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Tacoma Key Programming

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by seric007, Sep 8, 2012.

  1. Sep 8, 2012 at 2:22 PM
    #1
    seric007

    seric007 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So there doesn't appear to be a Key Programming thread, so here we go folks!

    I refuse to pay dealership prices for Transponder Keys. Walmart and the like aren't much better at 80+$ a key (and that's assuming the idiot behind the counter doesn't jack up your key)

    Total price with steps below is 31.98 - and then each additional key only costs 14.48 and you can program new keys for family members with a Toyota/Lexus .... so here we go....

    **update, noticed that the keys can be had from several different vendors, ebay sells them in lots of 10 for 66$ taking the cost of the key in half and you can always sell the rest :)

    Step 1: Acquire Key Blank


    3_58dc300d16cb2d1023baca62e9ce8df4a35f1f25.jpg

    visit Amazon or ebay and pick up youself a key blank with a transponder. Amazon has them for 12.50$ shipped to your door. These blanks are not programmable, but rather programmed already and you must program you ECU to accept the new transponder key.

    Step 2: Acquire Programmer

    1_ef13a2a9306e2a73bdb8e5a5ae27fe0285a18101.jpg

    your going to need something program that key into your taco, right? We need to pick up a programmer that can add the new transponder key into the ECU. This will work with the Taco and many other Toyota models.

    Visit ebay and search "toyota smart keymaker". you want to purchase "Toyota & LExus OBD2 Smart Key Maker Programmer" I purchased mine from edward-hz2001 and was able to submit an offer to bring the price down to 17.50! It took 10 business days to be delivered to my front door.

    Step 3: Cut that key

    images_9a5d14567f743f16edb0784f8f92031b4ff02e7e.jpg

    The Key should arrive within the week, so get it cut before you get the programmer.

    I did find this to be a rather tricky part. if you bring in a key most places they look at you like you are insane. [​IMG] Why on earth would you want them to cut a key blank you provided, after all. :rolleyes:
    After visiting Several Wal-Marts for key-cutting services I gave up on that idea and I ended up at Lowes.

    Now, here's the trick....
    You might get lucky and the guy might be nice and cut it, problem is they have no way to charge you for just cutting the key. They charge for the keys themselves. So i find its nice to work in a way to "pay" for the service. Ask them to make you a copy that can just open doors. this cost me 1.98 and while they are at it they probably wont mind cutting the key you bring in :D

    do ensure the key will turn ignition before proceeding to next steps.....

    Step 4: Programming

    :pccoffee:

    Programming Step 1: Close all doors except drivers door. Leave open during programming

    Programming Step 2: Insert Original Key (the one your currently using to get around) and turn to the on position

    7_465c504db0ba5e63a2b530c141f4a16dc2e2c25a.jpg

    Programming Step 3: Insert SmarKeymaker into OBD Port

    4_b125b805a628b662ea42bdf533ace0e93167f253.jpg

    Programming Step 4: wait for first beep. (1-15 seconds)

    Programming Step 5: Wait for second beep, this will be 3 quick beeps identifying (3rd generation) (1-30 seconds after first beep)

    Programming Step 6: wait for final long beep. this can take a little bit, so be patient. (30seconds to 1 minute) once we hear the long beep, we can proceed to the programming

    Programming Step 7: Remove original key and reinsert, DO NOT TURN, wait 5 seconds and remove.
    5_d4a5985740314d0d6464b616b55db082665e823a.jpg

    THEN insert the new key, DO NOT TURN, wait 5 seconds and remove.

    6_ad555ea2f63b4f447dd17e68b73e948c8a1d9f7a.jpg

    Programming Step 8: Insert original key and turn to ignition ON Position and Lock position 5 times quickly. Remove Key.

    Programming Step 9: Close Door (you left it open,right?) then open door.

    Programming Step 10: Remove SmartKeymaker

    Programming Step Step 11: Test out and enjoy new key! :woot:




     
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    #1
    Larzzzz, Bebop, kimo and 4 others like this.
  2. Sep 8, 2012 at 2:31 PM
    #2
    tostidos

    tostidos Well-Known Member

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    Nice write up!
     
  3. Sep 9, 2012 at 1:25 PM
    #3
    landphil

    landphil Fish are FOOD, not friends!

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    Great info, and thanks for the write up. I wasn't aware of the "key maker" so was thinking to get the techstream clone. Does anyone if you can program for a new key with it? I would rather spend slightly more to have all the diagnostic abilities as well, if it will work.
     
  4. Sep 9, 2012 at 1:59 PM
    #4
    seric007

    seric007 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    the techstream (or its clones) should be able to put the ECU into transponder learning mode.. but they are quite a bit more then 17.50 :)
     
  5. Sep 9, 2012 at 2:35 PM
    #5
    landphil

    landphil Fish are FOOD, not friends!

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    About $45 with cable.
     
  6. Sep 9, 2012 at 3:22 PM
    #6
    boomer6

    boomer6 Well-Known Member

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    Great info. Thanks for sharing.
     
  7. Sep 9, 2012 at 6:02 PM
    #7
    Ragin Devildoc

    Ragin Devildoc MOLON LABE

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    Nice write up
     
  8. Sep 9, 2012 at 6:04 PM
    #8
    SOSHeloPilot

    SOSHeloPilot My 1st Muscle Car

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    .
    . . . Very informative ... thanks ... :popcorn:
    .
     
  9. Sep 9, 2012 at 6:42 PM
    #9
    jtnyc

    jtnyc Well-Known Member

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    Thank you. I've been eyeing one of these programmers too because I just can't bare to spend $130 at the dealer or $80 at locksmith.

    Was hesitent to buy this programmer because the included instructions were obviously written by someone who's not fluent in English... Your instructions are substantially different from the originals.

    So is this also the "4D" key programmer? I remember seeing different versions of the programmer that all look the same, but one does 4D only and the other does 4C and 4D

    So this definitely works for the 2nd gen?

    Will be ordering one now.

    Thanks!
     
  10. Sep 9, 2012 at 8:00 PM
    #10
    seric007

    seric007 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    yeah the translated instructions are junk.. i searched all over the place and mixed and match instructions and gave it a try. method above was the first shot and it worked without a hitch :).

    the one i picked up only does 4D... however i don't think a 4C and 4D unit would cause problems.
     
  11. Sep 9, 2012 at 8:02 PM
    #11
    seric007

    seric007 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    maybe i misunderstand, but you also need a laptop/pc + the software, correct?
     
  12. Sep 9, 2012 at 10:55 PM
    #12
    landphil

    landphil Fish are FOOD, not friends!

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    Yes, laptop not included in that $45. The cable and clone software together can be had on fleabay for $45-50 shipped, which I find almost too cheap. The cables alone run about $30. I thinking of buying a laptop ASAP anyway, so the added expense is very minimal in my case. I would be very interested in hearing from anyone thats used the clone though, and if it will indeed work for programming for a new transponder key. Otherwise, I will probably go the same route you did for the key. I only have one master key, and know I'd better get another before anything happens to it. Good find either way, and thanks again for the write up.
     
  13. Sep 12, 2012 at 1:46 PM
    #13
    BamaToy1997

    BamaToy1997 Wheel Bearing Master

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    Nice write-up. Now you know why the dealers charge so much for doing it for you. lol.
     
  14. Sep 12, 2012 at 9:56 PM
    #14
    landphil

    landphil Fish are FOOD, not friends!

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    OK, I was reading on the Techstream clone thread that it will allow adding and removal of transponder keys. To get your own transponder keys cut, can you not just pay for a key, and leave their blank there? Or take it, still blank?
     
  15. Sep 12, 2012 at 10:04 PM
    #15
    joes06tacoma

    joes06tacoma Well-Known Member

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    So, with all the talk of Tacoma thefts lately, it looks like we are only one step away from the method the thieves are using to drive these away.

    Not bashing OP, just wondering if this might be the tool they start out with, then hack it to not need the original key.:eek:
     
  16. Sep 13, 2012 at 5:01 AM
    #16
    jtnyc

    jtnyc Well-Known Member

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    I believe this method "clones" the key, so you still need a key that's matched up (programmed) to the truck.
     
  17. Sep 14, 2012 at 3:42 PM
    #17
    seric007

    seric007 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    You'll probably confuse the poor guy working the counter. Just approach, pull out your key and your blank and say, hey i need to get 2 things. first off, a copy made for this that can open doors. and i also need this blank cut if you can.

    they are less likely to argue. the first few places i tried (aka walmart) wouldn't cut it, one guy even lied and said it wouldn't fit in his machine. they wouldn't even make me a blank that could open doors!! However, YMMV :)
     
  18. Sep 14, 2012 at 3:44 PM
    #18
    seric007

    seric007 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    well, that would still take time as just plunging it in isn't going to turn the ignition to the on position.. but anything is possible, however unlikely.
     
  19. Sep 14, 2012 at 3:45 PM
    #19
    seric007

    seric007 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    actually it doesn't clone the key. the transponder "code" is actually added into the tacomas ECU :)


    those cheap-o wal-mart keys "clone" your original key to transmit the same transponder code.
     
  20. Sep 14, 2012 at 3:46 PM
    #20
    seric007

    seric007 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    it may seem like a lot of steps, but takes less then 4 minutes. :)
     

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