Programming a new key

[HeyTrent]

I've just joined the 4runner club, found a great 2005 sport edition and I'm loving it!! :bluejump:

Unfortunately it only came with a single key + fob. I order a key fob and a blank key off of ebay. Programmed the key fob with no trouble. However, I haven't had any luck programming the key transponder. The key is cut to match and turns the cylinder OK. The problem is I see a lot of conflicting instructions on the internet. I've tried most of them with no luck.

Has anyone successfully programmed a new key for their 4runner?

Thanks in advance!

 

[jpless]

congrats on the purchase and welcome to the forum!

The key transponder needs to be programmed by the dealership or a shop with programming capabilities. Not all shops can do it (I recently tried at sears but they can only program domestic cars transponders).

I have seen the programmers on ebay but they're expensive and I'm not sure how easy they are to use.

Call around and find somewhere to do it. I've been too lazy. I bought a switchblade key off ebay last year right after buying my 06 and still haven't programmed the transponder so it's just sitting around unused. I kept finding other mods to spend the money on

 

[BRK]

I got a second key for my newly acquired '08 4-Runner from a local hardware store for $70 including programming.

 

[El Jefe]

I had the exact same issue and I found two different methodologies. One of them worked. Unfortunately the hard drive with the info on it died so forgive me as I try to help you with this one.
These methodologies seem a little weird but it did work. This one sounds close (if not the one I used) so try it out.

I was pretty surprised when I heard the confirmation myself. (doors unlocking and locking)

See if this one does it while I search the other forums....

Andy
1. Make sure the vehicle is in the following conditions--
_ a. The key is NOT inserted in the ignition switch.
_ b. Drivers door is open (all other doors are closed)
c. The Drivers door is UNLOCKED.

2. Insert the key into the ignition switch, then pull it out.

3. Press the Door lock switch on the Drivers door from Lock to Unlock 5
times.
Like this: Lock, Unlock = 1

4. Close the Drivers door and open it.

5. Repeat step 3

6. Insert the key into ignition switch and turn 2 times to the "run"
position and then back, repeat.

7. Pull the key out of the ignition switch, the ECU should verify the above
completed steps by locking and unlocking the door locks twice. (if not
repeat the above 1-6 sequence)

8. Press the "Lock" and "Unlock" buttons on the remote together for at least
1/2 second. Then press either button and hold for more than 1 second and
release.

9. If steps are done correctly the ECU will "Lock" and "Unlock" the doors
once to confirm. **NOTE**: If you want to program more than one remote you
must do it at this point by repeating step 8 with another remote. (if
nothing happens then repeat ALL 8 steps)

10. Close the Drivers door and test all remotes.

 

[A/V1]

I believe those are the procedures for programming the fobs, not the keys. I did the same thing (bought a couple key blanks off of ebay), and was in the same situation about the programming of them. It seems you need an actual programmer to do this.
When I went to the dealer to set up the appointment, I told them I already had the blanks and just needed them programmed. They told me whatever I do, do NOT insert the unprogrammed blanks into the ignition cylinder or it could turn the ECU off as a security measure, and can only be remedied by having it towed to the dealership. He may have been feeding me a line, however, I don't think I would chance it.

 

[El Jefe]

Then there is this version which only had a minor difference....
1. Start with the following conditions: you are in the vehicle

a. Key is out of the ignition
b. Drive door is open ( all other doors are closed)
c. Driver door is unlocked (other door locks don't matter)

2. Insert the key into the ignition (don't turn it) and pull it out.

3. Perform these steps within 40 seconds:

a. Cycle the power locks 5 times. Use an even pace and try
to go relatively fast.

b. Close, then open the drivers door.

4. Perform these steps within 40 seconds:

a. Cycle the power locks 5 times (same as before).
b. Turn the ignition to ON then back to OFF.
c. Turn the ignition to ON then back to OFF.
d. Remove the key from the ignition.

5. Within 3 seconds, the power door locks should cycle (automatically)
indicating successful entry into programming mode. Return to step 1
if the locks do not cycle at this point.

6. Perform these steps within 40 seconds:

a. Press the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter
simultaneously for 1 second.

b. Immediately after letting go of the lock and unlock buttons,
press the lock button by itself and hold for 2 seconds.
Within 3 seconds, the door locks should cycle ( LOCK then
UNLOCK) once-- indicating successful programming. If
the door locks don't cycle, or cycle twice. Repeat steps
6a and 6b--this remote has not been accepted.

c. Repeat steps 6a and 6b for EACH transmitter that will
operate the vehicle. Including any old transmitters.

7. Close the driver door.

 

[El Jefe]

You could be right, I programmed my Dodge durango in a similar fashion keys and Fobs. So I thought this was similar.... I recall I had to reprogram new fobs but I do not remember specifically programming keys. Sorry about that.
Andy

 

[HeyTrent]

I believe those are the procedures for programming the fobs, not the keys. I did the same thing (bought a couple key blanks off of ebay), and was in the same situation about the programming of them. It seems you need an actual programmer to do this.
When I went to the dealer to set up the appointment, I told them I already had the blanks and just needed them programmed. They told me whatever I do, do NOT insert the unprogrammed blanks into the ignition cylinder or it could turn the ECU off as a security measure, and can only be remedied by having it towed to the dealership. He may have been feeding me a line, however, I don't think I would chance it.

Thanks for the suggestions. I've been jacking with it all day --- haven't locked myself out yet, ha!

I might break down and see what the dealer says. The key fob was so easy thought for sure the key itself wouldn't be a show stopper.

 

[Asmara]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've been jacking with it all day --- haven't locked myself out yet, ha!

I might break down and see what the dealer says. The key fob was so easy thought for sure the key itself wouldn't be a show stopper.

There are a ton of the $35 Toyota key programmers on eBay. Feel like being the guinea pig for the rest of us?

I did a lot of internet searching and couldn't find anything that indicated one way or the other. I did get a message from one eBay seller that I asked why his programmers were $99 instead of $35. The seller claimed that the other programmers were 'fake' and that they could damage the cars ECU. Of course if you look at the programmers that the guy is selling, he has two identical listings. One for $99 with $9.99 shipping and another for $179 with free shipping so obviously there are issues.

 

[4boer2]

This works!

Just programmed a new black key. I searched and found this thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/62920-do-these-key-programmers-work-us-2.html
Which contained this pdf:
View attachment T-BE4022 - LC120.pdf
And the instructions are on page 8:
View attachment T-BE4022 - LC120 (page 8).pdf

It's worded weirdly, but it works! :reddance:

 

[daka320]

I had to buy new keys and fobs last year when we bought our 2004. Previous owner only had one set. Bought keys and fobs from dealership and they programmed them. Probably paid a little more but a lot less hassle.

 

[808inDenver]

find a dealership worker thats cool and slide him $20 to program ur key.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

find a dealership worker thats cool and slide him $20 to program ur key.

What!? There's no such thing as a Dealership worker that isn't trying to steal your money! I mean next you'll be talking about technicians that help people for free over the internet! :zoom:

LoL

 

[YoIdaho]

saving for later and to up my posts count

 

[UURunner]

Late to the party with my 2004 but mother ****er, nobody will cut a key for me. Wal-mart and Lowes both turned me down. Home Depot turned me down over the phone. Walmart said they won't cut the key because what if it locks up the ignition? I was like, well you sell that shitty universal coolant, what if it destroys the engine? I'll try getting a locksmith to cut a key tomorrow. Such a pain in my ass.

To clarify, I bought two keys off Amazon (blank transponders) that I want to get cut to open the doors, then I'll attempt the insert key 5x / open door 6x trick to try and program it, as I assume my single key is the MASTER key.

 

[jbrown16]

I was in the same boat as you. Ordered a key off Amazon, plus two extra fobs. Took the uncut key to a little local locksmith shop and they took it, no hesitation. Four minutes and ten dollars later -- all set.

Total spent on two fobs and a key was probably $55 or so.

 

[UURunner]

I was in the same boat as you. Ordered a key off Amazon, plus two extra fobs. Took the uncut key to a little local locksmith shop and they took it, no hesitation. Four minutes and ten dollars later -- all set.

Total spent on two fobs and a key was probably $55 or so.

Yeah I just went with a small local locksmith shop. It's just hard because you search 'locksmith' on the internet for your local area and all the comes up are these horrible places that use kiosks where it scans your key and then they mail you the key 3 days later. Finally I tracked down a local guy with a small shop.

My master key was so messed up (he said) that he needed to take the lock out of my door to properly cut the two keys. He popped it out with a screwdriver (rubber cover and a couple of screws) then made the keys. He charged me like $16.

I programmed the keys usings the 5 inserts, 6 door open/closing method. One key was too screwed up from his cutting and just didn't work. The other key seemed to just let the ignition try and try but wouldn't turn over the car. I did the 5/6 programming method again on that key and it now works. These aren't genuine Toyota keys, they just look like generic blanks, so I was worried.

So I have 1 extra key now which is cool. It cost $15 for 2 keys from Amazon and $16 for cutting them. And probably a lot of gas because I had to drive to Lowes, Wal-mart, and Home Depot and get turned down.

 

[AuSeeker]

Late to the party with my 2004 but mother ****er, nobody will cut a key for me. Wal-mart and Lowes both turned me down. Home Depot turned me down over the phone. Walmart said they won't cut the key because what if it locks up the ignition? I was like, well you sell that shitty universal coolant, what if it destroys the engine? I'll try getting a locksmith to cut a key tomorrow. Such a pain in my ass.

To clarify, I bought two keys off Amazon (blank transponders) that I want to get cut to open the doors, then I'll attempt the insert key 5x / open door 6x trick to try and program it, as I assume my single key is the MASTER key.

What color is the original key(?), black or gray, if it's black it should be a "Master", if it's gray it's mostly likely only a "Valet" key, which in that case you won't be able to use it to program the new keys.

 

[UURunner]

What color is the original key(?), black or gray, if it's black it should be a "Master", if it's gray it's mostly likely only a "Valet" key, which in that case you won't be able to use it to program the new keys.

It's black. I also have a valet key that is greyish (but still dark). I had just read that some keys actually are 'subordinate' black keys that aren't actually master keys, and I wasn't sure if the previous owner lost the master or not. But since I successfully programmed at least one new key with it, I assume this is indeed the master.

 

[Vespula]

Just went through this...

I know its an old thread...here is my story..

Bought used 2005 Sport- only came with Valet Key. And I wanted a spare/Master.

Bought an OEM key off ebay with chip (about $25) in it because I wanted Toytota and locksmiths dont carry anything but aftermarket and the dealer too expensive.

Called a mobile locksmith, he came out to my house and pulled the driver cylinder - used that info to cut a MASTER and plugged in his equipment on the OBD port to program.
His fee of $125 later & I have a master and a Valet.
So I am all in $150 bucks to fix.