IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE: KEY/FOB Programming Issues

I'll look up the FCC id tomorrow... Maybe that will clue me to wh made these remotes.

 

The chip is a Texas Instruments 4d-69...

 

I should of been more clear. The chip my 08 Prius takes is a 4D-69. But all the Prius' have the same chip from MY04-09

 

Is there an ordinary Toyota transponder key that has the 4D-69? It seems like the 4D-69 is used on Yamaha motorcycles, and maybe on some Lexus with a laser cut key. But I couldn't find any TOY43 keys with the 4D-69 transponder.

Or maybe there is a key designed for a transponder, but without it installed?

Failing a ready made 4D-69 transponder key, I guess the next way is to find a key that a separate transponder could be installed into. Maybe drill out enough space for the transponder, insert it, and fill the hole with black rubber goo.


An ordinary transponder key for the Gen2 Prius makes a lot of sense as an emergency key. It could be hidden inside the car for use when the keyfob has been lost. Tow Truck operators can get you into the car, but only a locksmith/dealer can make a key from scratch. If you lose your key on a weekend far from home, we're talking several days without access to your car. Hotel for several days, rental car, $400+ to the dealer when he opens...

Another reason to use a transponder key instead of the keyfob is that the key is waterproof. You can take it places that a keyfob just wouldn't survive.

 

It's like we're living in the dark ages... Why can't we have a way to unlock and drive away our car with our phone, with our laptop, or even via a friend's phone. I mean auto makers are about 20 years behind schedule don't ya think?

 

Yes, the only other vehicle out there is a Yamaha Motorcycle that uses the same transponder.. The problem is going to be,
1) finding just a chip, I don't have access to them. Nobody in this industry stocks/sells those chips alone, no programmers are available either.

2) So even if we find a chip, and are able to program it to the car, will the car continue to run with the key not "clipped" into the key slot? I would assume it would, but who knows for sure...

I think this is why Toyota chose this chip, they didn't want us to use anything "normal"..

 

After threading my way thru several post on the SKS programing procedures and comments of sucess and failures/problems, I am prepared to give it a try with, with some reservations.
I obtained a used SKS fob on CL that was a spare with very limited use (under 128 uses) so I'm told. No pocket ware appearent. I replace the battery for good measure.
My car is a '07 with SKS with only a single key FOB and door key that both function flawlessly. The immobilizer system and ECUs all function properly.
So to my "reservations". I have read in some posts that there have been instences where the Used Fob programing has left the Original Fob "Dumbed Down" while the replacement us functional as a "Dumb" Fob. (Dumb = must be inserted in slot and/or no proximity function.) I'm willing to except that the Used Fob will have to be inserted into the slot and may or may not work for door opening with the buttons. Just I'd like to keep the original Fob with proximity feature working.
If this ever happens in the DIY procedure, can the original be restored to it's full proximity function.
I guess, I would ask if anyone and an idea of what steps in these procedures could cause the origimal "to Dumb-Down"??

Thanks to all for their posts on success and failure or problems.

Steve

 

After everything you read, why in the world would you get a used fob?

 

Because there have been a number of posts of (some) sucess in programing the used Fobs, at least to the Dumb mode where they can be used in the slot. Yet (some) others have followed the Chicken Dance farther and got the door buttons to work as well.
In either instance, all I'm really after is a way to continue to enter and use the car if I "miss-place" the OEM SKS.
($50 verses $150 for new FOB or ~$300 for new Fob and full SKS function)

Steve

 

How is it $300 for new fob w/ full SKS? The chicken dance will give you 100% SKS functionality with a new silver logo fob ($150).

Maybe it will work w/ the chicken dance, I don't know, I just hope it doesn't mess up your good one.

BTW, yes there is a way to fix your good one if it gets messed up. It has to be done by someone with the $10K tool Adam A spoke of or done by someone w/ Toyota Techstream with a seed reset. I'm certain that will cost more than $150. If you're asking me for advice, I'm going to tell you to get a new fob and program it using the chicken dance.

 

Hmm! Guess I missed something someplace. So your saying that the proper DIY chicken dance can make a NEW (virgin) silver logo SKS fob Fully functioning, including proximity? Serving the same functions as a OEM fob?
That might cause me to consider it. Especially, if this would allow the New fob to act as a Master if need be in the future.
Your comments, opinion and experience is welcome. I'm here to learn. As opposed to learning from mistakes.

Steve

 

Well, I'm not a Prius master or anything, I just read a lot and try to pay attention.

If you read post 55, I tried to summarize what we do and don't know about fob programming. I can tell you that if you read this thread carefully, you will find at least 3 or 4 people that successfully programmed a "new" fob via the chicken dance and were able to obtain full SKS functionality (serving the same functions as the OEM fob including proximity). The new fob can then be used as a master if necessary.

I'm here to learn also (lol).

Phil

 

Yes, me too! I have an '07 with SKS and a year ago the car came with a functional fob that had a working metal key and also non-functional fob with the wrong metal key. In trying to chicken dance the used fob to the car not only did I fail, but I also turned my fully working fob into a dumb fob (SKS still works).

So I bought a miniVCI cable w/tech stream software on ebay for $28 and plan on tinkering with it soon.

 

I appreciate the last few posts because they pretty much summarize where I'm at with getting a FOB.
Full disclosure:- I just ordered a new one on eBay for my '09 Prius with SKS from a seller who at least doesn't say that I have to take it to a dealer or locksmith to get it programmed.
Yes- I have read this thread carefully- and very much want to trust that several members have successfully programmed a new FOB using the chicken dance and I hope to count myself in that group shortly and will report back.
My qualms have been that I have spoken to some sellers who advertise new FOBS and then indicate that they are not user programmable and must be taken to a professional to program. I can understand that they don't want to have buyers screw up the programming and then ask for a refund. But by taking that attitude they are probably cutting into some sales by turning off buyers who don't want to pay extra. I even directly spoke to a seller yesterday who wanted me very much to believe that he knew what he was talking about and insisted that I would not be able to program a new FOB.
And SteveWlf expresses my apprehension that I might screw up my one existing FOB and render it useless or less useful.
As a new Prius owner, and actually the first time I have owned a "modern car" (been driving a basic '94 Saturn) I have enough to get used to and really don't want to lock myself out.
Thanks for the info everyone

 

The lack of clarity on new key programming from the dealer is not manipulative, it just because of too much confusion and too much information. I mean there's hundreds of pages on Prius Chat about key programming, of course the dealers are going to not understand what's going on. And because it's a security issue, liability wise, it's safer to not know too much or try and find workarounds.

 

PriusCamper- I sense what you're getting at but let me be a little picky and continue to drive this issue into the ground.
I don't think it's primarily "dealers" I'm talking about. These are largely eBay and Amazon sellers and goodness knows where they picked up a couple of new FOBS. And most of them continue to maintain the line that the new FOBS need to be programmed "professionally". I don't see THEM taking on liability.
Dealers- Yes. They would like the full $245 which is what my local dealer would charge for a new FOB and $140 to program it. If I can get away doing this for $150 I'll do a little chicken dance and post it on this thread...

 

I should probably add, I think I have a vested need to find an inexpensive way to have backup Fob/key since I own three Gen2s (and a Gen1). All the Gen2s are SKS and two only have one key Fob. The third has no Fobs at all and I will have to go to the dealer for that one. The Gen1 has only one OEM key with a door lock fob. I am selling it so will leave the extra key issue up to the buyer.
I appreciate the last few posts to my question and am considering my options now with a little more insight. In the several seperate post from over about 6 years, there is a lot of information, mis-information and speculation, with some success and some failures along the way. Just from what I have read, I have been able to talk with my dealer and persuade them to agree to do the total re-seed and program a New Master Fob for the Gen2 that has no Fobs at all if I tow it in. They will do it on the dolly. Origanally they wanted $250 plus $150 for the New Fob. After a month of dealing with them over other Re-Call issues on my cars, they finally agreed to let me provide a New virgin Fob as long as it comes with a Toyota PN and the programming cost is for .5 shop hrs or $52. It seems they have someone following these issues on Prius Chat (Thanks Prius Chat) We have all said that the dealers could find some benefit by checking in here occasionally. I know some good private shops do and we are now benefiting from their input. I think two SF Bay area shops have chimmed in on this topic already.

Now I'm off to re-read a some of the many post on this topic and try consoladate the information.

Steve (always a question or a quest for knowledge)

 

OK I'll put it this way. If you guys are having success programming a new fob, with the Prox, and Remote with the chiken dance, good for you. I will tell you though, the car simply will not, even if you try to bribe it, with premium fuel, heated garage, and not being drivin on bad days.. It won't take it with the chicken dance routine.(remote function will, but prox won't)

I'm not saying it's impossible, but for the average persn, it simply won't work that way. I pay $70 for a used fob, and ~$100 for a new one. If I was to do my car over again, I would buy a new fob, it's not worth the hassle for $30, as it would take 32 minutes to reset the memories... Someday, I'll make a video of what it takes to program these cars with the tools I own... Maybe next week, were expecting 2-4" tonight, and another 4-8 tomorrow......

 

Adam,
Please don't confuse people any more (which is what you did). Numerous people have reported full SKS functionality (including prox) by using the chicken dance. IT CAN AND HAS BEEN DONE and will continue to be done. If you haven't tried it, don't knock it. I 100% guarantee you it can be done.

What do you mean for the average person it won't work that way? What evidence do you have to support your statement that the car simply will not take the chicken dance routine? Are all the people who claim to be successful on here lying?

 

I should be getting my "new" FOB within a few days.
Hope to report back with success