Key Immobilizer

Just bought a 2009 Tacoma that only came with one key. Trying to figure out if the key is a valet key or master. When I put the key in the ignition without turning it the immobilizer red light still flashes. It only goes out when I turn the key to the ACC or ON position. Seen videos saying a valet key will cause the light to stay solid for a couple seconds. That doesn't happen. I though a master key will cause the light to go out when the key is just placed in the ignition. . Any idea why the key does not extinguish the light when inserted?

 

Toyota valet keys are often grey instead of black but the only way I know of to tell is to use a scan tool to read data from the Immobilizer ECU and see if it is a master or sub key.

In any case you need a scan tool that can do security functions and you can only use a master key to register additional keys unless the Immobilizer ECU is replaced or you perform all keys lost in which case a master key needs to be registered first before any other keys master or sub can be registered.

As to why the security light doesn't stop blinking when the key is inserted you probably have a bad key in switch (unlock warning switch) so the Immobilizer ECU doesn't know a key is inserted until you turn the key on.