I know..I know. This has been covered a million times. Every thread that I've found states that you must absolutely go to the dealership to program a new transponder key. That being said, has anyone tried this before?


From what I can tell, everyone on other Toyota forums seems to claim it works so I can't image it's any different for our vehicles. When I bought my tC it only came with an 'Ingenuity' key and no number plate. I'd really like to try this before dropping $500+ for a new key, but I don't have a blank at the moment. If anyone can tell me if this works I would greatly appreciate it. In case you don't want to watch the video, here are the steps.

1. Simultaneously depress and release the brake and
accelerator pedals 1 time (one instruction kind of hints that you
should hold the pedals down while you insert the master key, the next
step).
2. Insert the master key in the ignition, but do not turn it.
3. Within 15 seconds press & release the accelerator pedal 5 times.
4. Then within 20 seconds press & release the brake pedal 6 times.
5. Within 10 seconds remove the master key, and insert the new key.
6. Within 10 seconds press & release the accelerator 1 time.
7. The security light will stay off after 60 to 80 seconds indicating the re-programming was successful.
8. Remove the new key, and depress & release the brake pedal
1 time.


Thanks!

 

Problem solved. Went to my local Ace hardware and they cut and programmed a new key for me for $50.

 

Try this with door and windows closed insert original key in and out of ignition 5 times on 5th time leave key in ignition. Next open and close door 6 times then pull original key out of ignition the security light should remain solid. Insert new key while light is still solid wait up to 1 minute. When light stops blinking pull out new key.insert original key start car. Your new key should be programmed now . This worked for me first try on a 2010 tc.

 

Did you buy the key that they cut online, or did they supply the key?
I called the one near me (in Michigan) and they said they only do it for the big 3. And they have no profiles within their system to program my key.

 

You can buy a blank on eBay and they can cut it but if you follow my instructions for programming it will work for you

 

EDIT: Called another one, and got the answer I needed. $69 for the key, cutting it, and programming the transponder. Not Scion Branded, but I'm 102% ok with that.

 

I've got $8 in mine ace didn't charge me to cut it and the programming took less than 2 minutes.look at your original key check if it has a dot on the top of the key cause if you order one it needs to have it also,has something to do with the thickness

 

Can you link me to the one you purchased? I want to make sure I get the exact one.

 

I can't do a link but the seller on eBay is kidyuschak the price is 8.15 hope that helps you

 

Ok so I went to ACE Hardware and the key they have is WITHOUT the FOB. So it looked like a regular car key, but with a chip in the back. That, however, is NOT what i was looking for. When I got this car (used), the key they gave me had the FOB parts gutted, however the chip is still inside of the device obviously as I have been driving my car.

I'm actually looking for something like THIS!

Now if I order this key (or any key like this from anywhere else), is ACE going to still be able to program it? They claim that they can only program their "HiCO" brand blanks there, but I'm pretty sure there should be no difference programming this right? I really want to be using the FOB integrated with the key to lock/unlock my doors.

 

So ACE is now saying that if I were to purchase a key outside of their store, they WILL NOT cut it and WILL NOT program it. They're citing a "legality issue" for cutting and programming keys that aren't in their inventory.

 

My ace only told me they couldn't be responsible for a bad cut. The key you are looking at is right ,The programing for the door lock unlock is easy too,there are several ways on YouTube. The transponder programming is the one I found on YouTube and put instructions here so the dealer could not rip everyone off that needed a second key. I get so tired of freakin legalities ,they are only cutting a key not committing murder.

 

Ok good to know, thanks. And you've tried and confirmed the transponder programming via that YouTube link? While it's only a ~$50-60 overall investment...it's still $50-60 gone is this doesn't work lol.

 

If the cut doesn't work you can buy another blank since you now would have the transponder and the remote for lock and unlock so it wouldn't hurt too bad with the dollars. There are two different programs one for the doors and the other for the transponder . The transponder programming on YouTube was actually for a 2004 toyota sienna and it worked the first time I tried it. The dealer told me this was impossible without their equipment. Good luck ask if you have trouble.