Hello again!

Went in to get a duplicate key cut today, and learned that it's a transponder key, which is expensive!

Does anyone have a hack for this? DIY? Please tell me there's an inexpensive way to get a duplicate made.

THANKS!

 

Ok here's what I found online:

"To program a transponder key for a 2002 Toyota Sienna, you'll need your original master key and a new, uncut key. First, insert the master key into the ignition and turn it to the "on" position, then quickly back to the "off" position twice. Remove the master key. Within 15 seconds, insert the new key and turn it to the "on" position. If the security light blinks, the key is being programmed; wait for it to stop blinking. Finally, turn the new key to the "off" position and remove it. The new key should now be programmed."

 

Am I going to jail?

 

I went through a similar labyrinth on my 04 Chrysler. Unless I had both original keys, buy a correct prefix key, activate, cut, do a three key dance, I'd have to pay hundreds to a dealer. It's just another money making scheme. Nobody would want to steal it anyway.
Takes days for an owner, seconds for a car thief.
See you in jail.

 

I've had keys made for my 04 4Runner and '12 Corolla. So far we haven't lost any for the Sienna. I call a locksmith who comes to my house, sets up his 10x10 popup and goes to work. His keys are better than the ones I have found (and used) on Amazon. I program the fob (I bought one online at Amazon) but he programs the immobilizer (RFID) key. Don't go to the dealership. They probably call a locksmith anyway.

Lookup some locksmiths and get the reviews on them. I used a store locksmith in Florida one time. He had a big sign that read "do not bring the keys you purchased elsewhere in here". I had him cut 2 keys for my travel trailer. One worked, the other didn't. No refunds.

Something I learned from the locksmith that came to my house. He cuts a regular, non-immobilizer key first. He tries that in the ignition and doors first. If that works then he cuts the immobilizer key. That way he doesn't mess up an expensive key.

Ask for that key then hide a spare immobilizer key in your car and carry the cheap key. The cheap key will do everything the other one will, except start it. It will even crank the engine. It's like a coin in your pocket, If you lose a key or if someone takes your keys, you can get into your car and get the spare. It's also handy to open the door when you need something out of the car but don't need to go anywhere.

 

I've had keys made for my 04 4Runner and '12 Corolla. So far we haven't lost any for the Sienna. I call a locksmith who comes to my house, sets up his 10x10 popup and goes to work. His keys are better than the ones I have found (and used) on Amazon. I program the fob (I bought one online at Amazon) but he programs the immobilizer (RFID) key. Don't go to the dealership. They probably call a locksmith anyway.

Lookup some locksmiths and get the reviews on them. I used a store locksmith in Florida one time. He had a big sign that read "do not bring the keys you purchased elsewhere in here". I had him cut 2 keys for my travel trailer. One worked, the other didn't. No refunds.

Something I learned from the locksmith that came to my house. He cuts a regular, non-immobilizer key first. He tries that in the ignition and doors first. If that works then he cuts the immobilizer key. That way he doesn't mess up an expensive key.

Ask for that key then hide a spare immobilizer key in your car and carry the cheap key. The cheap key will do everything the other one will, except start it. It will even crank the engine. It's like a coin in your pocket, If you lose a key or if someone takes your keys, you can get into your car and get the spare. It's also handy to open the door when you need something out of the car but don't need to go anywhere.

Great idea! I did get a doors only key cut, and thought about hiding the spare in the car. This confirms it. I'm going to go the cheapest route first and buy a chip key online - $7. Then I will program it, or at least try to program it, myself. Much obliged for your time and thoughts.

 

Welp, that didn't work at all. I bought 2 transponder keys online, and found a couple of differing methods of programming them, but neither worked, so I sent them back. Can anyone tell me how I can get a spare transponder key without having to pay exorbitant dealer or locksmith fees? Thanks! BTW, I took Arthur's advice and hid the transponder key in the car, the doors-only key in a magnetic hide-a-key, and will use the fob to open the doors. That way, if I lose the fob, I can retrieve the hide-a-key. Problem pretty much solved, but I would like one more transponder key. Thanks for listening.

 

... I bought 2 transponder keys online, ... but neither worked, so I sent them back.
Can anyone tell me how I can get a spare transponder key without having to pay exorbitant dealer or locksmith fees?

Hopefully, you've found a correct one this time.
Here is how the process is described in 2001 Sienna shop manual.

 

I'm pretty sure the immobilizer key has to be programmed by a locksmith. I'm assuming you're talking about the key and not the fob. The fob I think you can program yourself but the immobilizer key has an RFID tag inside it. Some car immobilizer keys can be copied by placing it in the ignition with a programmed key near the new key, but I don't think Toyotas work that way.

The dealer is definitely off the table. Have you called locksmiths to get quotes on cutting and programming 1 spare key for your Sienna? I think I only paid about $50 for a spare and the guy did it at my house. It still works just fine.

 

Hey Art - Yeah I've gotten a bunch of quotes. Best I could do is $75 for one programmed key. I just hope the silly money trickles down to those who deserve a "residual".

 

In your post from 8/15 you said the instructions call for a "new uncut key" which you put into the ignition and turn to "on". That can't be right. If the key isn't cut then you're not going to be able to turn it in the ignition. You'll have to go to your friendly, helpful hardware store and have them cut it first. Then follow Ruberoid's shop manual to code another master.

I know how you feel. Anything to do with cars is outrageously priced. $75 is better than $200. I try to do as much of my own maintenance as possible, hoping to offset the big bills. Years ago I priced a driver's power window control for my '91 Camry. The dealer wanted $250 and no-return because it was electric. I just replaced the one in the Sienna for $85 with aftermarket, bought on Amazon

Now they put all this 'convenience' stuff on cars.Trunks and hatches have motors to close them, buttons to activate them. What was wrong with just pulling the door down to close it like the early Sienna. They put on $100 worth of parts and jack up the price $1000.

 

I have been knocking myself out trying to figure out why I have to pay a locksmith a fortune so I can have a spare transponder key for my 02 Sienna.

Is there a wise old benevolent owl out there who will spill the beans so we gen 1s can function without worrying about losing a key?

Blessings

 

You still have to pay a licensed locksmith to cut the key.

 

You do, but that doesnt cost $75.
I bought a new fob, about $25, a new key, $30, programmed both for free at my buddies place because he has the knock off techstream software, then had the key cut down the road for $5 bucks at the local locksmith.
I think that kind of shows the math on buying the software is a far better deal.

 

I took the easy and cheapest route: I extracted the RFID chip from the original key and I glued very close to the ignition key cylinder (and painted black so it's not visible). I've never used the keyfob, so now I just cut the key very cheaply anywhere and it just works. Yes, I know I'm defeating the antitheft system but I don't care. Sienna XLE 2000.