Key Immobilizer and Remote Programming Using Toyota Techstream Software - Toyota / Lexus

Here's how to program a new Lexus or Toyota key immobilizer and remote to work with your vehicle.

On newer model Toyota or Lexus vehicles built in the past decade, programming a key requires Toyota's Techstream software. It can no longer be programmed manually using the "pedal dance" method demonstrated here:

A spare blank master key was purchased from eBay. Since a blank key cannot be inserted into the ignition, its remote and transponder was gutted from the key shell and inserted into the original master key's shell for programming.

Toyota's techstream software uses a special cable to connect to the OBDII port and communicate with your vehicle's ECU. For a demonstration, see this video:

Once the key is inserted and turned to the ON position, the key transponder wizard is opened in the techstream software.

Follow the wizard to reinsert the original master key, then remove it, then insert the new blank key, waiting 75 seconds for it to be programmed. The key will then be programmed for the engine immobilizer, though the remote will still have to be programmed separately.

To program the remote, you don't need Techstream software.

Simply follow the instructions to open and close the door a few times and turn the key in the ignition to put it into programming mode. Then press and hold the buttons on the remote and the locks will cycle indicating it has been programmed.

The eBay key purchased worked fine for starting the car, however the remote proved to only work intermittently, so buyer beware. Its better to buy a cheap key shell with a blank blade and a used OEM remote and reprogram it for your car than to use the aftermarket transmitters which are hit and miss.

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[adamo]

DUDE, you are the first one to point out that the transponder is in the beeper that unlocks the car remotely. I thought it was located under some plastic somewhere. 1:27 saved me from having to buy a cable to use Techstream. I was able to put it next to my old blade off my master key that wouldn't start because I never had the transponder next to it lol. Great video. I just want to tell the viewers that you do not need to use Techstream if you have your master key from before. Ignore every other video if you have a 2004 Lexus es 330 on how to program the transponder. You go in your car with all the doors closed. Next, stick your master key into the ignition 5 times leaving it in at the end. Never turn the key just put it in and out in the off position. Then you open and close your driver side door 6 times while the key is in the ignition. Then you take out your master key (The red security light located under the radio display should not be flashing but be glowing red at this point). You then put your new cut key (The one that you are trying to program the transponder) into the ignition and leave it in, not turning it at all. The red light will start blinking. After around one minute the red light should turn off completely. This indicates that your key has been successfully programmed. You may then take your key out and use it as needed to start your engine. I would recommend pinning this comment to help people

[chriswilson]

Thanks for this great tutorial...just bought my daughter a used 06 ES330 but the remote wouldn't lock/unlock the doors...followed your instruction in the last half of the video and now the remote lock & unlocks like new!...and now I'm the best dad ever!
Thanks again!

[Captain_]

The best auto mechanic in the world.
I will be watching every single your videos.
Easy to understand and very helpful.
Thanks a lot sir.

[Kona.]

Great video!!
The key programming was more simple than the actual key fob lock/unlock. Especially even compared to the long wait time GM requires when programming new keys.

[wholeNwon]

Some years ago, I wanted an extra transponder key. I provided the key code to an Ebay merchant. He shipped a precut key. I simply programmed it in the car with the master key and everything worked great. The price was good and, more important, I didn't even have to set foot in the Lexus They could also cut the key based on the VIN #.

[wcolby]

You finally got your thumbs up from me. note: you can’t use the valet key to program. I had to use my back up credit card key to program. great video! thank you

[Kevin-yrmr]

Thank you so much for this video! My key and chip were separated without a housing so my car wouldn't start even though it's a master key. Turns out the chip needs to be next to the transponder!

[aussiefirestorm]

Works on RX330 also. Thanks so much I had my scan tool for the immobilizer function, but had to use this method for the remote to lock and unlock doors.

[thefleaflop]

Thank you for your response. Your are correct, ... it should work and probably will work once I get the correct key. My eBay dealer sent the wrong key (electronics). They say the definition of insanity is doing something over and over expecting a different result. I was definitely INSANE yesterday, watching your video and back out to the
I know now, if I would have done it the way you did it, .... swapping elec. with the shell of the master, I would not have wasted a key cutting...., ....

[Joex]

You can also program the remote buttons with TechStream much easier using the Main Body ECU Utility.

[andalebgover]

Excellent instructions. This is great software.

[bamnjphoto]

Thanks for this video saved me a fee from Lexus to program my remote

[davidcordyceps]

You are a fucking hero! Thanks for posting this, you definitely saved me hundreds of dollars.

[Omar-on]

thanks a lot this video helped me program my key for 2002 es300.

[MYKEYSAUTOMOTIVE]

Amazing freaking video !! Love how you can talk!!!

[ConciergeAutosSanAntonio]

Hi SpeedKar - great series - thank you. Question - I have a 2008 RX350. have the original master key. Ordered 2 "new" keys from Ebay pre-laser cut. Using a tool - I have the keys matched to the immobilizer - keys start the RX350 just fine. But following both the directions I received with the keys and about 10 other versions - including yours - I cannot get the car into programming mode so that the key is programmed to open the locks remotely etc. Any tips?? thank you!!

[WilmerJael]

Awesome! I have a question now, I only have the Valet key, no master key, can I reset the ECU using Techstream and programming the keys I bought off ebay?

[beckyiverson]

I watched the second half of your video (great presentation by the way)can not program the remote to lock/unlock any tips. Aftermarket keys start the car but for some reason, I am unable to get the fob to program. I have a 2006 Lexus RX400h

[tolstuha]

Clear, precise and on point. Great work! Thank you.

[JoshDunlop]

Thank you for making such a complete and succinct video! This is amazing and helps out a lot!