Program Toyota keys & Remotes made easy. All the information you need to know how to program a new Toyota key without the original, how to make a duplicate, which keys you can program yourself, procedures For Keyless entry, what you should know before and more.
In this article:
Introduction to programming Toyota keys
Toyota key programming – Can I do it myself or special equipment is needed?
Tips for programming your new key
How can I save money on getting a duplicate or a new Toyota remote key made?
What is Toyota “reflash” procedure? For what years this programming technique is relevant?
Toyota programming procedure – How is it actually done?
Toyota key programming cost of a replacement key
I already have a programmed key, I just need a duplicate – Toyota duplicate key cost
Introduction to programming Toyota keys
Most Toyota models, made after 1999 require some type of programming to start the car. That includes transponder keys and remotes.
Non Transponder keys, i.e. regular metal keys, don’t require any programming and therefore only need to be cut to start the car.
Here we will go over the different types of keys and show you a simple way to save a lot of money in case you lost your key or just need a duplicate made.
The process of making a new key to start the car involved, basically, two phases:
A. Cutting a new key :
That means cutting a blank key to match the ignition and will be able to turn the ignition to “ON” or “RUN” position”. You can call the dealer or a locksmith to cut the key for you. Keep in mind, you will have to provide proof of ownership and the VIN number.
B. Program the key –
Most Toyota models made in the past 20 years are equipped with some sort of transponder security feature.
Therefore, the key or remote will have to be programmed to start the car. By saying “programmed” it means the car’s computer must be able to recognize the key as an “authorized key”.
Authorized keys may be added by programming those keys with a special programming machine that the dealer has or most automotive locksmiths.
Either a locksmith or a dealer can program the key for you. A locksmith can provide on-site service.
In case you choose the dealer, the car will have to be towed there if all keys are lost.
The programming procedure can be relatively expensive, especially if you lost all your keys and can’t start the car.
However, we have gathered here for you a few important tips on how to save a lot of money in case you need a new key. Keep reading for more information.
Transponder key programming – Can I do it myself or special equipment is needed?
All Toyota Transponder keys and remotes can only be programmed with a special programming machine. Therefore, only a dealer or locksmith can program the keys for you.
However, there is a way to make the process much cheaper and affordable. Below, we will give you instructions on what is the best way to do that. It shouldn’t take a lot of your time and can save you a lot of money.
A few tips before you start the process of programming a new car key for Transponder models:
Once you program a new key, ALL previous keys will not start the car.
In other words, if you find your old key after programming the new one, it will not work.
Therefore, we highly recommend having at least two new cut keys and programming both of them.
That is only relevant when you don’t have a key at all. In case you have a working key, and just need a duplicate, both keys will work.
How can I save money on getting a duplicate or a new Transponder key/remote made?
As we explained above, the process of getting a new key involves cutting the new key and programming it.
When you call a locksmith or the dealer, they will charge you for a service call, the actual key, the labor of cutting the key, and programming.
Fortunately, you can save the money of the key by ordering it online, and only have them cut and program it. This alone will save you about $50-$100 as the locksmith or the dealer make a profit by selling you the key as well.
True, it may take a longer time to get the key from Amazon but if you are not in a big rush or need a key ASAP, we recommend you do that. This is especially true if you only need a duplicate made.
Bottom line, how and what should I do?
- Order your key online – Make sure you get the right key. In case you get the wrong key or remote programming will not be possible. You can look up the exact key for your Toyota model. Simply choose your model and year and get it online. You can order your key here.
- Call the dealer or locksmith – Explain to them you already have the key/remote and would like it to be cut and/or programmed. In addition, ask for a quote on this procedure.
- In addition, keep in mind, the process usually costs somewhere between $80-$150, depending on the type of key/remote you have.
- Finally, schedule a time with them to have it done. Remember to provide them with the exact year, make and model, VIN number and make sure you have proof of ownership.
What is Toyota’s “reflash” procedure? For what years this programming technique is relevant?
Toyota reflash procedure is an additional security feature that Toyota introduced around the year 2000. It actually requires additional equipment (reflash programming machine) to program new keys.
The problem is, this machine can only program Toyota keys and only those around the year 2000 and therefore many locksmiths do not carry this machine because it is very expansive and can only program limited Toyota car keys.
Therefore, if your Toyota model was manufactured around the year 2000 chances are the dealer is your only option.
Toyota programming procedure – How is it actually done?
Toyota transponder and remote car keys, also known as key fobs, smart keys or push-to-start keys, are the latest generation of security car keys.
Therefore, onboard programming or self-programming is not available for these types of keys or remotes and an additional equipment or programming machine is necessary to complete this process.
An automotive locksmith or dealer will have to connect this machine to the car’s computer to start the programming procedure.
Below, a few examples of Toyota remote key fobs that require programming machine:
Below, an example of a programming machine (MVP Key programming), used by the dealer or an automotive locksmith to program Toyota transponder remote key fobs:
Toyota key programming cost – How much does it cost to program a new Toyota transponder key and remote.
As stated above, getting your Toyota key online and having the dealer or an automotive locksmith can save you a lot of money. You can order your key online here.
Programming a new Toyota key, assuming you already have a blank key, basically involves two phases:
1. Cutting the key or remote so it will fit your car’s ignition.
Before the key can be programmed, it needs to be cut to fit your car. The way an automotive locksmith or the dealership do that is by “pulling” the key code, using your VIN from the database. This cost them money and therefore, they charge you for it. (Unlike when you already have a cut key and just need a duplicate)
2. Program the key or remote – To actually start the car.
The programming procedure is simply a process to let your car know that the new key is “authorized” to start the car. That is done by connecting a programming machine to your car’s computer.
Both the dealer and an automotive locksmith will have to do the same thing, however, the prices vary:
Cost of programming Toyota key by the dealer:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Toyota car.
Cutting the key: Usually around $70
Programming the key: Usually around $100
In addition, you will have to two your car to the dealer which is an additional expanse of $70(estimate)
Total estimated cost: $240
Cost of programming Toyota key by an automotive locksmith:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Toyota car, your location(as a locksmith will come to you) time of day etc.
We checked the prices during regular business hours, same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:
Cutting the key: Usually around $50
Programming the key: Usually around $80
In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50
Total estimated cost: $180
In conclusion, as you can see, the price of replacing and programming your Toyota key is not cheap and therefore we highly recommend making an extra key while replacing your key as it is much cheaper than making a new one once you lost all your keys.
I already have a programmed key, I just need a duplicate – Toyota duplicate key cost
The price of making a duplicate Toyota key is cheaper than making an original key when all keys are lost for two main reasons:
- You already have a cut key – That means no need to “pull” a code from the database.
- Your car’s computer already “knows” that one key is authorized to start the car and therefore we can use that key to add some more. (Note that not in all models and years it’s possible)
Here is the average cost of getting a duplicate Toyota key by the dealership and an automotive locksmith:
Cost of duplicating a Toyota key by the dealer:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Toyota car.
Cutting the key: Usually around $10
Programming the key: Usually around $100
Total estimated cost: $110
Cost of duplicating a Toyota key by an automotive locksmith:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Toyota car, your location(as a locksmith will come to you) time of day etc.
We checked the prices during regular business hours, same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:
Cutting the key: Usually around $10
Programming the key: Usually around $80
In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50 or you can drive your car to the locksmith shop and save this expanse which we obviously recommend.
Total estimated cost: $90
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