Used key fob

Hey, I've got a 2017 tacoma and recently bought a used key fob from a different 2017 tacoma. I took it to my local locksmith who has the software to program these keys however upon trying to program he told me it was blocked because it was a previously used fob and would only work with that one vehicle that it was originally intended for. Is he correct or is there another way around this?

 

Take it to a different locksmith. Just like with medical issues, it never hurts to get a second opinion.

 

Used keys can be programmed, but only by reset and reseed of the certification ECU. Once reseeded, even the original keys are used keys.

 

And how does one go about that?

 

There are a few tutorials floating around.
Here is an ABBREVIATED one I wrote a while back. NOTE, there are also ebay services that will apparently 'virginize' a key so that your locksmith can do the procedure, or you can with techstream. I have not tested the ebay services but there have been reports of success..

For reference, here is some instructions I wrote up for somebody else for immobilizer reset. I don't guarantee that this is 100% correct procedure. REMEMBER DON'T LET THE COMPUTER GO TO SLEEP. If anything goes wrong, as long as its the same VIN, seems like you can reuse the token.

When you register a new (never used) fob to an existing truck it doesnt take any passcodes. When you register a used key to a brand new (or reset) ECU it doesnt take any passcodes if you register the keys as the next step as soon as you reset the ECU. What takes a passcode is resetting your ECU to forget the old keys, (which also makes it accept previously used keys at that time).

Here is the process as best as I can recall... sitting at work still waking up...


Materials
You need a TOKEN from weboctopus or similar. Only need 1, hard to buy less than 5. I bought 5 and only used 1 so far. I can give you a couple of my unused ones. (This is old, I have given them all away now).
You will need a dongle to connect truck to laptop, and the associated drivers. ( I have used one off the internet for $35 or so, and have used OVtune dongle)
You need a copy of working techstream, from last year or 2, can be hacked copy, etc. (I am using one that came with cable).
You need laptop with techstream installed with working internet at the truck.
You need all the keys you wish to use with the truck. If you want to add a used lexus card key or another normal dongle that is used (Ebay), now is the time. (If you want to add brand new never used fob in the future, that is fine...)
Need truck and a some decent time (a bout 30 mins)
Recommend battery charger (trickle or whatever) to put on the truck while you do this, dont want battery dying on you in the middle...

Note, these are steps from memory. Not guaranteed to be complete.

First, run truck awhile to get battery voltage up, or put on charger for awhile.

Turn on ignition (do not start). (2 presses on button without foot on brake.)

Turn off all lights, turn off radio screen, etc to minimize battery use.

Put laptop on seat so you aren't touching it or touching any cables while process goes on... (it takes 15 mins at one step alone.)

Start laptop and start techstream and connect to truck. (Plug laptop in to outlets unless you know that it has plenty of life). Make sure laptop is set to not go asleep, etc.

Go to immobilizer menu in techstream. Select immobilizee ECU reset.

Bunch of warning and info pop up.

Techstream will give out the SEED.

Put that seed and the token into weboctopus (or whatever the token is from) webpage (on internet)

Weboctopus (internet) will give back the passcode.

Put passcode into techstream, and wait 15 mins for ecu to reset.

Once ecu is reset, all existing keys no longer work, and any previously used keys can be installed at this time only. (Brand new never used keys can be added later without token).

When instructed to by techstream, hold each key one at a time to the push to start button area on the dash.

All done, shut off ignition and try it out.

Note, that isnt every tiny detail and screen, but I hope that helps.