Can one smartkey be programmed for two cars?

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Jul 21, 2009 | 07:10 PM

nomobmw

Thread Starter

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 37

Likes: 1

From: Texas

Can one smartkey be programmed for two cars?

Crazy question, but upon taking apart my Lexus GS450h key and my wife's Camry Hybrid key, they both have the exact same electronics module inside and could be swapped between the housings. .

So. . would it be possible to add my Lexus key as one of the valid keys for the Camry and adding one of the Camry keys to my Lexus? My goal is to only carry one key which is usable with both cars.

I understand that the emergency "Analog"

metal keys will not work in an emergency, but it would be nice not to have to carry two lumps around in my pocket.

I've found some key programmer modules (to plug into the ODB port) for Lexus and Toyota key programming, but I'm not sure if these types of keys are "4D" keys or not.

Jul 22, 2009 | 12:42 PM

raptl1985

Driver

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 84

Likes: 2

From: Philly

I asked this to the Master Tech at my dealership the day I bought my second Lexus, he said it was a good idea but theres no way. At least not that he knew of.

Jul 22, 2009 | 01:15 PM

Leeladisky

Lead Lap

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 430

Likes: 1

From: California

Quote:

Originally Posted by raptl1985

I asked this to the Master Tech at my dealership the day I bought my second Lexus, he said it was a good idea but theres no way. At least not that he knew of.

I would agree, based upon how encryption works and the liklihood that a vehicle key can only support one "decrypt" key is likely by design.

L

Jul 22, 2009 | 02:34 PM

ntran18

Lexus Test Driver

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Joined: Apr 2004

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From: sOCal

Can't be certain without knowing more, but I would think it is possible if both fobs used the same frequency AND each car can hold additional keys, or ie swap out the valet/spare key. The same way you would replace a lost key.

Jul 22, 2009 | 02:38 PM

Leeladisky

Lead Lap

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 430

Likes: 1

From: California

Quote:

Originally Posted by ntran18

I would suspect that the fob holds a decrypt key as well, which would negate this theory. In other words, the car pings the fobs it knows about, and the fob only understands and responds to pings from vehicles who it can understand (decrypt) so as not to waste battery, etc. This is likely a security feature as well, to ensure it's not easy to decrypt and decode the fobs.

L