Keyless Entry Fob Has Apparently Died

Hey there,

I have a 2008 Tacoma and I am having issues with my Keyless Entry. I just noticed that it was not locking/unlocking my truck anymore. I replaced the battery and still nothing. Ive looked on youtube and everything and cant find anything that helps.

Has anyone else had this issue? Can you please let me know what you did to get it working again? I have the Original 3 button oval shapped keyless entry

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

First off see if your key-in chime still beeps with the key out and the door open, if it thinks a key is in the ignition the keyless entry won't operate.

 

Thanks for the reply. Key chime only happens when the key is in the ignition and the door is open. Once the key comes out, no chime

 

Many auto parts stores have a fob transmitter tester sitting on the counter, you could check and see if your fob is transmitting anything.

Also many TPMS tools have a transmitter tester built in if you have one of those or know someone that does.

 

I bought my truck used and I have the two original ones. One of them sometimes takes 2-3 presses before it unlocks. (locking works fine) It looks noticeably more worn looking than the other one which looks fairly new. FWIW: both batteries were replaced at the same time when last done. With the current mileage (140k) and the years that have gone by, that's a lot of button pushes so not surprised the FOB a little tired now.

 

Should I have to re program the fob once ive replaced the battery?

 

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately nothing works after MANY clicks on the Lock/Unlock and the alarm buttons (which I rarely touch the alarm button). This one is OEM as well and im aware that they might just be old but id like to do anything I can to see if maybe if there is just a simple solution before i shell out the money for new ones.

 

You shouldn't need to, as I said I'd find a transmitter tester first and see if it even sends out a signal before doing anything else.
If it's dead you will need to get and program a new one, if it still transmits you could try re-programming it.

 

I didn't have to when I replaced the battery.

 

No reprogramming needed just for replacing the battery.

 

Thanks! I have been calling around to my local parts store and they dont have any way to test them. Going to keep calling around to see who could test it

 

I get my replacement fobs at ACE hardware. Pretty sure they also have the tester that @Dm93 mentioned back where they cut keys, too. You can buy them online and program them yourself for cheaper, I'm sure, but I think they're reasonably priced compared to the dealer, and they can deal with the programming and such.

My keyfob unlock button is shot, I have to press it multiple times, and press hard to get it to work. It's my last original one. My wife has the ACE hardware replacement in her purse. I also got a replacement for her Cruze at ACE with no issue.

 

I was unaware you could go to ace hardware for those issues. Ill definitely check them out. If i have to buy a new one. Can I just buy one of the replacement ones on Ebay and program it myself? or do I have to go through the dealer to get one? they seem pretty cheap on ebay and that always gets me a little worried

 

Checkout the youtube video in this thread. I didn't watch the whole thing, but sounds like he knows the process. I thought you needed a special tool, as the ACE guys had a fancy handheld thing, but I'm pretty positive it is just a computer that has all the instructions on how to program different vehicle's key fobs. It's just a weird process of turning key and opening and closing the door and whatever other steps. Guy in the video bought his fobs on Amazon.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-to-program-new-key-fob.849110/#post-30344409

 

No tools required to program remote fobs, just a combination of key in/out/on/off, door open/close steps.

Now to program the actual keys yes you need a scan tool capable of doing it.

 

last ditch effort to try with no parts required is take the fob apart and clean the contacts where the button hits it.
ive had good luck with this on door lock switches and power seat switches as well in vehicles over the years.

 

okay open up your remote, clean the contacts with some alcohol wipes I've seen them not work with worn down contacts on the buttons. ive also seen the interior button torn and make the remote not function

 

Thanks for the video. I will try this out once I get home. Ace hardware is gonna charge me like $100 bucks to get it replaced so I might just got the Amazon route and program it myself and save me the money. Do you think it would hurt anything to try and program the old one I have now?

 

I see no issue, but I don't guarantee anything, lol. I doubt your fob needs it though, it's more likely completely done. I'd try what @BigCountry762x39 said above, though. I actually think I should try this with my fob. Maybe I just have a bad contact.

 

It certainly won't hurt to try and reprogram the FOB. See this post: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/key-rob-replacement-ace-couldn’t-do-it.829592/#post-29739377

Here are the complete directions from my post.

Use this guide to program the new FOB:

Here are the complete process for programming the remote FOBS. You may want to clear everything and reprogram the truck to receive the FOBs you have. Note: The info in RED for other models.

Try this. There are 4 modes. You should use Rewrite Mode to start over and only program the remotes you want to use.

There are four different programming commands when setting up or verifying your remote transmitter, they are:

1. Add mode, used to add a remote to your car that is not currently registered.
2. Rewrite mode, used to erase all previously registered remotes and allow you to begin again the programming process.
3. Confirmation mode, used to verify the number of remotes that are already programmed in your car.
4. Prohibit mode, to prohibit all remotes from operating the door locks.

https://www.carandtruckremotes.com/...eplacement-keyless-entry-control-remotes.html

Procedure To Program Toyota Wireless Remote Transmitters:

Begin with: The driver's door open and unlocked. Key out of the ignition.

1. Insert and remove the key from the ignition switch 2 times within 5 seconds.

NOTE: Steps 2 and 3 should be performed within 40 seconds.

2. Close and open driver's door TWICE.

3. Insert the key into the ignition and remove it.

NOTE: Steps 4 - 6 should be performed within 40 seconds.

4. Close and open the driver's door twice.

5. Insert the key into the ignition.

6. Close the door.

NOTE: Steps 5 and 6 should be reversed for the following models ONLY (close door first, then insert key into ignition):

2000 - 2005 Celica

2001 - 2003 Prius

2001 - 2005 ECHO

2001 - 2005 RAV4

2003 - 2004 Avalon

7. Turn the ignition switch from "Lock" to "On" and back to "Lock" at about 1 second intervals to select the desired mode:

1 time for ADD mode.

2 times for REWRITE mode.

3 times for CONFIRMATION mode.

5 times for PROHIBITION mode.

8. Remove the key from the ignition.

9. To confirm your mode selection, the power locks will now cycle "lock" to "unlock" a number of times corresponding to your key cycles in step 7.

NOTE: If Confirmation or Prohibition modes have been selected, opening the door will complete the procedure.

10. For Add or Rewrite modes do the following within 40 seconds of Door

Procedure Lock confirmation:

A. Press both car transmitter Lock and Unlock buttons simultaneously between 1 and 1.5 seconds and release.

B. Within 3 seconds of step A, press the transmitter Lock button for more than 1 second and release.

If the keyless entry remote transmitter has been successfully programmed, the power locks will cycle "lock" to "unlock" once at this time.

If there are problems with the remote transmitter or the procedure up to this point, the locks will cycle twice. If this occurs, verify that you have received the correct transmitter, and then repeat the above procedure.

C. If multiple remotes are to be reprogrammed, repeat steps A and B.

11. Open the driver's door to conclude programming mode.