URGENT help need with security system problem

[pfran42]

1. Are you holding this shell against the molding ring that surrounds the ignition key hole while attempting to start it?

2. Does the FOB remotely lock/unlock the doors?

Edit: Tust saw where you noted that both FOBs operate the doors fine. If they open the doors that means they have been mapped to the security system. Try pulling the trim panel back around the ignition, there is a black "ring" that goes around the circular metal bit. I am not positive, but I always assumed that was the part of the security system that verified the transponder. I am thinking it might have slipped off the ignition. If it is in place, trace it and verify that it is not disconnected.

I'll try to get you a pic of what I am talking about.

 

[pfran42]

To verify the wire ring thing I am talking about, pull the black trim piece directly above the ignition straight out. Be careful not to pull too far back as there is a gauge cluster dimmer connected to it on the left side of the steering wheel:

Next, pry the molding surrounding the ignition back a little and confirm the black plastic wrapped wire I was talking about.

 

[bamachem]

Thanks! Yes, I confirmed that the transponders are present.

Mark

You most-likely have an issue with the truck and not the key, then. No choice but to go to a dealer to see what's wrong unless you feel that you can trouble-shoot it yourself via a FSM and find a used part online, reprogram all your keys/transponders, and take the risk of it working.

 

[pfran42]

Does anyone know what happens if you have a plain cut key and you try to start the engine without a transponder anywhere near the vehicle? Does the ignition cylinder even turn? Does the vehicle turn over but not start? Does the alarm go off? This might assist the OP as he would know exactly what is suppossed to happen and could checking off things by process of elimination.

I had a 99 that only came with a valet key and I went throught some struggles programing cut FOB keys for my vehicle. I seem to remember that once a FOB key was programmed for the vehicle (the whole lock/unlock, open/close door thing) and could remotely lock/unlock the doors, it was tied (security-wise) to the vehicle.

Since the OP has stated that he has visually confirmed the presence of the transponder chip and that the FOBs remotely lock/unlock the doors, I am inclined to believe that this might be something mechanically related like a battery, starter, alternator etc. I could be totally off base, but it appears the security portion of the system is working. This could end up being a way cheaper fix.

The only thing I really want to know is what a cut key does with no transponder present.

 

[2000UZJ]

Paul - It will turn over but the engine will not start. Wheel unlocks, shifter is movable, you can turn key over to ACC and run electrical accessories just like a master key. I keep a plain cut key in my wallet and extra transponder hiding in the truck if my main key ever gets broken out in the woods/daily duty.

 

[Cathar_Knight]

UPDATE (( 1 week later ))

So its been a week since the first symptoms that something was wrong with my LC

Here is where things stand:

I think I forgot to mention that the day before the first symptoms I just got a set of new tires put on. Have been wondering if this was total coincedence or if there is something that got damaged during that process

My LC never started again and last Thursday morning I had it towed to the local dealership.

They are saying that the security computer seems to be okay BUT the ECM (engine control module) appears totally dead !!!! According to them this is very uncommom (lucky me) and they are currently trying to figure out what fried the ECM.

No way of knowing if ECM is dead dead or its just in a comma.

Any thoughts on replacing an ECM?

Mark

 

[bamachem]

Ask them for your keys to the truck.

Whoops. You accidentally lost them!

Now you need a new Master Key. Luckily, Toyota will replace the ECM when you buy two keys and pay the labor to install the new ECM.

BTW, it's not terribly uncommon. I had the ECM go out on my 2000 LC at 140k or so. Dealer diagnosed it as a faulty ECM. I asked them to contact Toyota in regards to the "free" ECM if I buy two keys, and Toyota agreed to the concession. They usually only do it if you lose your keys.

 

[Cathar_Knight]

I had heard about that program with regarding to the security computer but NOT the ECM. Apparently the security computer is just fine and according to the dealer the ECM is not covered on this program. Are you certain that they replaced the ECM for lost keys?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[bamachem]

I had heard about that program with regarding to the security computer but NOT the ECM. Apparently the security computer is just fine and according to the dealer the ECM is not covered on this program. Are you certain that they replaced the ECM for lost keys?

Thanks,

Mark

BTW, it's not terribly uncommon. I had the ECM go out on my 2000 LC at 140k or so. Dealer diagnosed it as a faulty ECM. I asked them to contact Toyota in regards to the "free" ECM if I buy two keys, and Toyota agreed to the concession. They usually only do it if you lose your keys.

Reading comprehension is your friend ^^^^ Yes, the Engine Control Module is changed.

Here's my thread documenting my personal experience with Toyota changing an ECU (NOT the security module) when my CEL wouldn't go away. I was on the hook for a new ECU that was out of warranty. I mentioned "losing" my keys to my dealer, and he called Toyota corporate. They said I needed to contact them. I called, told them the situation and that I knew they would comp an ECU if I had lost my keys and purchased two new keys from the dealer, so why not comp this ECU if I agreed to buy two keys. They agreed. BTW, it is a ONE TIME courtesy per each vehicle. Not once per owner, but once per VIN.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/454017-cel-dtc-check-engine-light-but-no-codes.html