Programming a Transponder Key for 99 TLC

e9999 · 02-11-05, 02:05 PM

this is just too funny!
doesn't 'it sound like one of these TV programs where they have gullible people off the street do weird things (hidden camera etc)?

hank14 · 02-11-05, 02:21 PM

Sometimes funny works. It's about as complicated as curing hiccups!

Desert Rat · 02-12-05, 09:34 AM

My experience with LC ‘transponder’ keys: I bought a 98 about a month ago from a private party. It came with one black key and a separate Toyota Remote. The LC owner’s manual shows the master key to be black (along with the built-in remote) while the Valet key is gray. This led me to believe that the key I had was indeed a master key, but without a built-in remote.

Not wanting to chance the possibility of losing my one key, I checked around in my area (Phoenix, AZ) and found a locksmith that offered to cut and program two keys at a cheaper price than the Toyota dealer ask for a single key. But after two 30 mile trips to his place of business he informed me the new key he made would not program and he had no idea why. He assured me that my key was a master, but for some unknown reason he could not program in a new key. He even went through the procedure whereby all programming, except for the one in the ignition lock, was erased.

I searched the Internet to see what my options were and ran across a Webpage hosted by Locksmith Charley. This is an interesting page with much info on transponder keys. He also made the claim that he had the equipment to dump all key programming in the ECU and could start from scratch. I was greatly encouraged to find that Locksmith Charley’s place of business is in Phoenix. So with high hope, off I went to see what he could do.

Charley is a interesting gentleman, and seems very knowledgeable about not only locks and keys, but also computers and electronics. He first tried to program a new key for me but ran into the same problem as the previous locksmith. His only suggestion was to dump all programming and start over. His cost for this procedure is $150. Having no other choice, I agreed. He then went to my LC, dropped the glove compartment, removed some brackets and popped out the ECU. In his shop he removed the ECU cover and connected a little dip-clip to what I assume was an 8-pin flash-memory chip. The dip-clip was connected to a small electronics box that interfaced to a computer. In a matter of minutes he cleared the memory in the ECU, re-installed it and programmed me two additional master keys and one valet key. He also threw in one of the master key at no cost. My total outlay for three keys was $225---a little more than I wanted to pay, but probably worth it.

I found no information on the Internet about Toyota’s program to offer a new ECU. Not that it would have done me any good since I did have one working key. (How could I claim “all keys lost” for free ECU if I were able to drive to the dealer?) But even so, I probably did as good, cost wise, dealing with Locksmith Charley.

hank14 · 02-12-05, 12:00 PM

I don't remember anyone saying the ECU replaced by Toyota was free. Several people have clearly said it was over $1,000.00 to replace. The FSM says you can not program new keys without a master key. It sounds like that is wrong, and Charley is a smart computer programmer or hacker. That being said, the lesson here seems to be "don't buy a car that has a transponder key security system unless you have at least one original factory master key."

cruiserdan · 02-12-05, 12:35 PM

In certain cases Toyota will supply a new ECM, on a one-time basis, to qualifying individuals. The recipiant is responsible for the installation and programming and replacement key charges.

D-

Desert Rat · 02-12-05, 02:36 PM

My understanding from talking to Charly, and reading the FSM, is that new ECUs have the flash memory cleared; that is set to all ones. In this condition any transponder key can programmed into the memory. I believe that each key emits some sort of unique code that is picked up by a little coil behing the ignition lock. Programming consists of storing this unique code in the ECU flash memory so that it remembers that particular code. Then, when a key is inserted for use, the ECU compares the code from the key to see if that code has been stored. If it has the starting sequence is enabled, otherwise starting is not allowed. Up to seven master keys, and three valet keys can be stored.

When the ECU is new, or cleared by someone like Charley, no master key is needed for programming.

e9999 · 02-12-05, 06:21 PM

this new stuff about clearing the ECU is seriously good stuff.
But it's odd that Toy couldn't do that and has to replace the whole thing when you lose the master key, don't you think?

Desert Rat · 02-13-05, 04:59 AM

Anyone interested in transponder keys should bring up Locksmith Charley's page:

http://locksmithcharley.com/

An interesting read

e9999 · 02-13-05, 10:30 AM

dang, that guy is good!

t-o · 10-29-05, 05:09 PM

thanks suasponte2/75 for the transponder key programming procedure!
If anyone cares, this worked on my 2001 Highlander Limited.
Tim

devildog4545 · 11-30-05, 01:07 AM

PLEASE HELP! I own a 2002 LC. The screw came off my master key and lost the the black casing with the alarm buttons. All I have is the key blade. Called the dealer and told me how I had to get it towed there and all the other BS. Anyways I checked on E bay and they're about $90. My question is since the programming doesn't require to start it can I program it with the key blade because it still turns just wont start. PLEASE HELP!

cruiserheadrat · 11-30-05, 07:20 AM

A toyota dealer can cut you a valet key using the multipurpose hand held toyota tester, I've had two copies made that way. I bought a repo 98/100 and only got one valet key with it.

SWUtah · 11-30-05, 02:58 PM

So as long as you have two good masters, your fine. Once you are down to one key, I would assume it would become a priority to get another master ASAP. I have two masters that are in good shape but the next chance I get I will pickup a velet key from the dealer.

rule303 · 12-02-05, 07:22 AM

I had to have the ECU replaced. The seller "thought" he had two masters, but didn't. Toyota paid for the ECU, but I had to pay the install of about $160(?).
They'll do this one time per a VIN so don't assume you can have it done on a used vehicle. The seller reimbursed me for the cost plus he paid for two keyless masters.($250 each!). Now the imcompetent Toyota Mall of GA people who didn't even understand the process as well as I did were another story.
Toyota basically pays for this once because they know its a stupid system and wasn't well thought out. They corrected the progamability of the ECUs on later models. I still don't know if the dealer was right saying "ONLY KEYLESS ENTRY KEYS CAN BE MASTERS". I got the feeling they weren't really sure of what they were doing. The tech left his programming manual in my vehicle, so I know he didn't know the process that well.

NMuzj100 · 12-02-05, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rule303

I still don't know if the dealer was right saying "ONLY KEYLESS ENTRY KEYS CAN BE MASTERS". I got the feeling they weren't really sure of what they were doing.

I think they were right to a point. I think the remotes were the only master that Toyota offered with a 100 and the only master key that will show on thier parts lists. Cdan can sell you a Camry-type master that will work with the system for substantially less money but it wasn't original equipment on the 100.

Pigeon · 12-03-05, 11:06 PM

Heres an Idea - why don't you try it? - just an Idea.

ohiocruzer · 12-16-06, 06:33 AM

Be careful of ebay keys. I have $35 key that "matches" but not quite. Also ebay model does not have removable metal part it is all in one

cruiserheadrat · 12-16-06, 05:16 PM

I contacted Toyota Customer Service and they replaced my ECU, I did have to buy $400.00 worth of keys. and show proof of registration. They don't want dealers cheating on the program.

BMWSTOY · 12-19-06, 09:18 AM

Ok, so if a person wants to get another Master - remote key and has the master, where is the best place to purchase one? I wrote to Charlie and I will call Dan when I order my other items, but thought I would ask.
I found one on ebay for $85 - is this right? I thought I read $35, but do not know if this is the remote door locks key or just another valet.

KathmanduCruiser · 02-19-07, 12:41 PM

When I purchased my vehicle, I only received one Master (the remote one, thankfully) with it. Just today, I successfully programmed a non-remote master key that I had bought off ebay. It cost me $13.98 for the key and $1.59 to get it cut at a local locksmith.

The programming instructions that I received with the key worked. The seller is transponderisland.

TXLX470 · 02-20-07, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KathmanduCruiser

When I purchased my vehicle, I only received one Master (the remote one, thankfully) with it. Just today, I successfully programmed a non-remote master key that I had bought off ebay. It cost me $13.98 for the key and $1.59 to get it cut at a local locksmith.

The programming instructions that I received with the key worked. The seller is transponderisland.

Can u pls post those instructions here
Thanks

KathmanduCruiser · 02-20-07, 11:47 AM

MaineCruiser's instructions on this thread (first post on this thread) EXACTLY match the steps I used to program my key.

I hope this helps.

lospice1 · 02-22-07, 12:06 AM

New to this site , but have been workin on my 99LC for a year now. I have the toyota service manual and the posted procedure is correct. I have done this for 2 replacement keys i bought on ebay. 1 was a transponder only and the other was a key from a 99 LC. This is what i did: bought used key w/ remote entry(3 button original key) from ebay..make sure it is the ssame model year!!! I took the guts out of that key, bought a replacement case w/ blank blade from ebay. I had the key cut and then programmed it using the directions posted. Now the tricky part. To use the remote entry, you need to program the ecu to accept the new remote. it's a 2 minute process similar to the transponder programming steps. If anyone needs it, I can post it. Hopes this helps.
Will

Morty · 03-30-07, 09:21 PM

Lospice, I followed Mainecruiser's instructions and programmed my new key, but I do still need to program the the remote key entry function. Will you please post that procedure? Thanks.

Morty · 03-30-07, 09:32 PM

Nevermind. Finally found it by searching a little more. Amazing, that search function.

johnroyale · 04-06-07, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i4c4lo

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=7918089003

I just bought an UNcut key from this guy, he was very nice and he sent the key the next day.

You would have to get the key cut and programmed.

I was in the same boat, I bought the truck used and it only came with one key, now I have two. :-)

Hey i4,
The ebay link seems to have expired-- by chance did you buy your key from remoteseller? He sells one for $75.

johnroyale · 04-12-07, 11:34 AM

Huh, looks like this thread is abandoned?

Anyone buy a key (UNCUT KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTE KEY) from an ebay seller that they would recommend?

Like this:

KathmanduCruiser · 04-12-07, 12:13 PM

I would ask them it they send remote key programming instructions with the key. If they do, I would not hesitate to buy it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnroyale

Huh, looks like this thread is abandoned?

Anyone buy a key (UNCUT KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTE KEY) from an ebay seller that they would recommend?

Like this:

jonah · 04-16-07, 01:05 AM

i got one like that off ebay and had it cut for free by toyota. now i have to program it .rub head,pat tummy,etc. will post and tell you if its a p.o.s. or not.

jonah · 04-16-07, 05:17 PM

what a pain ...i have the instructions from the key and toyota ...not the same and neather one work ... toyota will re program it for 1 to 1&1\2 hrs what a deal.