[Epiphany]

Update...Was cautioned by technician that if I had inserted that unprogrammed key "one more time" system would have shut the car down to "prevent attempted theft". I think that is more BS, but what do I know.

He was most likely telling the truth. This type of immobilizer system has been there since the very late nineties. And yes, I know of immobilized cars that have been towed to the dealerships to get unlocked. And yes, three strikes rule exist on most immobilizers. And further, if I am not mistaken, there is only a fixed small number of times that you can manually reprogram keys before the system permanently stops accepting any new keys.

 

[Kanguru]

Three strkes rule not true in my case. I had tried no less than a dozen times to program 2 different keys. It makes no sense to me for the system to be designed so that it locks completely so that my own key will not even start the car. Probably true...but silly in my opinion.

 

[Epiphany]

Not silly, given the amount of car theft it stopped when it was implemented. Look up the car theft history. Even today, my insurance company asks if I have Engine Immobilizer as a theft protection for antitheft device credit. Archaic, heavy handed but effective as well.

 

[Kanguru]

I didn't mean the immobilizing system is silly...the silly part is even the programmed key won't work after its been set.

 

[jsie]

Thanks to everyone contributing in the discussion. I lost my key and successfully programmed a replacement as a new master key. Just to add another data point showing what works where, below is the info of the my vehicle, key, & programming steps.

Vehicle: 2008 Sienna LE (FWD)
Vehicle Manufacture date & location: 12/07 Indiana

Due to the urgency, I did not shop in the Internet. I bought the key from a local dealer for $48.50. The price includes cutting the key (but not programming). Dealer wants $150 to program the key which I declined. I personally do not mind on the $48.50 dealer pricing of the key as:
1. I know I got a genuine OE key (Toyota quality part).
2. Dealer freshly cut the key using data retrieved from vehicle VIN# (not duplicated from my existing somewhat worn-out key).
3. I got it the same day.

Information/identification of the key the dealer sold to me:
1. Toyota P/N: 89785-08020
2. Description: TRANSMITTER, KEY MAST
3. Has small dimple on the blade (per info found in the Internet, this is an identification for having 4D-67 chip; the right application for 2004-2010 Sienna and few other Toyotas).



Using the programming steps as shown in Youtube video posted by ovnisf in post #33 http://www.siennachat.com/forum/64-...-transponder-key-post1390689.html#post1390689, I programmed the new key on dealer parking lot; and at the end of the programming (step 6 below), I kept the engine running & drove home using the new key.


Programming steps:
1) Sat in the van driver seat with all doors closed but unlocked.
2) Inserted the original master key into the key cylinder (in and out) 5 times and left it there.
3) Opened and closed driver side door 6 times; left door closed on 6th time.
4) Removed master key from key cylinder. The red immobilizer/security light continuously lit.
5) Inserted the new key. The red engine immobilizer/security light blinked for a little over a minute, and then went out. Programming was pretty much completed as the light stopped blinking.
6) Started the van with the new key to confirm successful programming.

I noticed on earlier post by others that some of the steps (turn new key to ON during programming (might be part of step 5), and start w/ original master key (between steps 5&6)) are not needed.


Additional info I got:

When I asked how many keys total can be programmed to the vehicle, the Toyota part associate that helped me said the vehicle can only have 4 key max at a time.

Info copied from ovnisf Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoXdIS5UzFw:
Video shows steps on how to program your 4D Toyota chip key. This procedure does not work for all 4D immobilizer equipped cars. The models this has been verified to work on.
2004 - 2010 Sienna
2003 - 2009 4Runner
2004 - 2006 Camry
2004 - 2008 Solara
2004 - 2007 Highlander
2005 - 2005 Matrix
2005 - 2005 Corolla
2005 - 2010 tC
2008 - 2008 FJ Cruiser

If you don't see your model/year, you will require a locksmith/dealer. If your model is listed but you only have a valet key(gray color) you will also need a locksmith/dealer

Im not responsible if you can't get into programming mode.

Self Program method NOT working on:
2007+ Camry
2007+ Matrix
2007+ Avalon
2006+ Corolla
2007+ Tundra
2005+ Tacoma

 

[Epiphany]

Great detailed info jsie. Thanks

 

[Kanguru]

Thanks for contributing your experience. Helps explain why my attempt didn't work with my 2012. Also interesting the difference in prices. My dealer charged $38 for the key (they did copy my key as opposed to using the vin so maybe that is the difference in key price) but the programming charge was only $52. I guess I got by pretty cheap.

 

[fibber2]

Jsie: I believe the limit of 4 also applies to the number of remote fobs as well. We bought our 2008 Sienna as a CPO in 2011, and it didn't come with a complete set. I had a key and fob added, and that went OK. Added one more key, and that went OK, but when I attempted to add another remote fob, it was rejected. I think I'll have to clear them all out (which should delete the missing one too) and start again fresh.

 

[wfondren]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I just finished programming a $7 key I bought from Amazon. You saved me a $120. Thanks so much. BTW, I also have a 2005 Sienna LE.

 

[Road Ruler]

I bought 2, $10 Ebay Keys and had Lowes cut one. It was a lame job and didn't turn in the 09 Sienna'a cylinder. Took the 2nd blank to a pro locksmith in town and his cut worked. He looked at the Lowes cut and said they cut it too deep. Anyway followed the instructions below and the key works great. Thnxs KenKY for the 2009 Sienna programming instructions. PS... From the Ebay site where I bought the keys it said they must be programmed by the dealer.

This process did work on my 2009 Sienna
1) Start process with all doors closed
2) Insert existing master key 5 times, leave key it in on the 5th time
3) Next, open driver's side door 6 times, leave door closed on 6th time
4) Remove master key, security light should be solidly on (not blinking). You are now in programming mode.
5) Insert newly cut generic transponder key, leave in ignition until security light goes out (for ~ 60-90 seconds)
6) Remove key and start engine with master key, leave on for 20-30 seconds. Turn off engine and remove master key
7) Now insert newly programmed key, check to see if security light goes off, then start engine. Voila!, it should work.

 

[bbgarnett]

Hi,

I have a 2006 Sienna XLE Limited and only one master key left. I purchased and cut two ebay purchased keys (keys, ~$8/ea and cut at Ace hardware, ~$3/ea) to work using a similar method. I've outlined it here and I've included a link to a youtube video that helped tremendously:

Here's what I did:
1) Start process with all doors closed
2) Insert existing master key 5 times, leave key it in on the 5th time
3) Next, open driver's side door 6 times, leave door closed on 6th time
4) Remove master key, security light should be solidly on (not blinking). You are now in programming mode.
5) Insert newly cut generic transponder key, leave in ignition until security light goes out (for ~ 60-90 seconds)
6) Remove key and start engine with master key, leave on for 20-30 seconds. Turn off engine and remove master key
7) Now insert newly programmed key, check to see if security light goes off, then start engine. Voila!, it should work.
8) You can't insert another key immediately afterwards (I was able to do this with my 2000 Avalon keys, but not with the 06 Sienna) to program it. You have to start the process over again, from the beginning, with any remaining keys you want to program.

Here's a link to the video that confirmed the process/helped me (it's for a 2004 Sienna, but it's the same process):

Hope this helps somebody out too and contradicts other posts out there (Lots I read via Google) that this can't be a DIY project.

Well went to the dealership and he said our master key was getting too worn down so that's why when we had a copy of the key made for a dummy key at Walmart to just to open the door it didn't work so then was confused at first as to why then to find out the master key wouldn't even unlock the door as it was too worn down. So when he said that he said we can make cut a new key by the Vin so we ended up doing that he told us the key would be like 45 bucks but they only charged us 7.50 it was just a pure dummy key no transponder so maybe that's why it was cheaper he said now that it is possible to start the car with that key as long as the transponder from the other key was close enough when trying to start it. Anyways went to amazon purchased an uncut key with transponder for 9.95, it came with instructions saying you can not manually program this key you need to take it to a dealership or automotive professional for programming. Anyways went to Walmart and they cut it for free using the the key the dealership cut from the vin as the model. We were using our own key so that's why she said there was no charge. Anyways I used this method and or the one from the video and the first few times it just didn't want to go into programming mode even though I was following the instructions but after the third time or so it wen't into programming mode but this time the light just kept on blinking after inserting the new key and it never stopped so I tried it again and after the 4th or 5th time it worked.

So thanks again for the helpful video/instructions they were great.

 

[sjwelna]

Programmed 2 spare keys i bought off amazon for ~$8/each with the method in post #6 for my 2009. Worked perfectly!

 

[[email protected]]

I have a 2006 sienna xle that we bought used and came with 1 key. I bought a chipped pair of keys on ebay and had them cut at Home Depot. I followed the instructions by jp1gt (posted 4/21/13) and though was initially skeptical... it worked! I then did the 2nd key and came inside to write this review. I'm delighted!

 

[dashoe]

Wow, the method summarized in post #14 worked great for my 2006 Sienna XLE. Thanks for this. The locksmith who cut my key for $10 was chuckling that it wasn't going to work. In your face!

 

[mikedenneymn]

Wow, this just saved me over $100. Our two spare ignition keys quit working after some transmission work. In 5 minutes I got both of them working. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

 

[flyboyC123]

Well this didn't work for my 2010 Sienna. It did going into programming mode with a solid immobilized light but it would not accept my new key. It flashed a 21 (2quick pause then 1 flash) then would repeat. I tried leaving it in for more than 3 minutes and kept flashing 21.

I found the below instructions to learn some of what's programmable with the professional machines/computers. It will give some more background. I think I need mine erased (forget all keys except one master) since I just purchased this vehicle and only received one key.

http://www.adusa.us/attachments/File/Updated-TOYOTA-13-for_Web.pdf

 

[fibber2]

Welcome Flyboy!

I was able to program an extra 4C key for our van, but was never able to get a button fob to program. I believe the maximum number may have been reached (bought the van used), and it might have been wise to wipe and start again. I just didn't have the nerve to do it.

 

[ranbo]

Re: Programming transponder key on 2004 Sienna

For my 2004 Sienna, the instructions here were off by one thing: The doors needed to start closed. What worked for me was:

1. *Close all doors.
2. Insert the master key into the ignition and remove (without turning) 5 times leaving the key in the ignition on the 5th time.
3. *Open and close the drivers side door 6 times (leaving the door closed at the end).
4. The security light should illuminate solid red on the dash and stay lit. (This is how u know u are in program mode)
5. Remove the master key and immediately insert the newly purchased unprogramed key (do no turn)
6. Leave key in ignition for approx 60-80 seconds( security light will blink during this process). The security light will stop blinking. After the light stops blinking remove the new key.
7. Immediately insert the (old) master key and turn key to ON position then turn off and remove key.

 

[shortshort]

2010 Warning. It appears that in 2010 there may have been 2 different systems. One you can program via instructions on this forum and one that is programmed by equipment. The key that you can program has a dot on the blade. The one that requires equipment has a G on the blade.

My 2010 has the dot, so I will give this a try.

Does ANYONE have a 2010 with a G on it? (just trying to confirm if this is an aftermarket mistake or real). If you have a 2010 with a G, please post.

 

[bwringer]

I have a 2010 with a dot on the key, and I was able to program two new aftermarket keys and two new aftermarket remotes. I got two OEM remotes and keys with the van, but no valet key. From the information I can find, you can have up to four remotes and five keys (four masters and a valet), so I'm probably at or near the limit.

The hardest part was finding a hardware store that would cut my blanks for me. Ace, Lowes, and Home Depot flatly refused to cut my blanks. bLowes and Home Despot use that crappy system with the plastic cartridges, so that's probably for the best -- I've never had much luck with keys they make using those stupid things.

bLowes wanted $60 to make a cloned key, where they read your key's transponder then write the same code to one of their keys. That might be a viable option if you need more than four keys. or if you're out of available "slots" in your van's memory.

After quite a bit of wheedling, I did talk the elderly gent at Ace into making me a "dumb" key I could use in the door. And of course, he screwed up the first one so maybe it's best I didn't let him take a whack at my blanks.

I finally found a True Value in a nearby small town with an old-fashioned manual key machine and a lady that could work that thing like a piano. Both blanks cut in about five minutes with zero crap, $1.68 out the door, and they both worked perfectly the first time. Guess who earned a LOT more of my business?