Help with the keyfob

[kyngfish]

When I purchased my '99, it came with the standard key with the built in fob, which doesn't work, and a separate clearly aftermarket keyfob, which does work to lock and unlock the doors.

I'd like to get the key to work properly and get rid of the aftermarket fob. Does the fact that there's even an aftermarket fob mean they installed an entire aftermarket system for opening the door locks? Where do I look to see what system is in place?

 

[suprarx7nut]

Pictures of the remotes would probably help.

 

[kyngfish]

Fair point.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Maybe a remote starter system or for some reason they installed an aftermarket system on top of the OEM one. Maybe it stopped working or ? Anyway, hunt around under the seats, under the dash, most common places to mount a control box. You could probably Google search that brand and get an idea of what the box looks like.

 

[DFXR]

I wonder if:

Your Toyota fob has a transponder inside with a dead battery, and your aftermarket fob has a transponder inside (maybe taken from the valet key) with a working battery?

This seems like it would have been an easier solution for someone than re-programming the system with a new transponder.

The easy way to test would be to take apart the Toyota fob and replace the battery in there, and see if it then works. Take the aftermarket fob off the key ring when you test it. I believe the battery is a CR 1616.

Also, what do the "option" key and the green key on the aftermarket fob do when you press them?

 

[kyngfish]

Is there a box anywhere that will tell me whether or not the system is still the OEM or if they tried to install something else? I will take your recommend tho on testing the old on.

 

[kyngfish]

Confirmed that the key i have is a sub key and not a master key. I’m assuming the spare key that I have that is shattered is the master. They key I use to turn on the car has a good battery but does not unlock the car.

 

[suprarx7nut]

With a master transponder the security light will go out. I don't think the transponder requires a battery at all. They're normally completely passive with all the power coming from the hidden radio in the ignition.

Take your other broken/shattered key remote and hold it near the ignition. Insert (but do not turn) the sub/valet key into the ignition. The security light in the center control stack near the outside temp should turn off if it's the master. If the light continues to blink, it's not a master and you're going to have a semi-painful/complicated road ahead to get a master registered.

Since the keyless entry programming and the ignition programming are completely independent, your shattered key might just need to be reprogrammed. Also, if the aftermarket system has remote start, there's a chance you have a spare remote or transponder key sitting up in the dash near the immobilizer. Might be worth taking off the trim piece under the steering wheel to check for one.

And finally... Buy yourself a YotaMD fob shell kit so you can revive that shattered key into a sleek and functional key.