Hi. In my effort to keep this concise, I may accidentally omit something so please post any questions you may have.
Here are some of the threads I've been reading to help me resolve this issue:
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Programming a Transponder Key for 99 TLC
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remote does not unlock or lock doors, but door switches do lock / unlock
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Keyless Entry Works Intermittently
- plus anything even remotely related from ih8mud, clublexis, tlcfaq, etc.
Shortly after purchasing, I wanted to make sure I had a spare key in case I lost the existing master (w/remote). I also received a valet key (w/o remote) only to learn later that it was also programmed as a master. Not knowing that, I purchased 2 blanks w/remote transmitters off ebay but couldn't get into programming mode. I found 4 or 5 different sets of instructions online to get into programming mode, add remote, clear list, etc. After a few hundred attempts between them, I started looking at other reasons I couldn't do it.
Upon further research, I noticed that my door lock actuators would only go through the lock/unlock cycle a few times before they stopped working properly by going slower and slower until they wouldn't move anything. I went ahead and purchased a set of 5 actuator motors and when I had everything ready to go, using the various IH8MUD & Lexus LX470 threads to pull the driver door apart, replace the actuator motor... except that the motors with the regular "D" shaft were the wrong type. I needed the ones with a small brass bushing that was keyed with 2 flat areas on opposite sides. When all was said and done, I changed out the actuator motors on the DS, PS and the rear lift-gate. I had the doors down to 15-20 min to pull apart or restore. Lesson learned: verify which part you need prior to buying it.
At some point during those 3 weeks, the one good remote I had stopped working (mostly). Below are my findings::
- Can NOT get into key remote transmitter programming mode.
- All inside manual door locks work to lock or unlock that specific door, w/no effect on any other door.
- Front driver/passenger door lock/unlock (inside door armrest switch) works at all times to lock or unlock all doors.
- Front driver/passenger door external key lock would unlock that specific door only via mechanical rod.
- Rear lift gate will not lock or unlock with the key as the lock is on the bottom half and the actuator/gate release is on the top half, hence no mechanical connection between key/lock and latch, unlike the DS/PS doors.
- Using the key remote would no longer lock all doors (lock single press).
- Using the key remote would no longer unlock all doors (unlock double press).
- If any door is unlocked, clicking the key remote unlock will display a double-flash of light from the front, rear and dash/instrument cluster, but no audible unlock tone.
- If all doors are closed, but not already locked, clicking lock on key remote does nothing.
- If all doors are closed and locked, clicking lock on the key remote will display a single-flash of light from the front, rear and dash/instrument cluster, but no audible lock tone
- If all doors are closed and locked, security engages indicated by solid red security light on center console under radio.
- If all doors are closed and locked with security engaged (solid red security light on the center console), clicking key remote unlock any number of times does nothing.
- If vehicle is locked and secure (solid red security light), unlocking it with the key causes the alarm to sound and only placing the key into the ignition and turning to the "ON" position will turn it off (clicking anything on the remote will not turn it off after the alarm has sounded).
As a side note, in the middle of this ordeal, my alternator bearings started squeeling and running voltage at the battery was only 13.2V, rather than 14.2V - 14.7V. I opted to change it out myself as a trial run to replacing the timing belt later this summer. I did a write-up on that under a different thread. I mention this in case it's related.
Alternator Replacement
From everything I've read, it appears to be the "CONTROLLER & JUNCTION, INSTRUMENT PANEL" unit, Toyota Part# 82791-60040. I verified this part# by pulling it for inspection. Using my VIN, it appears my rig was manufactured 12/98, so based on the following table (link listed below) w/column headers; Part#, Description, Model, From Date and To Date.
8279160030
CONTROLLER & JUNCTION, INSTRUMENT PANEL W(TILT & TELESCOPIC STEERING & POWER SEAT)
UZJ100
01/1998 - 07/1999
8279160031
CONTROLLER & JUNCTION, INSTRUMENT PANEL W(TILT & TELESCOPIC STEERING & POWER SEAT)
UZJ100
07/1999 - 08/2002
>> 8279160040
>> CONTROLLER & JUNCTION, INSTRUMENT PANEL
>> UZJ100
>> 01/1998 - 07/1999
8279160041
CONTROLLER & JUNCTION, INSTRUMENT PANEL
UZJ100
07/1999 - 08/2002
URL:
84.01F:SWITCH & RELAY & COMPUTER ,COWL ILLUST NO. 3 OF 9 ;(9801-0208)_Toyota
So far, I've checked for any bad fuses multiple times (both under the hood and next to the DS dead pedal, including pulling and re-seating. I've verified all internal lights are working (dome, door, etc). When I pulled the unit to verify the part#, I cleaned the connections, and did some of the other suggestions made in the various forum threads. With everything else apparently working properly, the next logical step to me is test the controller unit by replacing it with a known good one... or trying my questionable controller unit on a rig with no known problems. Much to my chagrin, there are no 60040 or 60030 controller units for sale on ebay and a new one online is $300. I did see on ebay where a company will do ECM/ECU/PCM repairs for $180, but haven't contacted them to see if it's an option for this controller unit. I asked the local Toyota dealer if it can be flashed or reprogrammed and they said no, or at least they couldn't do it. Also, as I was writing this post, the fact that I no longer hear the lock or unlock audible tones makes me wonder which horn the system uses (I found 2 in front by grill and 1 on PS near air cleaner) and could it have somehow shorted? I'll check on that when I have a chance.
Can this controller unit be flashed/programmed or does it simply need to be replaced?
It seems to control many things, so I'm a bit concerned that purchasing a used/refurbished one will leave me with something not working that I wouldn't normally use or see an indicator for. Is this one of those parts it's ok to purchase used or should I stick to a new one and bite the bullet on the price?
I appreciate any suggestions you may have. Thanks for your time and assistance!