Ignition System Transponder/Amplifier Question

Hoping someone can shed some light on how the key transponder works with the ECU.

Long story short I'm replacing the transponder amplifier on my Tacoma (the piece that is right near the key slot). My big question: is this a plug and play part? Not much info I could find out there on the subject but the info I did find made it seem like the amplifier just sends the Immobilizer/ECU signal to the transponder/chip in the key and then sends a key signal back to the ECU so the ECU can verify it is a registered key with the truck. Is that right?

As in when the ignition system is programmed for a new key does the amplifier also get programmed? I'm wanting to see if I can just straight plug in a 4Runner amplifier in my Tacoma (4Runner assembly includes lit ignitin ring). Or will it totally screw with my ECU?

Really for shits and giggles because I have never seen anyone else do this in a 2nd gen. I have an alternate method to do it but if it's plug and play hat would be way easier.

Thanks for info in advance.

 

I do remote start's for a living, and to my knowledge its the ECU that learns the code on the key, and the piece around the cylinder is the guy that picks up and transmits the info from the key. I'd go for the swap, and even if it doesn't work I don't think you'll have any issue putting it back the way it was.

 

Thanks for the info! I Talked to another member about it and he said the same so now I have the confidence to proceed in the morning!

Will be awesome if this ends up being a plug n play illuminated ignition ring

 

Sorry to bring thread back from the dead but how did this work out? I was looking at doing this myself but its unclear to me whether the amplifier needs programming or anything like that or if it just sends the Code from the key to the ECU. I assume its the ladder but wanted to see how yours went.

 

Yes, you are correct. It just relays the key chip data to the ECU, basically just an antenna.