[/QUOTE]
Thanks from the future - year 2021. As Monty Python as it may be, it still works like a charm if you have the Master Key.
Programming a Transponder Key for 99 TLC
- Thread starter mainecruiser
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Thanks from the future - year 2021. As Monty Python as it may be, it still works like a charm if you have the Master Key.
On my just purchased 1999 LC , It really did work....
I got a new remote 3-button key and a new transponder key online and went to a local Ace hardware store to have them programmed and cut .
I had only the master key....
Using portable computers and such they were able to get a message that said the programming was successfully completed , but they would not start the car . The keys had been cut and turned the starter over ,...but would not start .
I have looked at at least a million YouTube videos on programming the keys and downloaded about 3 other methods I found on the internet .
Then I came across this thread with it's programming procedure , tried it before going to locksmiths , and to the dealer as a last resort .
By this time after so many futile attempts , I didn't expect it to work .
But...... BINGO... It worked .
Thank You
I got a new remote 3-button key and a new transponder key online and went to a local Ace hardware store to have them programmed and cut .
I had only the master key....
Using portable computers and such they were able to get a message that said the programming was successfully completed , but they would not start the car . The keys had been cut and turned the starter over ,...but would not start .
I have looked at at least a million YouTube videos on programming the keys and downloaded about 3 other methods I found on the internet .
Then I came across this thread with it's programming procedure , tried it before going to locksmiths , and to the dealer as a last resort .
By this time after so many futile attempts , I didn't expect it to work .
But...... BINGO... It worked .
Thank You
I just bought a 2001 LX470, and only got 1 key. I really wish I did more research before buying...
Anyway, I think I have confirmed I only have a valet key. The security light stays on for about 2 seconds after I insert the key in the ignition. It sounds like my only option is the dealer? Is there still a program where they pay for the ECU and owner pays for labor and keys?
Anyway, I think I have confirmed I only have a valet key. The security light stays on for about 2 seconds after I insert the key in the ignition. It sounds like my only option is the dealer? Is there still a program where they pay for the ECU and owner pays for labor and keys?
I have a 98LX470.
Dealer wanted a stupid amount of money for the key. And especially the programming.
Seems like I bought a couple of OEM keys off ebay, then I went and found a local locksmith (NOT ace hardware, a real locksmith), and they charged a lot less than the dealer would have, and only charged a few extra bucks for the 2nd and 3rd keys. (you'll want to have all keys with you when programming).
Did you have a master key or only a valet key?
I started with a master key, but IIRC, you can program from the valet key too. The chip inside does the same thing, the valet key just has a physically different shape from master (I think it's too large to fit in glove box but does fit driver door and ignition).
Thank you for this. I have a 105 on Chatham Island with only one key.
I just flew to mainland New Zealand this morning (partly) to get a spare key cut. I wandered into the locksmiths who mentioned the key I have may be a transponder key (it has no remote lock/unlock buttons) which had never occurred to me until today. I never lock my vehicle but really want a spare key.
I'll go see Toyota tomorrow to get a key cut and will follow your method when I get back to the Island on Monday. I'd read the 100 series method and couldn't see how it would work on a diesel, so now I have a probable answer.
Many thanks again @nikolatesla,
You cannot program from the valet key. You have to send the entire ECU out to be re-programmed. I just went through this debacle, cost about $700 at the dealer for key and ECU removal/re-programming (it has to be shipped off). I have read that @Mauser here on the forums offers a similar service.
IF the Valet was programmed as a Master then he can. But its unusual for this to be the case. Some transponder keys can be programmed as a 'Master' IF the ECU has been reflashed. Otherwise, you are correct. A person without a Master key will need to have the ECU reflashed and a key (keys) programmed at the same time.
Edited ^^^^^
Last edited:
I don't recall the valet blank being able to be input as a master. My understanding is the chip is different. Of course I could be mistaken.
Mauser
Supporting Vendor
1998-2003 (4C chip) can be added as either valet or master. 2004-2007 (4D chip) master and valet chips are different.
I will very likely be sending my ECU out to be re-flashed to accept new master keys, and have 2 new masters assigned as well as the valet key I currently have. If this goes well, I can relay the info here on the company doing this.
I got a new transponder key cut (and evidently programmed) by Toyota in New Zealand yesterday.
My 105 is 1,000kms away on another island so they did the job without the vehicle. They tell me all I need to do is to start the vehicle with my original key and then use the new key in the ignition prior to locking any doors.
I will report back next week when I am back home. Cost was NZD$161
My 105 is 1,000kms away on another island so they did the job without the vehicle. They tell me all I need to do is to start the vehicle with my original key and then use the new key in the ignition prior to locking any doors.
I will report back next week when I am back home. Cost was NZD$161
Posting my experience with a 2000 US Land Cruiser.
I bought a ~$20 key/remote single unit off fleaBay. Tried the instructions provided by the seller and didn't work - could never get the vehicle in the programming mode. I tried several times.
Then I came across this video:
It worked but only half way, as in, I got the remote lock/unlock and panic to work but it still wouldn't disable the ignition security when slid the new key into the ignition cylinder. I tried again with the YouTube instructions thinking I missed something but same result - remote features worked but ignition stayed locked.
Then I tried the instructions on the TLCFAQ. First attempt, failed. Second attempt, worked. Yay!!!
Now, I just need to get the new key cut. Called a few local laser key cutting stores and they all recite the "we don't cut customer keys" policy. One wants $155 because apparently, customer provided keys can break in the machine and destroy their machine. Oh well. Will try Lowe's. I know Lowe's couldn't cut my 80-series US Land Cruiser key because something about being double sided with center engraving etc etc. But the 100-series looks different so I might be in luck at Lowe's
I bought a ~$20 key/remote single unit off fleaBay. Tried the instructions provided by the seller and didn't work - could never get the vehicle in the programming mode. I tried several times.
Then I came across this video:
It worked but only half way, as in, I got the remote lock/unlock and panic to work but it still wouldn't disable the ignition security when slid the new key into the ignition cylinder. I tried again with the YouTube instructions thinking I missed something but same result - remote features worked but ignition stayed locked.
Then I tried the instructions on the TLCFAQ. First attempt, failed. Second attempt, worked. Yay!!!
Remote Transponder Key Programming
Article by: RobRed Applicable Models: 1998 - 2007 / 100 Series Land Cruiser Tools Needed: Your feet and hands Programming your own remote i
tlcfaq.com
Now, I just need to get the new key cut. Called a few local laser key cutting stores and they all recite the "we don't cut customer keys" policy. One wants $155 because apparently, customer provided keys can break in the machine and destroy their machine. Oh well. Will try Lowe's. I know Lowe's couldn't cut my 80-series US Land Cruiser key because something about being double sided with center engraving etc etc. But the 100-series looks different so I might be in luck at Lowe's
Africaster
SILVER Star
Posting my experience with a 2000 US Land Cruiser.
I bought a ~$20 key/remote single unit off fleaBay. Tried the instructions provided by the seller and didn't work - could never get the vehicle in the programming mode. I tried several times.
Then I came across this video:
It worked but only half way, as in, I got the remote lock/unlock and panic to work but it still wouldn't disable the ignition security when slid the new key into the ignition cylinder. I tried again with the YouTube instructions thinking I missed something but same result - remote features worked but ignition stayed locked.
Then I tried the instructions on the TLCFAQ. First attempt, failed. Second attempt, worked. Yay!!!
Remote Transponder Key Programming
Article by: RobRed Applicable Models: 1998 - 2007 / 100 Series Land Cruiser Tools Needed: Your feet and hands Programming your own remote itlcfaq.com
Now, I just need to get the new key cut. Called a few local laser key cutting stores and they all recite the "we don't cut customer keys" policy. One wants $155 because apparently, customer provided keys can break in the machine and destroy their machine. Oh well. Will try Lowe's. I know Lowe's couldn't cut my 80-series US Land Cruiser key because something about being double sided with center engraving etc etc. But the 100-series looks different so I might be in luck at Lowe's
Check out the EBay chap who cuts from a photograph…. worked perfectly for me even though it’s witchcraft
They cut mine at the local True Value.
There are a number of different 'patterns' used....so an accurate photo should allow a person to cut the key by identifying the pattern, which is what he is doing. The 'security' does not come from the key pattern, but from the programming to the ECU. The key pattern is just an extra measure. So not quite as much 'witchcraft' involved as one might think.
An update from my mechanic friend and probably well known to the community. The Lexus versions get the special secure keys that are a bitch to duplicate at regular key cloning places. Toyota gets the peasant grade keys. Explains why getting my LX450 physical key cut was harder.
I have to drive 25 miles to our little 'one dog town' here in Deep East Texas. There is only ONE small locksmith shop....and they had the ability to cut the key for me.
Yeah, you can't go down to your local hardware store or make a duplicate from the machine at WalMart, but anyplace worth visiting should be able to cut the key from the correct blank.
I did get my ECU back (this was from keyworks-va.com, through their ebay store), and I got 2 new keys that are now masters, and since I sent them my only key, they were able cut the new keys to match.
I am still trying to program the keyless entry (these keys have built in lock/unlock), but I must be doing the procedure just a little bit wrong. I get tot the point where the programming mode is enabled, but when [on the key fob] press lock & unlock together for 1 second, then press unlock for 2 seconds, the car locks/unlocks the doors twice -which supposedly means the programming did not work. And I can confirm it does not work. So maybe I am getting a step wrong.
Regardless, I am quite pleased with the ECU re-programming. There is no need to buy a new ECU. They can be easily reprogrammed for new masters.
I am still trying to program the keyless entry (these keys have built in lock/unlock), but I must be doing the procedure just a little bit wrong. I get tot the point where the programming mode is enabled, but when [on the key fob] press lock & unlock together for 1 second, then press unlock for 2 seconds, the car locks/unlocks the doors twice -which supposedly means the programming did not work. And I can confirm it does not work. So maybe I am getting a step wrong.
Regardless, I am quite pleased with the ECU re-programming. There is no need to buy a new ECU. They can be easily reprogrammed for new masters.
