Techstream Key Fob Programming – Step by Step with pics

I didn’t see anything like this when I searched through the forums so I figured I’d write one up, since I have to program my key fob anyway. I used Techstream version 13.00.022 so my steps and pics may be different from your version. I am certainly not a pro, but I've tried to impart what I know below.

Introduction:
For Gen2, you can program a key fob using the chicken dance. Google it if you don't know what I'm talking about.

Starting with Gen3, there is no chicken dance. The cheapest way to program a new key fob to work in your Prius is with the Toyota Techstream software. This is proprietary software that Toyota service technicians use to work on Toyota vehicles. Officially, this costs over $1,000 (link to techinfo.toyota.com flyer) but you can buy a pirated version on eBay for less than $40.
Other options would be to go to an automotive locksmith, go to your Toyota dealership, or buy an expensive tool (like AUTEL).

Materials (see pic0):

• Old laptop that has USB and running Windows. I’ve heard that it’s preferable to have 32-bit Windows, but I used Windows 7 64-bit and that worked for me. Fortunately, I had one lying around, but I assume you could buy one for less than $100 if you had to. But if you have to buy an old laptop to do this, then maybe the cheapest/best avenue for you is to go to an automotive locksmith.
• Mini-VCI cable & Techstream software – I bought my version from eBay for $35 from someone with 1000+ rating and 100% positive feedback. Make sure what you’re buying is a physical cable AND the Techstream software. Many listings for less than $20 are only selling the cable plus “drivers” on a CD (which is NOT the Techstream software). If you only have the cable, you may be able to get Techstream software from bitTorrent or another fileshare service, but I would recommend you just go ahead and buy the complete set on eBay.
• New key fob – Toyota calls this a “Transmitter”. There may be 2 versions depending on which model you have. I bought Part # 89904-47230 from an online Toyota dealership for ~$100. You can certainly buy it from eBay but make sure it’s a new key fob that’s never been paired with a car before. Otherwise, you need to perform extra steps to return/reset the used key fob to a “new state”, which I do not cover in this write-up.
• Blank key – I bought Toyota Part # 69515-52120. This is the physical key to unlock your doors if you lose/break your key fob or if the key fob battery is dead. You’ll need to take this to a locksmith to cut for you.

Step by Step:

1. Before installing Techstream, I turned off wifi on my laptop (to avoid Techstream from attempting to connect to Toyota servers). Then go ahead and install Techstream software onto your laptop. My version came with instructions that were not very precise. For example, it would tell me to run a file called “Setup.exe” when it was really something like “TIS SETUP.EXE”. Also, I had to install 2 drivers in Windows Device Manager (not just 1). So just take your time and puzzle through the instructions. During installation, it also said I needed a newer version of Java. I went ahead and clicked Cancel. Installing Techstream software is the most difficult step. The remaining steps are easy.
2. Go to your Prius and open the driver door. Keep this door open the entire time. Use a trash can or something to prop it open if you have to.
3. Open up the Techstream software (if it’s not already open). Connect the Mini-VCI cable to your laptop. Connect the other end of the cable to the OBDII port under your steering wheel. DO NOT press the brake pedal. Press the POWER button. Your Prius should be ON, but ENGINE OFF. Then press “Connect to Vehicle” on the top left.
4. See Pic1. Input your vehicle information into the pop-up window. I selected “w/ Touch Sensor”. I assume that refers to the functionality to lock your doors by touching that area on your driver door handle. Press Next.
5. See Pic2. After waiting about a minute, you’ll encounter a selection screen. Select “Smart Key” and click the green arrow on the bottom right. Depending on your version (or maybe your vehicle), you may see different names for these features. For example, it may say “Immobilizer”. So choose the selection that sounds like what you need to program your key fob.
6. See Pic3. In the next screen, click Utility on the left. Then choose “Smart Code Registration” and click the green arrow on the bottom right to continue.
7. See Pic4. You will now see a popup window with a checklist. Go ahead and read it and check them off. Then press Next.
8. See Pic5. The next window tells you how many key fobs are currently paired to your Prius and how many more key fobs you can pair. In my case, I have 2 key fobs paired and I can pair an additional 5. Press Next.
9. See Pic6. Following the instructions on the next screen, place the NEW unpaired key fob outside of the Prius. Keep your OLD working key fob inside the Prius. Press Next.
10. See Pic7. The rest of the steps are timed so be ready. You should probably read this forum posting to the end so you know what’s coming. If you press the “Pre-Start CHK” button, you’ll see a Help window showing you the procedure (see Pic8). Then press Start.
    1. a) You’ll have 30 seconds to hold your OLD existing key fob to the POWER button in the Prius. You’ll hear a beep.
    2. b) You'll have another 30 seconds to take that OLD existing key fob outside of the Prius and bring in the NEW unpaired key fob into the Prius and hold it to the POWER button in the Prius. You’ll hear 2 beeps.
11. Now you’re done. Congratulations! (see Pic9)

 

I don't think there is such a thing as firmware for the Mini-VCI J2534 cable. For example, no one asks what firmware version is used for a HDMI 1.4 cable, USB 3.0 cable, etc.

 

Oh interesting. So I guess there ARE different firmware versions of the mini VCI cable.
I looked at the old ebay listing of what I bought, but it says it was edited since I made my purchase. It didn't specify a firmware version.
Mini VCI Diagnostic Tool Cable Scanner for Toyota Lexus TIS Techstream V13.00.22 | eBay

I did a quick google search of "mini vci firmware" and this website here (MINI VCI FOR TOYOTA TIS Techstream V10.30.029 Single Cable Support Toyota TIS OEM Diagnostic Softwar) says:

Q:What is difference of Xhorse MINI VCI and Copy MINI VCI Toyota?
A:Xhorse MINI VCI Toyota firmware version: V2.0.4,but copy MINI VCI is V1.4.0

if you want to reset immo, or make customization to cars, need at least 2.0.1 Firmware version.
So with 2.0.1 FW there is change in PCB, as it support VPW, and has extra security chip.
On the other hand, all these simple clones with 1.4.1 FW support only CAN and K line cars,
but VPW protocol is not supported in 1.4.1 FW, and there is no parts for it on PCB.​

So I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that version 2.0 would be best since it's a later version and probably supports more features. But if you're only getting the cable to program a key fob, I would think either version would work.

However, your ebay listing doesn't explicitly state that it comes with techstream software; it only states that the cable supports the techstream software and that you're getting a minidisc that includes <blank>. It's possible the disc only contains drivers, but not the techstream software. So I would contact the seller to confirm what's included on the disc.

 

It seems you are asking about a used key fob ("transmitter") that is already paired with another Prius. As far as I know, you CAN NOT use Techstream to program an old key fob to your Prius. In other words, if you buy a key fob from a salvage yard, you CAN NOT reprogram that key fob for your Prius.
It seems you are located in Pakistan so maybe getting a brand new key fob is difficult for you. If your only option is to buy a used key fob, then you need to pay an online service to return/reset the used key fob to a “new state”. I have never done that before. Perhaps others on the forum that are smarter than me can help you.

 

Here in the USA, we can find a merchant to reset a used key fob on http://www.ebay.com
I do not know how to do it in Pakistan so you will need to look into it yourself.
It should be approximately $10 to $20.

For example, I did a quick search and I found this merchant (note that I have not ordered from them and I am not vouching for them; I am only listing them as an example).
https://www.ezcarkeys.com/Smart-Proximity-Key-Reset-Service-SmartKeyReset.htm
In your case, you may not want to use them since you need to ship your used key to Washington state in USA.