Toyota is going to key the heck out of my 100 Series

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DanWMG

Joined
Nov 5, 2007
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Just bought a 98 Land Cruiser.

Previouis owner said that you had to jiggle the key to get the truck to start and he wasn't sure if it was the key or the ignition that had to be replaced.

I have only been able to get the truck to start one time since I bought it. My arm is getting ready to fall off from all the jiggling. I went to the local Toyota store today and the guy in parts told me that I had to put a whole new ECU in the truck if I didn't have a master key (I only have one vallet) in order to get a new key.

I am guessing it is the key that is the culprit but I don't think it is even guranteed to be the problem. How can I buy a $300 key and a computer just on a whim?

You turn the key and it won't turn far enough to crank.

Advice?

TIA
 
Go to a locksmith who knows Toyota vehicles and has the ability to clone RF-chip keys. Forget the toyota dealership for locks and keys. A good locksmith can fix your locks and keys, and clone the RF chip in your existing key for less than $100. A good locksmith knows way more about the keys RF-chips and security system than most Toyota dealer techs.
 
The dealer or a locksmith can cut you a metal key for just a few bucks. You can try that and see if it turns easily.

A locksmith can take your existing lock cylinder and replace the tumblers to make it "like new".

At some point, you may still need to go with the ECM replacement. I'll have to check which system you have when I get to work, but if it requires the Engine ECM, Toyota will ship the dealer a replacement unit at no charge to you. You pay for the keys (Toyota requires at least 2) and all the labor for ECM replacement & key programming.

HTH.
 
Just confirmed that Engine ECM replacement is covered on the '98.

An excerpt from the bulletin:
ORDERING PROCESS
1. Customer/Dealer contacts Toyota Customer Assistance Center at (800) 331-4331 between 6:00am
and 6:00pm Pacific Standard Time with all customer information (name, address, phone numbers)
VIN, and the replacement ECM part number.
2. Customer Assistance Center (CAC) opens a file.
3. CAC orders and pays for the part and requests that the part be shipped to the requesting dealer.
4. The dealer orders replacement keys from the appropriate vendor.
5. The replacement ECM is shipped at no cost to the servicing dealer, with the customer name and
VIN number identified on the packing list.
6. Dealer notifies the customer of receipt of the part and installs replacement ECM.
7. Customer pays for replacement keys and labor to install ECM.
8. Dealer closes CAC file and provides the date of the repair and any other case related information
normally provided.
9. Dealer faxes a copy of completed R.O. signed by customer to CAC.
Click to expand...
 
Hello...dumb question but is there a way to get the Toyota Service bulletins? Is their a website? thanks much




ToyotaDon said:
Just confirmed that Engine ECM replacement is covered on the '98.

An excerpt from the bulletin:
Click to expand...
 
If you have a key that will start the truck, you should not have to replace the ECU. Locksmiths can clone the RF chip in the existing valet key for about $75. This eliminates the need for "programming new keys into the system," which, apart from locking the glove box, is the only thing you need the "master key" for.

Just get the key code from the dealer (5-digits; they should not charge you for this). Take the key code and your one dodgy key to a good locksmith. They should be able to fix your locks and make you as many keys as you want. This is much easier (and less expensive) than ordering ECUs and keys from the dealer.

My cloned keys are ilco model EH3; $52 each. Included in the price, the locksmith tried several slightly different cuts to find one that worked in all of the locks, which are worn to varying degrees. He lubed all of the locks on my truck, and used a "cloning machine" to replicate the RF-chip in my existing key. Now I have 3 keys that work, and I did not have to mess with the ECU, or with "programming new keys into the system. In my experience, the clonable keys work great, and the locksmith should be able to fix whatever is wrong with your locks and will charge you way less than the dealer. ~The dealer has to do things "by the book" even if it is expensive and inefficient.

Just get your key cloned before you lose it... If you have zero working keys, then it is a different story...
 
Ace hardware in Colorado made new chip keys for me. I only had the valet key when I bought mine. Now I have four valet keys and don't see a problem.
 
Just to confirm, as crazy as it may sound, earlier versions required replacing ECU when all master keys were lost. Later versions (not sure if it's 03+ or even earlier) had the ability to reset the transponder ecu using techstream or handheld tester and therefore no need to replace the ecu.

Here's more info about reset vs. replace ecu and is specific to 03+ LCs: http://www.toyotapart.com/IMMOBILIZER_SYSTEM_VEHICLES_EQUIPPED_WITH_TRANSPONDER_ECU_T-EL016-03.pdf
However, I've seen references to a bulletin G103-09 here: http://www.toyotalexusforum.com/584608-post4.html that may help in your bargaining? Not sure if that's legit but the idea applies - there have been reports that dealer will provide the parts for free an only charge for labor.
 
One time in the life of the truck Toyota will replace the ECM if the owner looses ALL keys. It may be suspicious to call and ask a dealer to VIN check to see if it's happened, but you certainly could. Toyota, not the dealer, will supply the ECM, and you pay for install.
 
hmmmm.... my 98's "spare" key is pice of metal cut to the same specs as the valet key... no chip and she runs just fine with it?

Maybe they have been playing fun and games with our sandpit cruisers.
 
Gunney said:
hmmmm.... my 98's "spare" key is pice of metal cut to the same specs as the valet key... no chip and she runs just fine with it?

Maybe they have been playing fun and games with our sandpit cruisers.
Click to expand...

do you have an immobilizer on your vehicle? ie if someone locks it with the wireless your spare with no transponder is useless right?
also ifyou have your trabsponder key nearby your spare wout transponder that would explain why it works.

also are you original owner? or did po hack it by putting transponder under dash? (blv ive seen reports of that bf).

bottom line this isnt bs, it's the facts. earlier versions needed new ecu when all keys were lst, newer can reset ecu. im sure theres an explntn for your situation, just dont know what it is offhand.
 
"Just to confirm, as crazy as it may sound, earlier versions required replacing ECU when all master keys were lost..."

I have heard this repeated many times, but in my experience it is not true.

If you have a working valet key, then why not just clone the valet key for 50 bucks? (see the above post by 5 cruiser)

If you have a key that will start your truck, then any decent locksmith can clone that key without having to program anything into the ECU. It does not mater whether it is a "master" or "valet" key.

Before RF-chip cloning became commonplace, it may have been true that you had to replace the ECU if you lost your master key, but this is no longer the case.
 
"One time in the life of the truck Toyota will replace the ECM if the owner looses ALL keys..."

Right. If you have ZERO keys, then it might be necessary to get a new ECU and keys from Toyota.

But as long as you have a key with a chip that works, then that key can be copied by a competent locksmith.

In my case, my 2000 LC came with one key that started the truck and only sometimes opened the driver's door. The locksmith tried several different cuts to find one that worked in all of the locks on the truck, then cloned the RF-chip in my existing key using this clonable blank. and cut the metal pieces that fit into the key head.

Ilco EH3 Electronic Key Head - KeyOn Lock Distributors

I see no need to replace the ECU as long as you have one key that works (even if only sometimes).

If you have ZERO keys to your truck, a good locksmith will still be able to offer you a solution that does not involve ECU replacement. But this was not the situation described in the original post.
 
marshotel said:
"One time in the life of the truck Toyota will replace the ECM if the owner looses ALL keys..."

Right. If you have ZERO keys, then it might be necessary to get a new ECU and keys from Toyota.

But as long as you have a key with a chip that works, then that key can be copied by a competent locksmith.

In my case, my 2000 LC came with one key that started the truck and only sometimes opened the driver's door. The locksmith tried several different cuts to find one that worked in all of the locks on the truck, then cloned the RF-chip in my existing key using this clonable blank. and cut the metal pieces that fit into the key head.

Ilco EH3 Electronic Key Head - KeyOn Lock Distributors

I see no need to replace the ECU as long as you have one key that works (even if only sometimes).

If you have ZERO keys to your truck, a good locksmith will still be able to offer you a solution that does not involve ECU replacement. But this was not the situation described in the original post.
Click to expand...

cool - i was just going off toyota tsb and tis info but what u say makes sense and is good to know. guess the hard part is finding those 'good' locksmiths? ie the ones that can clone the non master and/or get around replacing ecu when no keys are available.
 
Well, thanks everyone for all of your efforts but I still am in the same boat.

I have called every single locksmith near me (60 Miles South of Chicago) and no one can clone the key. Anyone have any recommendations on a locksmith?

Should I just tow the truck to a dealership?

Kind of at wits end with this one.
 
Just diggin around trying to help.
Here are a few places to try:
- See this thread, might want to touch base with this OP 2002 Prius, making keys with no master - PriusChat Forums

- This guys seems worth talking to: Chicago Locksmith | Car Locksmith | 773-277-5625 | Automotive Locksmith | Car Keys | Transponder Keys | Lost Car Keys - Omega Locksmith 4329 W. 26th St., Chicago, IL 60623

- 1st Chicago Locksmith - One call does it all! 312-525-0247 - Locksmith Chicago

Good luck, curious to see how it works out for you.
 
Or, buy a transponder key (it HAS to be one for it to work in the first place) from "any" locksmith. Have them "key" it.

By using your valet key, try to program your new key into the ECU. Probably cheapest route, since the key should not be more than $30, and you can try programming yourself.

I (but I had the "remote" key) programmed all my new Plain Jane (w/o remote) transponder keys into the ECU. A few years back (so memories are vague), but you can also erase all memories from the ECU, except the key that you are using for that purpose. The last key "remaining" in the ECU, IS the master key and can be used to program new keys.. The 1999 ECU can hold information for a total of 4 (transponder) keys. And if you are not using a transponder key, car simply will not start...

The instructions for programming the keys are here on MUD, but I also have a paper version (that I got from the locksmith) at home (that's the one I used, long before I knew of this amazing community).
 
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