I just went through a few weeks of trying to get replacement keys for my 2002 LC. Basically, when I recently purchased it, I had two keys that worked to start the car: one key with the lock/unlock remote functions, and one plain black key. Each of these could start the car--however, I wanted extra key(s) to hide on the vehicle and have as back up because this LC is parked at a lake cottage part of the year, where other family members would drive it--so, needed additional keys. I visited multiple websites, watched you tube videos, the IH8MUD forums, etc etc. I ordered a key fob from the internet and went through the gyrations to get the remote lock functions to work (open and close door, lock/unlock 5 times, etc.......) and got the REMOTE to work(!). HOWEVER the procedure to program the immobilizer would NOT work no matter what I did. The car cranked, but would not start. Plus the indicator light on the dash continued to blink indicating that the key was not programmed to start it. I read where Toyota "only allowed up to 5 keys to be programmed"...so I tried to delete any other keys....however that did not work either. I called and was ready to visit a dealer.........until I heard from a colleague that my local hardware store could program it. I did not think that was possible, based on everything I had researched and read. MY SOLUTION: I visited my local hardware store, where they had a ChipKey program (
www.chipkey.com). The said they could program a key to start the car. I was of course skeptical, because of everything I had read. They looked up my vehicle (2002 TLC), and found the key blank...and proceeded to program it right there at the counter. They used the "TOY-100" blank, and it's programmed with the "I-Tool' that they use. Then he cut the key to match the other key so it would fit into the ignition. We both went out to the car, and IT STARTED RIGHT UP. The dash indicator notes that it is programmed also (blinker stops when key is inserted into ignition. NOTE, this key does not have the remote lock/unlock buttons, but who cares--I was able to program a different key with those functions. MY main concern was to just get the vehicle to start. I went back in and had him program another key to match. Again, it worked perfectly. This must be a franchise that is available to hardware stores that choose to participate. I recommend that you go to the website (
www.chipkey.com) and make some inquiries as to where the nearest franchise is to your location. This is NOT cheap ($69 per key) but you can get the key(s) you need without going through all the malarky with ECU programming/replacements, etc etc etc. End the madness!!
