DIY Programming Technique For Toyota Key & Remote Keyless Entry Remote Fob
(no tools required)
In this article, you will learn to easily program a spare OEM or aftermarket transponder ignition Toyota key and keyless remote fob for the applicable Toyota models without any special equipment or computer software. Legal Disclosure.
Part 1: How To Program Toyota Transponder Chip Key
- In order to program Toyota, Lexus or Scion smart key, you will need to get the diagnostic software and USB to OBD2 cable. You will need to install the software and the driver on your Windows XP, 7, 8 or 10 computer or tablet. Installation instructions are usually provided with the purchase of the cable.
- S-SB-0022-15 December 3, 2015 Page 3 of 33 Techstream Smart Key Programming © 2015 Toyota Motor Sales, USA Procedure A – Forced IG-ON 1. Connect Techstream to the.
Techstream Download Key
Nov 12, 2019 In order to program Toyota, Lexus or Scion smart key, you will need to get the Techstream software and MINI-VCI cable. You will need to install the software and the driver on your Windows XP, 7, 8 or 10 computer or tablet. Installation instructions are usually provided with the purchase of the cable.
Test The Master Key First!!!
This step is optional but highly recommended. Before you buy a new key, verify that you are able to enter the programming mode as described in Step 3 (#1-5) below. You can only use your master Toyota key to make duplicate keys, therefore won’t be able to enter programming mode using the valet key. Also, most models only allow to program up 5 chip keys. If you’ve already reached that number, you cannot add any more keys – you will have to erase some of your old keys from your car ECU. Once you verified you can successfully enter programming mode using your master key, proceed to Step 2. You can exit programming mode by simply opening driver’s side door.
Buy Blank Toyota Key
I found that the best prices for new blank keys are usually online. Dealers usually charge you double or triple of what you pay online, while LockSmith and hardware shop’s aftermarket keys often lack the original OEM look and build quality. Here is where I always buy new blank keys (this is Amazon affiliated link). Regardless where you buy a new Toyota key, always check compatibility with the specific year, make and model of your car.
Do Not Cut The Key Blade Just Yet…
Before you cut the new key blade, first try to program the security chip inside the key. This programming method will work even if the key blade hasn’t been cut yet. If you accidentally ordered the wrong key, the key was incompatible, or security chip was defective – you still will be able to return the blank key. Otherwise, most sellers won’t refund your purchase if the key was already cut.
Compatibility
This self-programming technique only works for the following Toyota models:
- 2004-2006 Camry
- 2004-2010 Sienna
- 2004-2008 Solara
- 2003-2009 4Runner
- 2004-2010 Highlander
- 2005-2010 Scion TC
- 2008-2009 FJ Cruiser
- 2003-2009 Raw4
- 2007-2008 Yaris
- 2005 Matrix
- 2005 Corolla
- 2010 Hilux
- 2005 Kluger
- 2010 Hiace
- If your Toyota, Lexus or Scion has a push start button and a smart key ignition system, use this method instead
- For all other Toyota, Lexus or Scion models, use these programming instructions.
Programming Procedure
- First, close all doors
- Insert master Toyota key in and out of ignition cylinder 4 times. On the 5th time leave the master key in the ignition cylinder
- Open and close driver’s side door 6 times
- Remove master key from ignition cylinder.
- Verify that security light on the information display is solid, indicating that the car successfully entered programming mode
- Insert new chip key
- Watch security light blinking for about 60 seconds
- When security light goes out, your new key is successfully programmed
- Remove new key from the ignition cylinder
- And finally, verify that your new key is able to deactivate anti-theft system: security indicator light on the information display should disappear when inserting properly programmed key into ignition cylinder
- If it didn’t work, repeat the same steps from the beginning
You can also watch me using this method to program a spare key for my 2006 Toyota 4Runner:
Cutting The Key Blade
Get the new blank key blade cut at your local hardware store or locksmith to match the master key. It will cost you around $ 2-5, and some places may even cut it for free since you are bringing your own key. Many dealerships also as a courtesy will cut it for you for free. Some stores may refuse to cut the key because you didn’t buy it from them and therefore they “cannot guarantee it will work”. In that case just tell them that you already had it programmed, and that you only need it cut.
Test it!
Don’t forget to verify that the new key works well in your vehicle’s ignition cylinder, as well as in the door and the trunk locks. Make sure you can start your vehicle. Newly cut keys may not engage easily inside the ignition cylinder at first. You may need to lightly brush off the sharp edges using a wire brush. If you cannot turn the key, return to the store and ask them to verify that the new key pattern is matching the original.
Repeat!!!
Once you were able to successfully program a spare key, you can make as many copies as you need. Give one to your parents or spouse, leave one at home, keep a spare key inside your car, or get one of those magnetic hide-a-key cases and hide it somewhere under your car in case you ever lose or lock your keys inside. This trick alone may save you $60+ every year on AAA membership costs.
Part 2: How To Program Keyless Entry Remote Fob
Select Toyota models allow you to program additional remote transmitters using a very simple method that doesn’t require any special tools whatsoever. All you need is a new remote transmitter that is compatible with your specific Toyota year and model, as well as few minutes of your time.
Buy New Remote Transmitter
Most of the times you can find the exact part number in the back of your existing remote. Using that part number, you then can shop online for replacement OEM remote transmitter and then program it using the instructions below. These programming instructions may also work on aftermarket replacement parts, but be sure to verify compatibility with your vehicle before purchasing.
Compatibility
Below you will find remote transmitter programming instructions as well as year and model it will work for. If you find out that it also works with other vehicles not listed here, then please let me know – just leave a comment below, and I will update the compatibility list. Let’s help each other by sharing our knowledge and experience!
This method works with the following Toyota models:
- (2005-2006) 4Runner
- (2005-2006) Sequoia
- (2004-2006) Tundra
- (2000-2005) Celica
- (2001-2003) Prius
- (2001-2005)ECHO
- (2001-2007) Highlander
- (2001-2008) RAV4
- (2002-2006) Camry
- (2003-2008) Avalon, Corolla, and Matrix
- (2004-2008) Sienna and Solara
- (2005-2008) Tacoma
- (2007-2008) FJ Cruiser and Yaris
- For all other Toyota models use these programming instructions
Programming Instructions
- Remove the key out of the ignition cylinder. Keep driver’s door open and unlocked, while leaving all other doors closed.
- Within 5 seconds or less:
– insert the key in the ignition and then pull the key out
– insert the key in the ignition and then pull the key out - Within 40 seconds or less:
– close and then open driver’s door
– close and then open driver’s door
– insert the key in the ignition and then pull the key out - Within 40 seconds or less:
– close and then open driver’s door
– close and then open driver’s door one more time
– insert the key into the ignition cylinder, but leave it inside at this time
– close the driver’s door
– turn the key to ON position, but do not start or crank the engine
– turn the key back to OFF position
– remove the key from the ignition cylinder - Within 3 seconds, the power door locks should lock and then unlock automatically indicating that you have successfully entered the programming mode. Return to step 1 if the door locks did not cycle at this point.
- Within 40 seconds or less:
– Simultaneously press lock and unlock buttons on the remote that you are trying to program for 1.5 seconds
– Let go of the lock and unlock buttons, and then press and hold the lock button for 2 seconds. Within 3 seconds, the power door locks should lock and unlock once automatically, indicating that you have successfully programmed the new remote. - If the door locks cycle twice, then there might a problem with the transmitter or the procedure. In that case, repeat step 6 or verify that you have correct and properly working transmitter.
- To program more than one remote, repeat step 6 for each additional remote
- Finally, open drivers door to exit programming mode.
Let me know…
I hope this was helpful! Please let me know if this worked for you and what Toyota model and year you have – just leave a comment at the bottom of this page. I’d love to hear your success stories. Plus, let’s help each other by sharing our experiences. I will update the compatibility list if this programming method works on other models not mentioned on the list. Looking forward to hearing back from you!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Will this programming technique work on my Toyota Model xxxxx, Year yyyyy?
If your car is not the aforementioned compatibility lists, then the answer is no, these Toyota key self-programming instructions won’t work. Try this method instead.
What can I do if my car is not on the compatibility list?
You will need to use special cable and software I talk about here instead.
Why can I not get into the programming mode?
– Your car may not support self-programming mode, so make sure your car is on the aforementioned compatibility lists.
– Make sure you are using the master Toyota key. The valet key won’t allow you to enter programming mode.
– Remove key from the ignition, close all doors, and then follow the instructions from the beginning exactly as described here. Avoid long delays between each step.
– You may have already reached the maximum number of keys that can be programmed in ECU. Usually, most Toyota models don’t accept more than 5 keys. Watch my video on YouTube to learn how to erase lost or stolen keys from your car’s ECU.
I can get into the programming mode, but the chip still wouldn’t program
The chip is incompatible or defective. Contact the seller and verify compatibility. Request refund or exchange if necessary.
How do I exit the programming mode after testing it?
You can step on the brakes, then open drivers door or wait for about one minute to exit the programming mode. The security light will start blinking again after you have successfully exited the programming mode.
I can’t turn the new key.
Kwikset Smart Key Programming
– Newly cut keys can be hard to turn at first. Try to smooth it out a bit using a wire brush. Also, over time sharp key blade edges will smooth out after prolonged use.
– Wiggle the new key inside the ignition cylinder.
– Try to visually compare the key pattern with the master key. Return to the place where you cut the key and ask them to perfect the cut.
If my key housing is cracked, can I replace just the housing without programming the chip?
Toyota Techstream Smart Key Programming
Yes, on some Toyotas you can replace just the key housing. Empty Toyota key shell will usually cost you much less than a blank key with transponder chip. You will need to remove and reuse the old transponder chip. It is not a very easy process, but it is doable. You have to be very careful and try not to damage the chip.