How to program your own SMART key fob

I lost my smart key FOB Turkey hunting (hole in my pocket). My dealer wanted $450 for a new smart key fob. I spent $29 for techstream SW and cable (actually, I already had the techstream) and $129 for an OEM fob.

FOB: https://www.carandtruckremotes.com/2017-toyota-tacoma-smart-remote.html#jmui=

Techstream SW: http://blog.obdii365.com/2017/04/05/free-download-toyota-tis-techstream-12-00-127-100-patch/

Cable: https://www.amazon.com/Yueku-J2534-...28871890&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=Mini+vci&psc=1

youtube how to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-75s0MyrLFI

The video shows a Camry, but it is the same for a Tacoma.

Since losing the FOB was a giant pain in the ass, I even programmed a second FOB. I wired and concealed the mechanical key under the truck (just like the old days). I then removed the battery from the FOB and hid the FOB and battery deep inside the cab. Next time my wife won't have to drive 100 miles to save my sorry ass.

 

Your a smart man. Spare key FTW

 

Thanks for sharing. Like the video explaining it more

 

Is there a (relatively) new member contribution award? I nominate this ^.

Thanks you Mark.

 

Thanks for sharing the above. I have techstream and the cable from my old Tacoma. Looks like I can update the software and do this from home.

 

FYI you can replace your fob with a credit card style Key also. Same method applies. See my sig for more info.

 

Very cool. I could have used this last month. I bought a spare (3rd) key gob locally for $260. I stored the tailgate/door key in a hide a key under the truck and have the fob wrapped in foil stashed inside the truck.

I have not seen your video, but the locksmith mentioned he kept all 3 fobs on my system. Do you know how many keys the system will allow you to have?

 

You can have 5 programmed on the truck

 

Do you have a linky for the credit card key??

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lexus-credit-card-key-working-in-tacoma.445979/

Sorry my post before was supposed to say see my “sig”. Siri corrected that to “dog”

 

What was your total cost for that in the end? Also I can’t remember but did you do the programming or someone local do it?

 

I added a third key fob today. Bought an NEW key fob with uncut key insert for $109 shipped on eBay and Software for $67 on Amazon. Added the new key fob with no issues. Now I just have to get the key cut and it will be complete. Going to hit up a local locksmith to cut it - hopefully I don't get charged through the nose...I heard they call these type of keys LASER CUT and charge up to $50 sometimes to cut them!

 

The key was around $200. I paid a locksmith $80 to program (I don’t have a PC otherwise I would have tried myself). The emergency key inside was somewhere around $30 and $20 to cut. I know where I went was pricey, but it took a few times to find someone local who would even do it. So figure if you have someone else do it all, your in around $330. I’ve been thinking about picking up a cheap old windows laptop so I can do it myself like OP of this thread.

 

Is the Techstream SW software compatible with windows 10 64 bit?

 

$90 Toyota Techstream Diagnostic Cable Mini VCI J2534 OBD Scanner V2.0.4 for Toyota Lexus TIS Techstream (Updated Version)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BCL3DFR/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This one is. It's the one I bought and worked! They helped me get it set up properly over teamviewer.

 

Hopefully Toyota has no way of telling this software was linked to the vehicle and void the warranty

 

I used it to program a 18’ Tacoma Smart Key. Works great. I had it programmed and tested in less than 10 min. I ordered the new oem fob off eBay for $99.

 

I have a dumb question, I can't find the answer anywhere. What is the key inside the fob for? Is there an actual ignition cylinder in the dash somewhere, or is that just for the tailgate?

 

To get you in the driver door if the fob battery dies, etc.
You can then put the fob up to the push to start switch and it will start even with a dead fob battery, by rfid system.

 

Awesome, thank you. The manual buried it (maybe, haven't found it yet), the sales guy never mentioned it, and I didn't think to ask until just now.