1999 master key question

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I've read what I can find but mostly found older threads, hoping new information is available. After totaling my beloved 07 fj cruiser in an offroading accident I decided to go bigger and picked up a sweet 99 LC with the diff lock. After a few weeks I'm still adjusting but it sure is a nice ride. Anyway, all I got was a valet key and I want aware it was such a big deal at the time. For what I paid I can hardly complain anyway but I got some eBay replacements with the built in remotes, they're cut and the remotes are programmed so at least I have a back up for the door and can use the keyless but is there a way to program the transponder without an it degree? Someone have a tool or something in SE Indiana?
 
Are you sure it is a valet key? Just in case you haven't run across all the posts - test it by inserting the key - if the security light goes off immediately it has been programmed as a master and you can use it to clone a new master.
 
If it isn't a Master, then I think you'll have to have your ECU re flashed.
 
Have Ace Hardware clone your valet key's RFID onto their blanks and then get the separate fobs from @suprarx7nut.

Did you program the keyless entry remotes yourself? That's been debated here recently...whether a master key is necessary to initiate the keyless programming routine.
 
Remove the RFID from the fob, glue it to the tumbler and use any key. The risk of someone hot wiring your car is much less then you losing your key and needing to replace the ECU. Takes just a few minutes.
 
Yep, you can't tell by looking at it, test as suggested above.

The keys are part of 2 radio systems, 1 system for lock and unlock remote, and 1 system (passive RFID tag) for starting. The starting system only requires a tiny passive RFID chip be in the key so a dumb looking key can be a master. Hope that helps.

If you have one master, you can program any other compatible key to be a master as well.

I think the only difference between master and valet is that the valet can't assign more masters but a master can (so you can make more keys but the parking guy can not).
 
Have Ace Hardware clone your valet key's RFID onto their blanks and then get the separate fobs from @suprarx7nut.

Did you program the keyless entry remotes yourself? That's been debated here recently...whether a master key is necessary to initiate the keyless programming routine.
I'd like to know how you programmed the lock remotes as well with only a valet key. My cruiser came with a valet key only, verified with the blinking light. I'd love to glue the RFID to the tumbler and have any basic key with remote fob that works.
 
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It may not be a valet key. It's likely a non-remote master key.

If it's a master, you should be able to do the hokey-pokey with a new key to program it. If not, you will have to get ECU flashed by a place that does that... Or take to dealer and they will give you a new ECU if you pay for a new key and all labor associated with the swap.
 

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