Hello Guys. New owner.

I've tried the Search function.
My ability to follow steps is sharper then ever but I'm unable to get into programming mode on my newly purchased 2010 Scion xB.

In my desperation, I'm even trying older steps (Gen 1, Toyota, tC etc etc).

I bought the car about a week ago, spent a few days looking up how to make backup keys. Found the steps here and elsewhere,
but have been unable to make those %@#$@#$ locks cycle on-off (indicating entry into programming mode). Then remote keys I ordered off eBay just got here, and I'm still at a loss.

If nothing works out, I'll get the cruddy keys made from ACE or WM and live a life of horrified anticipation that my only remote key will break/ get lost.

Here are the steps that came with the eBay keys.

1. Begin with the key out of the ignition.
2. OPEN and UNLOCK the DRIVER'S side door. CLOSE all other doors including the trunk.
3. Within 5 seconds INSERT the key into the ignition and PULL it out TWICE.
4. CLOSE then OPEN the DRIVER's side door TWICE.
5. Insert key INTO the ignition then REMOVE it.
6. CLOSE then OPEN the DRIVER's side door TWICE.
7. Insert the key INTO the ignition and LEAVE it in ignition.
8. CLOSE the DRIVER's side door.
9. Switch the ignition to ON then OFF.
10. REMOVE the key from ignition.
11. The door locks will now cycle to confirm the vehicle has successfully entered programming mode.
12. PUSH and HOLD the LOCK and UNLOCK button for 1.5 seconds on the first remote being programmed. As soon as you let go PUSH the LOCK button and HOLD it for 2 seconds
13. The door locks will cycle to confirm successful programming of the remote. If you have any additional remotes to program repeat step 12 if you have no additional remotes proceed to step 14.
14. OPEN the DRIVER'S side door.

Programming is now complete.

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First of all. If I'm doing this wrong and should edit my original post, please do something about it mods. I am a noob and just want to be loved.

I came to the conclusion that since my car key wasn't chipped (and whenever a hardware store or mechanic looked at it, they'd balk) maybe it didn't have a Programming mode.

So I went about looking for an alternative.

The solution is to get an OBD-II to USB cable and hook it up to your laptop.
Amazon sells em (with Prime in case you mess up the get the wrong type).

I also ordered two blanks off eBay for $16 cause they were cheaper than amazon the serial number was a bit off but it worked out.

Using the blanks and the cable (hooked up to my laptop), I very easily programmed the remotes on the blanks. The cable came with instructions that basically spoon-fed me.
Amazon reviews also show that most cables are similar in packaging. Just double check your laptop OS (32 vs 64bit) and save time and effort on the cable driver and software installation.

A pitfall is going to the wrong place to get the keys cut. Don't go to Walmart. They're well meaning employees but their machines blow.
I experimented by getting a valet key made for $1.99 and it only works one way. Locksmiths are hella pricey and dealerships gouge ya.

I went to Ace hardware, they couldn't guarantee the final results but their keys are laser cut. The cut and programmed blanks work like a dream.
Best part? ACE Hardware in Massachusetts charged me a dollar per blank. Total price is less than $20 for two keys.

Next project is getting the only external lock re-keyed cause the car only opens with a remote and that's no good for my neurotic ___.
Gonna wait for the weather to improve, get in there, remove the lock cylinder and get a locksmith to re-key it. Hopefully it'll drop the cost.

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Thanks for posting the solution. So you entered the key programming mode from the OBD2 port and then did the press and hold?

 

In a sense, yes. But I had to use a laptop and the techstream software to get to it.

 

Are you able to share the best place to get the TechStream software? What’s the cost of it or did you go cracked version?

I am thinking of ordering the cable but just want to make sure I can find the software!

 

It came with the cable, cracked version courtesy of the kind Chinese cable makers.

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