have the added piece of mind that the lost keys that once worked, no longer will.

Programming Procedure used
5 insertions of working key, 6 Driver door opens & closes, remove working key, insert new key & wait 60 seconds.

Erase Procedure used
6 insertions of working key, 7 Driver door opens & closes, remove working key. That is now the only one that will work.

Two replacement 'dot' keys delivered, cut, & programmed for less that $31 total. Now we've got 3 working master keys.

Thanks to nicolachel for the posts that ultimately lead to success.

BenA

 

[LoneDeRanger]

Sorry to resurect an old thread but this neded to be added.

I took my keys from amazon from keyless in las vegas to a local locksmith. LockDoc. After being given a bunch of crap about them not wanting to cut the keys due to "harder alloys" that would hurt their machines and a very hard sell to purchase their Oem toyota keys for $49.95.

I just about walked out. They finally cut the keys. Which worked. But when asked to buff a second time to take a bit of the edges sharp bits. They refused.

Got it done at my house with a delta belt sander just fine.

Confirmed works with 2008 4runner. Fyi the anti theft symbol is in the center time display... Never noticed it before. Now I have 3 working keys and keyless remotes for $28. Cool beans.

They even open the glove box.

 

[flipflopnfly]

After loosing one of two keys that we had for our '08 that we just got I read alot of posts about buying key blanks and programming them yourself. After trying numerous threads and getting frustrated with the instructions I finally found a video on Youtube that explained it clearly. they claim it works on 2003-2006 and I just confirmed it works on a 2008 so here you go. saves alot of time and money with dealerships and locksmiths.

How to program a transponder key in a 2003-2006 Toyota 4runner - YouTube

here is the process.

buy chipped key blanks on ebay, i got 2 for $18.
go to a local hardware store and get them cut, $2 for both of them.
follow these steps to program the key:
1. make sure doors are closed, antitheft light will be blinking.
2. insert master key 5 times into ignition leaving master key in the ignition on the 5th insertion, antitheft light will be out.
3. open and close the driverside door 6 times.
4. pull out master key. antitheft light stays on.
5. insert key to be programmed and leave the key in until the antitheft light stops blinking, about 60 seconds
6. pull out newly programmed key and insert master key and start engine. this gets car out of program mode.
7. shut off car and insert key that was just programmed and start car.

place spare key on frame of car so that you don't get stranded when you drop your main set of key in the lake:bluejump:

One thing, steps 2 and 3 have to be done in 35 seconds. If you dawdle like I did the first two tries you get frustrated.

How to make spare chipped keys - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

For programming new Ebay remotes :

Programming 04 4runner keyless remote - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

EDIT: (6/15/2019) I went to prgm two keys for the 2008 (above was for the 2007), failed the first try cause I dawdled on steps 2 & 3, tried it again, failed again after NOT dawdling. Anyway, figured out I not only had to start the engine with the orig key after the failure, I had to actually drive the vehicle. Nonsense, you say? Well, I tried starting it, did the procedure correctly, nogo. Tried starting it, put it in D, back to P, did the process correctly, nogo. Finally, drove it around the block, success.

Anyway, could have just been me, but thought I would mention it.

 

[DisguisedRope]

I just got two new keys and fobs yesterday working too. My buddy lost his master (and only) key for his 4Runner and the dealer quoted him $600 to get a key and reprogram everything. Luckily he ended up finding his key under his jetski trailer, but after he told me about it I decided I needed a couple spares to prevent that outrageous bill in the future. Brought the blank keys to Wal-Mart and they cut them for me for free. Went out to the parking lot and programmed keys and fobs in under five minutes with the instructions on this page.


These are the keys/fobs i bought. I have a 2008 btw.

KEYS

FOBS

 

[shinsain]

Any idea whether this will work on an 07?

Going through this now. Only got one key from the dealer I bought it from. Toyota wants $40 for key, $50 to program the son*****.

I had three regulars cut, going to tape the chipped key to the lock cylinder but I'd rather have the added security of the chipped key.

 

[DisguisedRope]

Any idea whether this will work on an 07?

Going through this now. Only got one key from the dealer I bought it from. Toyota wants $40 for key, $50 to program the son*****.

I had three regulars cut, going to tape the chipped key to the lock cylinder but I'd rather have the added security of the chipped key.

I don't see any reason it wouldn't work on a 2007. It's cheap enough at $12 for two keys to give it a shot.

 

[maliu1]

Lock up your original somewhere. You can program up to 5 keys for a vehicle. Came with 2 means you can have 3 spares. You do need an original key to program. Thad why the one mine came with is stashed away.

 

[bamma]

Lock up your original somewhere. You can program up to 5 keys for a vehicle. Came with 2 means you can have 3 spares. You do need an original key to program. Thad why the one mine came with is stashed away.

When I bought my 4runner it came only with one non-oem, non original key. I was able to use it and the technique above to program an oem key I purchased online.

 

[DisguisedRope]

Lock up your original somewhere. You can program up to 5 keys for a vehicle. Came with 2 means you can have 3 spares. You do need an original key to program. Thad why the one mine came with is stashed away.

The above method programs additional master keys. These newly programmed keys can be used to program more master keys or you can use your original master key. I programmed one new key and then used that new key to program a second new key just to confirm the process works.

 

[Okie81]

Great info in this threat, as well at this one:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/69005-programming-new-key.html

I went through the whole process above. The light stays on when I remove the master key, but it doesn't start blinking...stays solid.

After a while it goes back to blinking in what appears to be a 2-1 code.

1) Do I just need to try it again?
2) Do I have too many keys programmed? If so, how do you reset the immobilizer to allow me to try it again?

FWIW, in post #10 of the aforementioned link there's some excellent .pdf's describing the whole process and what every step entails.

 

[duffdog]

If you have a computer with Techstream and an xhorse vcm, this is a lot easier. You just go to "reset immobilizer" and program your new keys. Also works great if you lose all your keys and need to program new ones.

 

[EvanSun]

Worked for my 2006 Ltd V8 Digin66. Thanks!

 

[saltcity4runner]

these are the useful posts that I joined this forum for. Thanks for the knowledge share!

 

[SpiderVann]

Here is our situation, anyone have insight on what is happening? We have a 2008 4Runner Limited...

-We only have 1 master, so I bought a blank key with the dot since our master has it.
-We then had it cut at a local locksmith.
-Performed the programming method and the security light stays solid as in step 4 above.
-However after inserting the new key we're trying to program, the light never stops blinking after 60 seconds like step 5 says.
-I finish the programming method to see if it works, but the key turns the starter, but never gets the engine started. Its keeps cranking...is this normal?

Any idea on why the security light won't stop blinking and let the key get programmed?

 

[AuSeeker]

Here is our situation, anyone have insight on what is happening? We have a 2008 4Runner Limited...

-We only have 1 master, so I bought a blank key with the dot since our master has it.
-We then had it cut at a local locksmith.
-Performed the programming method and the security light stays solid as in step 4 above.
-However after inserting the new key we're trying to program, the light never stops blinking after 60 seconds like step 5 says.
-I finish the programming method to see if it works, but the key turns the starter, but never gets the engine started. Its keeps cranking...is this normal?

Any idea on why the security light won't stop blinking and let the key get programmed?

Try it again, and again, many times it just takes another try to get it to work.

If you can' get it to work after trying several tries it's possible that the maximum number of programmed keys are already in the system, If I'm not mistaken it's a total of 5 keys maximum, so you would have to remove at least one of the previous programmed key to program a new one, how to do that is posted somewhere in these forums, you'll have to do a search for a how-to.

Edit: Look for post number 2 in this topic for a brief description of the programmed key erasure procedure.

 

[WriterJWA]

I had to replace two sets of keys and fobs. This was really helpful.