One Master, One Valet Key. Need Second Master?

When I bought my 2011 Taco it came with one master and one valet key. I confirmed the plastic color does correspond to which type of key it is using the duration of the security light staying on after key insertion in the ignition.

I did some searches to see if I could buy a key and program it myself without buying Techstream or some other solution, but I learned that the keys with the dot can be programmed via chicken dance, but not those with a G which is what mine is. I also read that you don't want to lose the master if you have a dot type, because then you can't program a new one. But since the chicken dance doesn't work for the G type, I wonder if it's still the case that it would be bad to lose my one master key? If so I'll have a local locksmith cut and program a second one for $90 and put that one away.

Thanks for the info!

 

Did you buy your truck new? I got mine used last year and have only those 2 keys. Previous owner (of who knows how many) said that’s how he got it.
Here in Ontario it would cost me like $200 for a second master.

 

No, I bought it about a month ago. The Carfax report shows several ownership transfers so there were many opportunities for the key to be lost. As in your case, the previous owner indicated he only got the two.

From the message threads I read, for systems that use the key with the dot it seemed clear that losing the last master key would lead to needing to have the dealer reprogram the Immobilizer at a pretty significcant cost, on top of needing new keys to go with it. I don't know if it's the same situation for the G type keys, as it seems a Techstream is used to do the programming. So I'm looking at it as a $90 insurance policy, but I'll only bother with that if the loss would lead to the same reprogramming situation. The first locksmith I called said he could provide the blank, program, and cut for that price. I should have asked him this question at the time.

 

G type keys need Techstream or equivalent to program. Dot type do not. I went righty this a few months ago when I bought my truck. I ended up using a mobile key making service that did it for $40 (a steal if you ask me!). It was called Express Lock and Key.

 

When using the Techstream, do they need a master key as part of the programming process for the new key?

The thing that I keep coming back to is this: for the dot type, the only thing the valet key can't do is be used to program a new key. If for the G type an existing master isn't needed to create a new master, then the valet key has lost all meaningful difference with a master. Both open the doors and start the vehicle. Why would Toyota continue to provide a valet key?

It's entirely possible (even likely) that I'm overthinking this.

 

Not sure if master is needed. I would think a valet would work to program. But don’t quote me.

 

The key with the dot CANNOT be programmed with the chicken dance. Ask me how I know...

You can buy a device on eBay that will let you add keys. It's sketchy af though and limits the number of keys to be programmed lower than what the truck will allow.

I bought OEM keys off eBay as well, got them cut at the hardware store after buying a non chipped key from them.

Found a locksmith to program all of my keys for $50.

Edit: cited wrong source.

 

I took a look on eBay and found the programmer packaged with remotes and keys in various combinations. One seller has two keys+fobs and the programmer for $55. Then checking on Amazon, I found what looks to be the same green programmer from many sellers, all of which have about 3.5 stars and reviews indicate many people had issues with the programming. These programmers DO need a master key in order to be able to program, and I'm assuming until I hear otherwise that the Techstream would be no different in that regard. Which would make providing the valet key make some amount of sense.

 

I would assume with techstream it wouldn't matter. The factory has to program a blank slate, so to speak.

I have techstream, but haven't used it for keys.

 

Where did you get your copy? I took a look on eBay as mentioned in several threads on TW but the versions offered are all over the map and some of the ads seemed kinda sketch; one mentioned he'd have to send a "patch" which I assume refers to circumvention of some license check. I have no interest in using pirate software so I didn't explore any further, but I'd like to have a legit copy if available for a reasonable (to me) price.

 

I had a locksmith cut me two keys for 90

 

Good luck with that...

 

I asked the locksmith if he needs to have a working copy of the master in order to program a new key, and he said yes. Otherwise he has to reprogram the ECU as well. But it sounds like it's not that big of a deal. Although, he didn't tell me how much he charges to reprogram the ECU.

 

It’s been awhile, but I got two keys with my truck, one valet, one master.

Purchased OEM key blanks off of EBay from a legit Toyota dealer. Had the local locksmith cut them.

Took the truck to the dealer, they added the new master keys to the ECU. Half an hour labor.

They were able to tell me the ECU had three keys in it. Gave me the option of wiping all the keys out and starting fresh. Would be a full hours labor. I decided the likelihood of this truck and the one missing key ever meeting in the same place again was slim and none. Saved me a half hours labor.

I seem to remember the ECU can have up to eight keys programmed.

I asked what happens if all the keys get lost. Electronically speaking, other than cutting the keys, it’s an hour labor and they wipe the memory, link up to the big computer at Toyota and “reseed the computer”.

Time has past. This was back in 2010. At that time I was under the impression that a well equipped locksmith could add keys. If you lost them all it was dealer only. A big hassle for sure, but not really that much money compared to losing the keys to a BMW or a Benz.