Minimalist Key Fob Case

Cool, I may be a bonehead but if the transponder works, I'll only be a $20 bonehead

Long term I wanted 2 flip fobs but figure it would be greedy to order the 2nd until everyone else has a chance to get their hands on a first. It'd be nice to have 4 fully functional keys too but swapping the buttons is pretty easy too. The $30 used key seems like a great plan to grab new electronics though, I never thought about that and I think I'll hop on board there.

 

I may end up just getting the flip fob cut and then make a decision.

 

Thank you guys for being the first testers on some alternatives to destroying the OEM key. My flipflobs are out for delivery tomorrow, I'm still trying to decide what I'm going to do. (Used keys, transponder chips, gutting my oem keys, etc.)

I called a few local mobile locksmiths and most of them said they couldn't program 2020s yet. The ones that could wanted $120+ bucks to cut and program a new key. At that rate, I'm leaning towards just gutting my oem keys.

 

Just a note. TS V14 can fully access the 2020 ECUs. No one has posted about the 2021s yet.

 

Yeah I'm not sure what software the locksmiths use...the few I talked to on the phone just put me on hold while they went and checked their systems. Might just be a drop down where 2020 isn't available so they won't try it.

I wrestled with just buying a cable and trying to find a legit version of TechStream. For personal reasons I'm against using cracked versions of TS. I believe you can buy 2 day licenses for TS, but to get the Security features unlocked you must be a registered locksmith with a business license. (Just what I found in researching it for a few minutes)

 

Yes. Locksmiths have their own software, not MFG workshop software.


Yes. There are a couple access levels with TS. Please note that the versions of TS V14 and V15 that are floating around TW are not cracked versions. Just the license key generation has been cracked. The earlier TS V12 was hacked / cracked as it used a file replacement for full access.

 

Ah ok, thanks for that info. I'll have to dig into it more.

Maybe by then one of you guys will figure out the path of least resistance for the rest of us.

 

Yes, you should be able to program the immobilizer chip in an uncut key or a used key that doesn't match the ignition. Techstream has you insert the key to be programmed but doesn't have you turn it. Once the new key is programmed you can verify by watching the security light. It will be flashing when the key is not in the ignition but as soon as you insert it the light should stop flashing if the immobilizer is programmed correct.

 

Just in case, the 1st Post of the ECU Update thread has all the TS info, step by step installation instructions, and a link to the customization screens.

There is also the TS Tips and Tricks thread as well as another in the Perf and Tuning forum.

 

The 2 locksmiths that I have called both wanted more than the dealership quoted me for programming the transponder.

The dealer said they would do 2 transponders for $145.

I’m gonna start looking into tech stream

 

Look in Tony's signature (post above yours) for this: ECU TSB Update Thread

 

Thanks for spelling this out for me. It appears to have worked though it took forever and a day to register, almost the full time allowed. Security light doesn't blink with key inserted, though since I haven't cut it it doesn't do anything useful.

So, appears to be a good transponder for $20 and change despite the buttons seemingly not working at all. I'll give them one more try tonight perhaps but thinking maybe toss 'em at this point.

 

I got my flip fob kit today - Where are people having the included blank cut? Autozone? Dealer?

Thx

 

Dealer quoted me $45 to cut a key, local locksmith said $4.50 for cutting a key.

The local guy also said he would prefer to cut the key before the FOB is assembled.

 

Welcome o the best damn Tacoma forum on the interwebs Victoria

Pretty much all of the Meso items are always sold out. He makes the bubble tea of Tacomaworld. It's a serious cult following. It's worth it though, all of his products are well thought out and quality.

 

I got mine today. What the hell is up with all the prompt shipping and order fulfillment? You toyota lunatics really should go over to the BMW world to see how good you got it.

 

Can we put the pin back into the spring mechanism so its not in the way of the key cutting?

 

It hit me at the last minute - what you're suppposed to do is use the little allen key, loosen the set screw in the black piece with the spring, and pull the metal blank out, take just the key blank and your key with you to the locksmith/dealer/etc. That way you don't have to worry about the pin coming out of the spring mechanism.

 

When I had my Wrangler, I got a flip key for it off of ebay. Took that and my existing key to Lowes. They cut it for free since I brought everything with me.

 

Great find and tip. I will be using that.



The fob is a bit smaller than I was expecting. That is a good thing.