How to know if a key just won't work with programming

[m3fan]

I'm on my 2nd Ebay key for my 05 LC (first one failed as well), trying to get the key be accepted by the immobilizer chip programming. I know I'm getting the car into programming mode (by the master key in/key out X 5 plus door open/close X 6 method, the other methods did not do anything) because the Security light is blinking in a different pattern when in this mode and doing everything else it should do (solid until the new key goes in, then special blink pattern, then wait 1 minute with new key in) but when I put the new key in the security light never goes off, as in it's never being accepted as a new key. I just get that irregular blink pattern in programming mode and it never stops doing that.

I've made an appt at the dealer tomorrow but is this going to be a waste of money? Will the key just never work? Basically if the car can't add it, perhaps the dealer can't either and the key is just a lost cause?

 

[Trunk Monkey]

You sure you got a key with a transponder in it?

 

[m3fan]

It's the whole fob-key-thing. So, it's not a plain Camry style key or valet-style key. It's the big kahuna remote transponder key off eBay.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

So there's the unlock/lock/panic portion that can be programmed, but without the transponder chip guts, it won't program to the security system.

 

[m3fan]

Hmph. I contacted the guy on eBay so we'll see what he says. The item description says "HYQ1512V - 4D 67 Chip" so I'm assuming it has the chip and it's the 4D chip.

 

[OG 91 LC]

I just bought mine from Amazon this week. I made sure it was a transponder key with a 4C chip for my '98 LX.

I had my local locksmith cut the key for $45.

Followed programming procedure found here on Mud. All good.

Keys are available for your make and model.
I just checked on Amazon.

I would use dealership as my last resort.
Good luck.

 

[costalcat]

I went through this same issue. I would not take it to the dealer a regular locksmith with a programmer is fine and cheaper . The issues is that some keys will act like a master but are in fact a clone and will not put the ECU into the final step of associating a new key. I purchased a 3 button FOB for my 2003 as I only had a key similar to the one you show. I could not get it programmed after 20 tries. The locksmith actually had to come back but in the end I got the 3 button FOB done, an additional key with no buttons for my wife and then the clone is no longer able to be used to drive but is a back up I can use to unlock the car with. No need for the dealer I paid 120 for everything with the local locksmith.

 

[m3fan]

Apparently 2005 has a mid-year change for the key part number. I got the exact part number for the key via my Vin from the dealer, then ordered the actual OE 'Yota key from Ebay. I'm done with the cheap ones for now.