How to program your own extra key fob!

This is for Tacomas without the smart key. (Smart key is easier because it does not need to be cut, otherwise the process is similar but of course requires a different transmitter.)

Tools needed:

2016+ Tacoma

OBDII Mini-VCI cable:
https://www.amazon.com/Yueku-J2534-...28871890&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=Mini+vci&psc=1

Techstream software v12 as a lot of other versions wont contain the utility menu needed to program the fob and transmitter:
http://blog.obdii365.com/2017/04/05/free-download-toyota-tis-techstream-12-00-127-100-patch/

old 32 bit Windows 7 or XP laptop is preferred as it is more difficult to install the drivers for techstream on newer 64 bit windows as you have to do it manually. Since this also doubles as a code scanner, I'd recommend finding a cheap old laptop for this.

Replacement fob This is the fob i used personally, worked well but did not have the correct immobilizer transmitter in my case but the remote worked:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Upgraded-F...054238?hash=item362fcace5e:g:1ekAAOSw8fZazaYC

Immobilzer transmitter Because of the immobilizer system you need a small chip that is compatible. Different aftermarket fobs have different immobilizer chips and while the remote may work to unlock and lock your truck it will not start when you turn the key unless you have the proper immobilizer and it is programmed:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Key-Chip-Transponder-H-8A-Chip-128/332535940878?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=20160908105057&meid=9d47388150dd454b98504d1e3a3f8ba0&pid=100675&rk=1&rkt=15&sd=332535940878&itm=332535940878&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci:1c297b7e-6ed5-11e8-9d17-74dbd1805e9a|parentrq:f7e2bacd1630aade96a7a4f2ffeef203|iid:1


Steps:

1. Install Techstream v12 and drivers onto your laptop. If you don't have windows 7 or xp, either find a laptop with it or install techstream and the drivers manually. Instructions can be found elsewhere. I would highly recommend a dedicated laptop for this though solely to use as a scanner and programmer. Follow the included instructions to install.

2. After receiving your fob and immobilizer transmitter, attach the included key blade by taking the fob case apart and hammering the included metal shims into the slot after the blade is inserted and put it all back together. It is spring-loaded and requires loading the spring by twisting it to get the key button function to work.

3. Program only the fob remote and not the transmitter using the Techstream software. Plug the mini-vci cable into your OBDII port into your laptop and start up Techstream then under main body -> Utility -> Wireless remote registration and follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Get the key blade cut. I've read that you can get it done at a lot of places, and some stores will not cut it for you. The only one I know of for sure that will do is BatteriesPlus. If you have your master key, take both the aftermarket and master there and have them copy and cut it. It will come out slightly different but still work. At this point it will not start the car since you have to have the transmitter programmed. Since they don't have the key design for the new Tacomas yet, you will not be able to unlock or lock your lockable glovebox which is what the slightly different blade design is for aside from the last gen models.

5. Take the fob apart again and remove the included transmitter and insert the other one you ordered from the link. The transmitter is a small black chip wedged in the upper corner of the case.

6. Start up Techstream then under immobilizer -> utilities -> then access the registration function and follow the onscreen instructions. NOTE You may have to unprogram the keyless entry remote before doing this and then reprogram the remote after you program the transmitter.

7. Fire up your Taco and be happy you saved a few hundred bucks from the dealership and can now program your own keys.

 

Thanks for this. One of the ebay keys I received refused to program. I just ordered the immobilizer transmitter, so we'll see if that works.

 

Were you able to program the remote or is it a smart key? Let me know if it works!

 

This is hot because of the techstream info. A+ OP !

 

Note the latest VCI J2534 interface is version 13 now not 12 as linked in original post.
This is valuable techstream info dudes. Get it.

 

Swapped out the transponder chips today, and the key programmed perfectly. Must have received the wrong chip in the key to begin with.

 

Glad it worked!!!

 

Quick question that just crossed my mind - Where did you have your key blade cut and were you able to use it to unlock/lock your glovebox and tailgate?

 

Good question.

I went to a very wise local locksmith, who has been around for a LONG time, and he flat refused to cut a Toyota key.
The Toyota keys are very precisely cut, and he had some bad experiences in the past with getting keys wrong because heis machine was not accurate enough.
He recommended another local locksmith, so I went to him.

The second guy is the mad scientist of locksmiths. It looks like a bomb went off in his large office. He said "I'll cut it, but it's on you if it doesn't work."
He had two new, unboxed, machines that could duplicate keys to some crazy accuracy, but they weren't ready yet. He cut my key and told me
to go try it in the driver's door. It worked, so I gave him $6.00 for cutting it, and $4.00 for putting the blade into the new fob.

To answer your other question, I found out much later that it did not work in my tailgate. Never tried it in the glovebox. It's amazing that a key can
be off by such a small amount.

Doesn't matter anyway. The fob kept separating while I used it, so I went back to stock.