2000 - recently purchased and apparently has only a valet key, how to access the ECU? (1 Viewer)

[mtnbike78]

Hello - Just joined and this is my first post. I recently purchased a 2000 Land Cruiser with 212k miles. Love it so far. Was a CA vehicle it's whole life so no body or frame rust, and 16 years of detailed service records. However, when I purchased it, I didn't realize the only key the prior owner had was a valet key. I've verified this by looking at the security light when I put it in the ignition. She also gave me a key fob that appears to be the top part of the master key, but the actual key had broken off. It works as a fob to lock/unlock (see photos).

I've researched on here as well as via Google searches. Given it's a 2000 without a master key, it looks like I'm in a more difficult spot as far as getting additional keys made. I plan on calling the local Toyota dealer, but guessing they will tell me I need a new ECU for big $$$.

Looks like there is a business called Module Mechanics (located in Colorado, where I live). They offer a service where you send in the ECU, and they will program new master keys to it, then you just have to get the keys cut for the truck.

My main question is, does anyone know where the ECU is located and how to remove it. I'm guessing it might be behind the glove box. I saw another thread on here referencing that, but seemed to be for the previous generation.

Any information on how to access and remove the ECU is appreciated. Or, if anyone knows another option to get some additional keys programmed, I'd appreciate the info.

Thanks.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

@Mauser is the person you want.

 

[Mauser]

You're probably in good shape. I will bet the fob is still a master. Try holding the fob against the ignitiion switch and insert just the tip of your other key while watching the security light.

If it is a master you can get a new case and key blank from @suprarx7nut

If it isn't a master I can help and give you a better deal than that other place.

Will flash for food.

With states doing lockdowns and stay at home orders many Americans are losing their jobs. Being hungry sucks! For the next month or so for my services I am doing something a little different. For payment for all ecu flashing and swaps I am asking for a food donation to a local food bank or...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[mtnbike78]

You're probably in good shape. I will bet the fob is still a master. Try holding the fob against the ignitiion switch and insert just the tip of your other key while watching the security light.

If it is a master you can get a new case and key blank from @suprarx7nut

If it isn't a master I can help and give you a better deal than that other place.

Will flash for food.

With states doing lockdowns and stay at home orders many Americans are losing their jobs. Being hungry sucks! For the next month or so for my services I am doing something a little different. For payment for all ecu flashing and swaps I am asking for a food donation to a local food bank or...

forum.ih8mud.com

Thanks for this information. I tried what you suggested. I think you are right, the fob is still a master. Probably tried it about 20 times, and at least 5 or six times, with the FOB against the ignition switch and the tip of the valet key inserted, the security light went out immediately. For the rest of the times, not only did it not go out immediately, but it did not go out at all. Wonder if that means it was getting a signal from both keys and not recognizing either??

If I order a new key, can I then try to program with the gas pedal and brake method I've read about? If so, wonder if just inserting the tip of the valet key would suffice for the system to think it's the master key.

If none of this works, would definitely like to work with you on the ECU option you have.

Was so excited when I first bought this truck, then when I found out about this key issue and possibly having to shell out thousands, I have had a bit of buyers remorse.

Thanks again for the info.

 

[Mauser]

The reason it isn't always showing as a master is because the other chip is probably confusing things, but I am almost positive you have a master.

You can get a new shell with the key blank and just swap out the remote then have the key cut from your VIN or use your valet to have it copied. Then you can add keys using the "pedal dance" or with Techstream. I can look when I get home, I may have an aftermarket shell I can throw in the mail if it helps.

Congrats on your new truck and don't worry, it won't cost much at all to get you fixed up. If you need an ecu I can send you one to swap so you aren't without your truck.

 

[mtnbike78]

The reason it isn't always showing as a master is because the other chip is probably confusing things, but I am almost positive you have a master.

You can get a new shell with the key blank and just swap out the remote then have the key cut from your VIN or use your valet to have it copied. Then you can add keys using the "pedal dance" or with Techstream. I can look when I get home, I may have an aftermarket shell I can throw in the mail if it helps.

Congrats on your new truck and don't worry, it won't cost much at all to get you fixed up. If you need an ecu I can send you one to swap so you aren't without your truck.

Thanks again for all the information. When you say new shell, that would mean pulling the "guts" out of the current fob and swapping into a new one, right? If so, that sure wouldn't be difficult. When I took off the rubber condom around the key fob she gave me, the whole fob about fell apart.

Can't tell you how much I appreciate the info. My wife says I tend to worry too much about stuff, and was awake most of the night last night thinking about this.

 

[Mauser]

Thanks again for all the information. When you say new shell, that would mean pulling the "guts" out of the current fob and swapping into a new one, right? If so, that sure wouldn't be difficult. When I took off the rubber condom around the key fob she gave me, the whole fob about fell apart.

Can't tell you how much I appreciate the info. My wife says I tend to worry too much about stuff, and was awake most of the night last night thinking about this.

Yes, you just swap the guts. It's easy.

No worries. I went through the same thing, that's why I do this. Toyota makes it difficult, I make it easy.

 

[suprarx7nut]

You're probably in good shape. I will bet the fob is still a master. Try holding the fob against the ignitiion switch and insert just the tip of your other key while watching the security light.

If it is a master you can get a new case and key blank from @suprarx7nut

If it isn't a master I can help and give you a better deal than that other place.

Will flash for food.

With states doing lockdowns and stay at home orders many Americans are losing their jobs. Being hungry sucks! For the next month or so for my services I am doing something a little different. For payment for all ecu flashing and swaps I am asking for a food donation to a local food bank or...

forum.ih8mud.com

Thanks for the shoutout!

December is a great time to buy YotaMD kits. Inspired by @Mauser in 2020, I'm running another year of Feed the Peeps so kit purchases through Dec 31 result in donations to Feeding America.

 

[Mauser]

Thanks for the shoutout!

December is a great time to buy YotaMD kits. Inspired by @Mauser in 2020, I'm running another year of Feed the Peeps so kit purchases through Dec 31 result in donations to Feeding America.

Way cool!

 

[mtnbike78]

Thanks for the shoutout!

December is a great time to buy YotaMD kits. Inspired by @Mauser in 2020, I'm running another year of Feed the Peeps so kit purchases through Dec 31 result in donations to Feeding America.

I ordered a cheap blank case to see if it'll solve my problem. If it does, was looking at your webpage. Would I need the YMD1 product? Looks awesome!

Are you in Colorado? I live in Evergreen.

 

[suprarx7nut]

I ordered a cheap blank case to see if it'll solve my problem. If it does, was looking at your webpage. Would I need the YMD1 product? Looks awesome!

Are you in Colorado? I live in Evergreen.

Yes, YMD1 is what you'd want.

Yeah, I've been all over the metro area, but now up in Frederick. Soon to move again, unsure where. Evergreen is beautiful!

 

[mtnbike78]

Yes, you just swap the guts. It's easy.

No worries. I went through the same thing, that's why I do this. Toyota makes it difficult, I make it easy.

Thanks again for your help. Got the cheap blank case today. Put the guts into it. Put it in the ignition and the security light went out immediately, so I have my master.

Going to get it cut and then order a key kit from yotamd to program as another master.

Thanks again

 

[Gnarwgn]

Can I chime in with a slight variation of the same issue? It seems all the experts are gathered in one place here so here goes...

I ordered the 2 pack aftermarket keys from Amazon pictured below, cut both.

Good news - following the 'peddle dance procedure' I was able to get one chip programmed to the ECU. And wrapped it up in a nice YOTAMD shell thanks to @suprarx7nut !

Bad news - the truck is not recognizing the 2nd key/chip, despite more attempts than I want to admit. My wife thinks I'm completely nuts at this point due to the amount of time spent in the truck, in the driveway, opening and closing doors, etc. And its the chip specifically on the 2nd key that is not cooperating, I was able to program the remote functions onto both keys.

I still have one original master key, but the entire exercise was to 'retire' that key for safe keeping, and use these backups for daily driving. I've also passed the return window.

I think the answer at this point is order another key and try again. However I'm wondering if anyone has other suggestions that I should try first. Thanks!

 

[Mauser]

Can I chime in with a slight variation of the same issue? It seems all the experts are gathered in one place here so here goes...

I ordered the 2 pack aftermarket keys from Amazon pictured below, cut both.

Good news - following the 'peddle dance procedure' I was able to get one chip programmed to the ECU. And wrapped it up in a nice YOTAMD shell thanks to @suprarx7nut !

Bad news - the truck is not recognizing the 2nd key/chip, despite more attempts than I want to admit. My wife thinks I'm completely nuts at this point due to the amount of time spent in the truck, in the driveway, opening and closing doors, etc. And its the chip specifically on the 2nd key that is not cooperating, I was able to program the remote functions onto both keys.

I still have one original master key, but the entire exercise was to 'retire' that key for safe keeping, and use these backups for daily driving. I've also passed the return window.

I think the answer at this point is order another key and try again. However I'm wondering if anyone has other suggestions that I should try first. Thanks!

View attachment 2879079

Sounds like you have reached the limit of keys. You need to delete all but one master and re register the others.

 

[Gnarwgn]

Ok thanks - gave the following procedure a shot twice, and the truck isn't responding. Is my ECU crusty, or any ideas what would explain that?

Programming a Transponder Key for 99 TLC

In my research to figure out how to program keys to my LC I have compiled the following steps for all model year 100 series. I am posting this so that all steps for all models can be found in one list. Please note there are other variations that may work fine, but the below seem to work every...

forum.ih8mud.com