I have a 2014 IS350 and my wife has a 2015 Toyota Highlander. I wonder if the one of the keys for the Toyota can be programed to work on both vehicles. I would assume the keys are one-way. They only send information, they do not receive any. If this can be done, I would buy the credit card size "key" and be able to drive either vehicle.

 

Short answer...no. Key can only be programmed to one vehicle at a time.

 

So that would mean that our key fobs are a 2 way system. The key fob and the car communicate back and forth. I have aftermarket automotive alarms that do that, and tell when armed or when set off. My Lexus key fob does not give me any notification.

 

The key fob itself is not a 2 way system... it's just a transmitter. The whole integrated communication between car and key is a "2 way system" - meaning the car recognizes the key as you approach or as you press one of the buttons on the key fob itself. Then depending on what you do, the car does that expected action (whether unlock/lock doors or open the trunk).

For your Lexus key fob not giving you any notification, I'm not sure what you mean by that. All key fobs do is transmit/communicate to the car; it doesn't receive any notification back. I think what you may be referring to is a separate device (as you mentioned like an aftermarket alarm) where it shows you the overall status of the car, like whether your doors are locked, windows closed, security system armed, etc. That would be either an app or a separate device, like a viper system, which is very different than your car's factory key fob.

 

I was stating that I did not feel it is a 2way system. I was just wondering if anyone has tried this. Is there anyone on the board that is a Toyota/Lexus tech that can try this? I used to install mobile electronics. I have been able to program a remote to work with multiple vehicle. I know the Toyota/Lexus key fob is different, but I was wondering if anyone has attempted it.

 

A rough analogy regarding the fobs ability to be programmed to trigger two cars would be
trying to cut the mechanical key to fit both cars. While you could replace the door and trunk
and ignition and glove box cylinders of one of the cars to match the other cars key it would
be silly expensive. You presumably could replace the cars computer(s) to accept the desired
fob but at what expense? I know you can by padlocks "keyed alike" but they were made together
at the same factory at the same time....

Now, when we get to retinal scan technology to secure our possessions...Minority Report anyone?