Chip in the key?

[layneo]

Just picked up my second LTC today--a 99. My other is a 97. The owner of the truck only had one key--the one that has the keyless locks and panic button. I went to have to additional keys made--regular keys at Ace Hardware. These two keys I had made fit in the doors and ignition fine, but the truck would not turn over when I tried to start it. When I used the "keyless" key, the ignition turned over right away! Is there a computer chip in the this key that doesn't let the ignition turn over if a copy is made?

The truck also came with LoJack--can this have something to do with it? I have never had a LoJack alarm on a car or truck.

One last question--how should I go about getting additional "keyless" keys made?

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[jjbodean1970]

yes, you need expensive key with chip from toyota

i bought one on ebay for $100 or so, cheaper than dealership

 

[layneo]

Thanks for the info. Will I need to have some "special" information when ordering these keys like the VIN number? Or will any key from a 99 LC work?

Thanks for the help.

 

[hank14]

They must be programmed, DO NOT LOSE YOUR TRANSMITTER KEY! Using the key code, they can be cut, but to program new keys you must have the original key, the new key, the instructions, and the vehicle. Search the 100 forum for several recent discussions about this, and look at Ebay.

 

[jjbodean1970]

get one of the ones that is uncut - most will provide the programming directions to you, then have it cut using your old key or your keycode

 

[sejinro]

I just bought one on eBay as well for $90 (uncut). The dealer will charge about $78 to re-program and cut the key.

 

[e9999]

some of those ebay chip keys are no-name clones.
Anybody had one for a while? working OK?

and watch out for the difference between Master key (allows programming etc) and the transponder ones...!

 

[hank14]

some of those ebay chip keys are no-name clones.
Anybody had one for a while? working OK?

Yep- 6 months, was brand new from a locksmith, cut by code before he shipped it. Maybe a clone- I don't know- it does have the same markings as my originals, but it works good as new all the same.

 

[e9999]

some of those ebay chip keys are no-name clones.
Anybody had one for a while? working OK?

Yep- 6 months, was brand new from a locksmith, cut by code before he shipped it. Maybe a clone- I don't know- it does have the same markings as my originals, but it works good as new all the same.

well, does it say "Toyota" on it, in a legitimate-looking way?

 

[hank14]

Looks exactly like the others- if it showed up looking crappy I would have sent it back. It was advertised as a factory replacement. Your point is well taken, though- watch what you buy online.

 

[pgill]

The dealer will charge about $78 to re-program and cut the key.

How complicated is the re-programming? I understand for 03 and later model years, the transmitter unit and programming procedure is different...does anyone have instructions on how to program 03 and later transmitter keys? I am in the same predicament (i.e., have only 1 transmitter key) with 04 LC and want to buy a second one as cheaply as possible.

 

[DMX84]

The dealer did mine for no charge. It actually was a service writer that did it. He knows his stuff. It’s pretty complicated though. I would not want to try it myself, that’s for sure.

 

[hank14]

The programming is confusing, but easy. Just about 10 steps to follow- lock doors, unlock doors, turn on key, step on brake, etc. (That's not it, but something like that). Instructions are in the FSM for the model year.

 

[mtycruiser]

You need to make sure the transmiter key is the same FCC code that the one you have, otherwise, it won't work.

 

[Landpimp]

I think Mr Toyoda installed a chip in my head at some point

 

[sejinro]

How complicated is the re-programming? I understand for 03 and later model years, the transmitter unit and programming procedure is different...does anyone have instructions on how to program 03 and later transmitter keys? I am in the same predicament (i.e., have only 1 transmitter key) with 04 LC and want to buy a second one as cheaply as possible.

The key I bought from eBay came with programming instructions, but they looked so confusing. It was photocopied plus some handwritten instructions - no way do I want to mess up the car. From what I can remember, there were steps like press brake pedal once, then accelerator, then open right door for 2 seconds, etc. Good Luck. I would just pay the dealer $78 or whatever your dealer charges for an hour rate.

 

[hank14]

It really isn't that difficult. If it doesn't work, the key doesn't work. It took me 3 tries, but then it worked fine. No problems since. And I verified the FCC code was the same as my original key before I ordered it. If you're still unseure, go to the dealer and pay $400 for a new one that they program for you. Chump change for a $55K vehicle, right?

 

[cruiserdan]

I think Mr Toyoda installed a chip in my head at some point

FACT...................