Programming a Transponder Key for 99 TLC (1 Viewer)

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so finally after about 30 minutes of trying it suddenly, randomly worked…. I was totally distracted and was just going through the motions. didn't even have the instructions in front of me but it seems to be all working now

yay

technology is a real pain when it doesn't work


thanks for all the help and motivation to keep trying
 
jeetS said:
so finally after about 30 minutes of trying it suddenly, randomly worked…. I was totally distracted and was just going through the motions. didn't even have the instructions in front of me but it seems to be all working now

yay

technology is a real pain when it doesn't work

thanks for all the help and motivation to keep trying

Yep... That sounds about right. Glad you got it.
 
Hit the deck for a 1999 and just order a couple of three button keys off eBay. Truck came with a master (light goes off instantly) and a valet, going to try to add two more keys for good measure. Will report back, great thread.
image-1203178282.jpg
 
Ebay keys worked great for me. I ordered the $8.99 free shipping plain transponder key and had Lowes cut it. First one worked like a charm. Lowes screwed up the second (they never charged) so I chunked it and bought another. Third worked as good as the first. Then I got home to find the seller that sold me my cruiser mailed me the other three button remote key! Now I have two remote keys and two working plain keys!
 
New 3 button key arrived and I stopped by the dealership to pick up parts for both LC's. Dealer cut the new key for free and this morning I used the steps from this threads 1st post.

image-1788718241.jpg

New key will operate locks and now will start the truck but no go on the remote entry. Ideas? Another thread or I missed something in the 14+ pages in this one?

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD
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Programming the transponder and the buttons are two different dances:

1. Hold the key in your hand, drivers door is open all others closed and
drivers door is unlocked.

2. Complete these steps within 5 seconds.
A. Insert the key into the ignition(Do NOT Turn) Pull key out.
B. Insert the key into the ignition(Do NOT Turn) Pull key out.

3. Complete these steps within 40 seconds.
A. Close then open the drivers door.
B. Close then open the drivers door.
C. Insert the key into the ignition(Do NOT Turn) Pull key out.

4. Complete these steps within 40 seconds.
A. Close then open the drivers door.
B. Close then open the drivers door.
C. Insert the key into ignition and leave it in ignition.
D. Close the drivers door.
E. Turn the ignition to ON (Do NOT Start) then back to OFF.
F. Remove the key from the ignition.

5. In less then 4 seconds, the power door locks should lock then unlock automatically
indicating successful entry into programming mode.
Return to step 1 if the locks do not cycle at this point.

6. Complete these steps within 40 seconds.
A. Press the lock and unlock buttons on the remtoe simutaneously for 1.5 seconds.
B. Immediately after letting go of the lock and unlock buttons,
Press the lock button by itself and hold for 2 seconds. Within 3 seconds, the door
locks should lock and then unlock once indicating successful programming. If
the door locks cycle twice, repeat steps A and B in step 6 as the remote was
not accepted.
C. Repeat steps A and B in step 6 for each new remote.

7. Open drivers door.
 
Thanks TM, went through the steps you posted and also found a post by Topoguide on about the 6th page that varied slightly and tried those as well, can't get the locks initialize. Oh well at least I have a second working master for operating the vehicle. The truck is destined for a cabin in Idaho so I really wanted to make sure I had another master in the event one gets lost.

I will say it's interesting to note the differences in the 100 series threads from what I have experienced in my first MUD life in the 40 section.
 
Great thread, now have 2 spare keys programmed and am going to buy an extra 3 button and lock the master away in the safe.
 
:frown: How much for the 3 button key for a 2006? Is it really $250:crybaby:

I have both a Master 3 button, and a valet......

On ebay I found the generic for 98-02 but nothing for 03+
 
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Another thing I've lived with since I bout the 2000 in '09. I only have one key. It's a 3 button remote key. Problem is several fold:

1. I only have one key.
2. The key shorts out about every 6 months so I have to change out the battery.
3. The plastic housing has cracked in several places, so every battery change, I have to crack the case, install the battery and super glue the key back together.
4. The physical key does NOT open any of the doors (the old fashioned way, with the metal key sticking into the lock in the door.

What should I order and from whom? Is my key a master or a valet? Where can I get the keys programmed, or can I do it myself based on the instructions in this thread? Can any locksmith cut the newly ordered key(s) so it will actually fit into the door locks?

Thanks
 
Another thing I've lived with since I bout the 2000 in '09. I only have one key. It's a 3 button remote key. Problem is several fold:

1. I only have one key.
2. The key shorts out about every 6 months so I have to change out the battery.
3. The plastic housing has cracked in several places, so every battery change, I have to crack the case, install the battery and super glue the key back together.
4. The physical key does NOT open any of the doors (the old fashioned way, with the metal key sticking into the lock in the door.

What should I order and from whom? Is my key a master or a valet? Where can I get the keys programmed, or can I do it myself based on the instructions in this thread? Can any locksmith cut the newly ordered key(s) so it will actually fit into the door locks?

Thanks

1. picked up 3 button keys on EBAY for $10-12 each
2 - 3. you won't have this problem once you have new keys
4. I'm not sure what the cause of the door not operating is (worn key or bad lock mechanism in the door) but given your description of the key condition you are a hair from being locked out of your Cruiser
5. You can tell if your key is a master by the light on the dash going off after putting it in the ignition
6. dealer is best bet for cutting your new keys. Mine was free but I was picking up parts for my FJ40 and they did me a favor. Take registration or proof of ownership and they will cut them from the VIN.
7. Use the steps outlined in this thread to program the key for both the ignition and the door locks (2 seperate procedures). I could not get mine to program for the doors but I have a bad lock actuator (only thing on my buyer check) in my door which is prolly the issue, I just use the key manually.
8. Everything you need to know is in this thread - reread for your model year and good luck! Worked great for me.
 
What light will go out on the dash if it's a master?

I found these for the replacement transponder keys:
Transponder Keys

And this for a replacement master:
Master Key

Sounds like I should order the above, bring the keys to the dealer to have them cut to match my VIN and then I should program them myself (depending on if my current key is the master).

Is that about right?
 
Another unlucky guy here that bought a 2000 LC with only the valet key.

From what I read here I had to call Toyota to replace the ECU and get a master key fob cut/programmed.

Well Toyota is doing it without the need of buying one of their keys thank god so all I have to pay is for the 1hr labor to install + $20 key cut. ECU part is on order and I ordered an uncut key fob from ebay for toyota to cut.

Hopefully I'm not missing anything here....Thanks for this thread!
 
alfredhybrid said:
What light will go out on the dash if it's a master?

I found these for the replacement transponder keys:
Transponder Keys

And this for a replacement master:
Master Key

Sounds like I should order the above, bring the keys to the dealer to have them cut to match my VIN and then I should program them myself (depending on if my current key is the master).

Is that about right?

I'm not sure how your '00 differs from my 99, my light is on the console where the radio is, I'd run out and shoot a pic but I bought my 99 for service at a second home. IIRC one of the posts in this thread shows the light.
 
Found the light. Hard to miss really. It's a red blinking light shaped like a land cruiser. When I got in the truck and locked it with the remote, the light went on solid and went out immediately when I put the key in the ignition. Yes!! I have a master key.

New master, 2 valets and a new shell for the busted one are all ordered.

Thanks all.
 
I got the remote and the two transponder keys today. I had no issue programming the transponder keys and the remote (as a transponder) based on the instructions in this thread. I did struggle with programming the remote. In steps 3 and 5, it tells you to lock and unlock the driver's door with the "power door lock rocker switch on the driver's door." I tried 5 or 6 times this way (using the electrical switch that locks and unlocks the entire truck) and it didn't work. Then I tried the procedure using just the manual lock/unlock toggle (embedded in the door handle enclosure) on the driver's door. That worked.

Maybe someone could modify the procedure to spell that out a bit more clearly.

Thanks for all of the help here. On to the dealer to have them cut the three keys to the VIN.
 
Great to hear about your success and thanks for the manual door lock tip. I never could get my 100 to initialize in the remote steps, will have to try that next spring when I head back to the mountains.
 

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