The TRUTH about Reprogramming Smart Keys (FOB)
04-01-15, 10:47 AM
#16
Sorry for reviving an old thread but had some questions. I bought a key fob from Sewell parts as well as a key cut to the VIN. I need to program the key fob. This key fob is "brand new" and not used so will I still run into the whole "only a dealer can program it," excuse?
Old keys can be re-used but you have to wipe the cars memory and reprogram all the keys to the car. It is a long process and I'm afraid of locking myself out. A virgin key should be able to be added without the wipe and just adding that one into memory.
04-29-15, 01:54 PM
#17
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A general rule of mine when dealing with refurb keys is to stay away from ebay or amazon, and stick to suppliers with good reviews. They are more expensive, but the results are night and day. Common problems with bad key suppliers can be anything from wrong transponder type to poorly milled mechanical keys.
02-26-17, 07:59 AM
#18
recently programmed a virgin key
Just want to share with the community my recent experience of programming a key fob.
I bought the MIniVCI cable from ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-VCI-Dia...921340&vxp=mtr
and the virgin key&fob from:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VIRGIN-Unloc...-/331830141827
I followed instructions found on youtube (search "lexus key fob programming techstream" and everything worked fine. The pain is to find an old Win XP machine to install TechStream shipped with the MiniVCI cable. Programming itself took a few minutes.
I bought the MIniVCI cable from ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-VCI-Dia...921340&vxp=mtr
and the virgin key&fob from:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VIRGIN-Unloc...-/331830141827
I followed instructions found on youtube (search "lexus key fob programming techstream" and everything worked fine. The pain is to find an old Win XP machine to install TechStream shipped with the MiniVCI cable. Programming itself took a few minutes.
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ccbcc (02-26-17)
07-06-17, 11:21 AM
#20
Advanced
techstream New Software ????
where you can download new software for toyopta /lexus you said?
I have bought miniVCI from ebay but my version of software was 10.39 I am looking for 12.00 or higher.
I have bought miniVCI from ebay but my version of software was 10.39 I am looking for 12.00 or higher.
Last edited by lexusisgs; 07-06-17 at 11:23 AM. Reason: spelling mistake
07-06-17, 04:28 PM
#21
I need one of those TechStream cables badly, but I don't have a laptop with the required operating system to run the software. I also read that the software is loaded with trojans.
I want to reprogram my auto door Lock/Unlock feature. And I also want to disable the telescoping steering wheel that automatically pulls away when you exit the vehicle.
I want to reprogram my auto door Lock/Unlock feature. And I also want to disable the telescoping steering wheel that automatically pulls away when you exit the vehicle.
07-07-17, 03:56 AM
#23
A guy on eBay sells one that works with any windows application. He is in another country that I can't remember. He is also very responsive to follow up questions. Alexslale from Bulgaria on eBay
Last edited by burny; 07-07-17 at 04:01 AM.
09-16-18, 04:26 PM
#24
Can I buy a used key fob and use the miniVCI cable and techstream to reprogram it?
UPDATE: I bought a used smart key ($50) and ordered a miniVCI cable online ($20). I'm planning on following the directions in the videos linked above. But I dont think my key is a virgin key. Will I still be able to program it? I currently have one key which I assume is the master key. I really dont want to give my money away at a car dealer. If I cant program the key myself I found a locksmith here in LA that will do the programming for $50.
Last edited by tbarrios; 09-22-18 at 05:23 PM.
11-08-18, 03:35 AM
#26
Can I buy a used key fob and use the miniVCI cable and techstream to reprogram it?
UPDATE: I bought a used smart key ($50) and ordered a miniVCI cable online ($20). I'm planning on following the directions in the videos linked above. But I dont think my key is a virgin key. Will I still be able to program it? I currently have one key which I assume is the master key. I really dont want to give my money away at a car dealer. If I cant program the key myself I found a locksmith here in LA that will do the programming for $50.
I had to erase and virginize it to be able to add it. New keys work because they are not mated yet.
2. Most people do the easier way.
Another way is to erase all keys is to reset the immobilizer, you can use a dedicated programmer or Techstream but you have to enter a Special dealer unlock access code that you have to get from a locksmith or dealer or online for $5-10
Toyota and the Dealers dont want you to do this except for emergencies. WHY?
Because they keep a master List of original key combos in their secret database Master file. Inc ase any subsequent owner loses their keys they can have one sent to them with this info on file. When someone alters it, like reset the immobilizer and change or add keys things get out of whack and they will look stupid to send a subsequent owner a key that doesnt work because the original information ha been changed and they didnt know. Suppoosedly when this is done they are supposed to fill a report to Toyota to inform them the ecu and serial # assoiciated with that has changed key information. But who really does that?
Mercedes and BMW is same way.
You can also find a way to virginize and erase the previous pairing to the old ecu. Then you can this now clean key to the car memory ecu. If the key is exactly the same match fcc id, board # etc.
Last edited by samsonn25; 11-08-18 at 03:54 AM.
11-08-18, 03:37 AM
#27
Make sure it is a good VCI cable with good hardware drivers that the computer needs to be able to read it, , and make sure you install correctly, and a good Techstream version, many have bugs or are corrupted.
11-09-18, 09:21 AM
#28
Former Sponsor
Another way is to erase all keys is to reset the immobilizer, you can use a dedicated programmer or Techstream but you have to enter a Special dealer unlock access code that you have to get from a locksmith or dealer or online for $5-10
Toyota and the Dealers dont want you to do this except for emergencies. WHY?
You can also find a way to virginize and erase the previous pairing to the old ecu. Then you can this now clean key to the car memory ecu. If the key is exactly the same match fcc id, board # etc.
Toyota and the Dealers dont want you to do this except for emergencies. WHY?
You can also find a way to virginize and erase the previous pairing to the old ecu. Then you can this now clean key to the car memory ecu. If the key is exactly the same match fcc id, board # etc.
We offer the key virginization service you mention. It allows you to perform the add key function, rather than requiring a reset.
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04-16-19, 11:04 AM
#29
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1. Key fobs are mated to the original ecu. I could not add a used key using Techstream to my 07 gs450h.
I had to erase and virginize it to be able to add it. New keys work because they are not mated yet.
2. Most people do the easier way.
Another way is to erase all keys is to reset the immobilizer, you can use a dedicated programmer or Techstream but you have to enter a Special dealer unlock access code that you have to get from a locksmith or dealer or online for $5-10
Toyota and the Dealers dont want you to do this except for emergencies. WHY?
Because they keep a master List of original key combos in their secret database Master file. Inc ase any subsequent owner loses their keys they can have one sent to them with this info on file. When someone alters it, like reset the immobilizer and change or add keys things get out of whack and they will look stupid to send a subsequent owner a key that doesnt work because the original information ha been changed and they didnt know. Suppoosedly when this is done they are supposed to fill a report to Toyota to inform them the ecu and serial # assoiciated with that has changed key information. But who really does that?
Mercedes and BMW is same way.
You can also find a way to virginize and erase the previous pairing to the old ecu. Then you can this now clean key to the car memory ecu. If the key is exactly the same match fcc id, board # etc.
I had to erase and virginize it to be able to add it. New keys work because they are not mated yet.
2. Most people do the easier way.
Another way is to erase all keys is to reset the immobilizer, you can use a dedicated programmer or Techstream but you have to enter a Special dealer unlock access code that you have to get from a locksmith or dealer or online for $5-10
Toyota and the Dealers dont want you to do this except for emergencies. WHY?
Because they keep a master List of original key combos in their secret database Master file. Inc ase any subsequent owner loses their keys they can have one sent to them with this info on file. When someone alters it, like reset the immobilizer and change or add keys things get out of whack and they will look stupid to send a subsequent owner a key that doesnt work because the original information ha been changed and they didnt know. Suppoosedly when this is done they are supposed to fill a report to Toyota to inform them the ecu and serial # assoiciated with that has changed key information. But who really does that?
Mercedes and BMW is same way.
You can also find a way to virginize and erase the previous pairing to the old ecu. Then you can this now clean key to the car memory ecu. If the key is exactly the same match fcc id, board # etc.
