The TRUTH about Reprogramming Smart Keys (FOB)
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: CA
Hello
This is my "rant". I had a master key that was lost. Went to the Lexus dealer in Ontario. I had been through that hassles with tech... I bought 2 keys with fob and same FCC #. I asked the tech to program the keys. Tech told me it wouldn't work. I had to buy a master key from the part dept, then programmed it. I still hav 2 keys with me. Tech told me if I take extra 2 keys to locksmith to "copy" from the master key, it would mess up and lock me out???
I ended purchasing new master key for $200 and paid $358 to program.
Any suggestion if I should risk to take extra 2 keys to locksmith?????
2006 GX470
This is my "rant". I had a master key that was lost. Went to the Lexus dealer in Ontario. I had been through that hassles with tech... I bought 2 keys with fob and same FCC #. I asked the tech to program the keys. Tech told me it wouldn't work. I had to buy a master key from the part dept, then programmed it. I still hav 2 keys with me. Tech told me if I take extra 2 keys to locksmith to "copy" from the master key, it would mess up and lock me out???
I ended purchasing new master key for $200 and paid $358 to program.
Any suggestion if I should risk to take extra 2 keys to locksmith?????
2006 GX470
Last edited by Deaftriker; Aug 11, 2019 at 02:23 AM.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 168
Likes: 43
From: Nm
Hello
This is my "rant". I had a master key that was lost. Went to the Lexus dealer in Ontario. I had been through that hassles with tech... I bought 2 keys with fob and same FCC #. I asked the tech to program the keys. Tech told me it wouldn't work. I had to buy a master key from the part dept, then programmed it. I still hav 2 keys with me. Tech told me if I take extra 2 keys to locksmith to "copy" from the master key, it would mess up and lock me out???
I ended purchasing new master key for $200 and paid $358 to program.
Any suggestion if I should risk to take extra 2 keys to locksmith?????
2006 GX470
This is my "rant". I had a master key that was lost. Went to the Lexus dealer in Ontario. I had been through that hassles with tech... I bought 2 keys with fob and same FCC #. I asked the tech to program the keys. Tech told me it wouldn't work. I had to buy a master key from the part dept, then programmed it. I still hav 2 keys with me. Tech told me if I take extra 2 keys to locksmith to "copy" from the master key, it would mess up and lock me out???
I ended purchasing new master key for $200 and paid $358 to program.
Any suggestion if I should risk to take extra 2 keys to locksmith?????
2006 GX470
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: FL
What kind of software?
Does anyone know what software or program is needed? Im trying to figure out how to buy the actual software so that I can reprogram it myself. I have a used key FOB from another car because second key Igor from dealer is not for my car.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 802
Likes: 24
From: ONT
I just had this done, I used a fob from my 06 GS and had this guy erased everything and converted the 06 fob for my 08 GS, he was using an iPad and some heavy duty looking tablet that was like 3 ich thick lol, it had almost every car brand on the menu.
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 183
Likes: 6
From: Texas
blows my mind how many people will spend money to get this car, but won't pay the $30 for an e-bay/amazon mini-VCI cable. I guess people like to spend hours drinking the >$100 dealership coffee to get things "scanned" and "reprogrammed". just mind blowing...
9th Gear
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
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.
Where can I get this code for 5 to $10? The one you are talking about from a dealer or a locksmith? I had tokens for the pin calculator online is that what you were talking about?
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