Techstream Key Programming - I had to turn ignition to on

In the final step of programming a key with Techstream, it says to insert the key to be programmed and has flashing red words saying "Do not turn Ignition on!". I could not program my keys, (and actually got a refund that I am going to have to try to reverse because I thought the keys were defective) when I followed the instructions. It said the ECU could not communicate with the key and failed. Then I erased all keys except the master and I could not re-program my valet key, that was working before. I know it had a proper chip in it. I finally turned the key on in spite of the instructions to the contrary, and everything worked.

It makes sense that the vehicle would not be able to communicate with the ignition off.

Anyway, just a heads up for those that are having the same problem.

Interesting that the valet key stayed a valet key even when I had erased and reprogrammed it.

YMMV.

 

Just curious because I'm about to program a key. Im guessing when you say 'on' you turn the key past the accessory area all the way to on but not to start?
We have a 'lock' then flip the key forward once goes into 'accessory' one more flip forward to 'on' then the last flip is to start

Can you verify exactly what you mean, thanks

 

Older vehicles you need the ignition powered. Newer ones there is no need to turn the ignition on

 

When you get to the last section, the one where you have ten seconds, it will say on Techstream to insert the key that you want to program, and there will be red words flashing saying do not turn ignition on.

That did not work for my 2006 Tacoma. I had to turn the key to on. Not start. Just fully on.

Hope that helps! Good luck.

 

i was going to do a zero calibration via Techstream, but it needs to be updated. I used to be able to skip that and do my thing, not now. do you guys know a way around this? thanks

 

Turn off WiFi. Set your computer time clock back several years. Search for how to delete the line in the Techstream file that deals with number of times you can start it without calling home....I can't remember which file but you can find it if you search. Good luck.

 

So I had to program a different key in the same vehicle. Tried it with the ignition on for the final step and got the error message that it lost communication with the ecu. Tried again with the ignition off. Still failed. Tried it several times, both on and off. I was going to give up and write it off as a bad chip, when I finally tried to turn the key on, off, then on during that final ten seconds. THAT worked and the key got programmed.