Old Capitol Lock Services
- Helpful TipsMany times what seems like a big problem is nothing more than a minor issue, if you know who to call. Often we find, it’s the simple things that make the difference. We hope you will find these tips interesting and informative.
Breaking News! Toyota vehicles equipped with immobilizer system
We are now able to clear the key register in the 16 bit Toyota ECM
. This means that you no longer need to replace the ECM if all keys are lost. Click here, or Call 707-745-5244 for details. In 1998, Toyota began equipping some of their more popular vehicles with atransponder based imnmobilizer
system. The applicable vehicles are listed below.- Avalon 1998+ LE Optional, XLS All
- Camry 1998+ LE Optional, XLE All
- Corolla 2005+
- 4 Runner 1999+ Limited Models
- Highlander 2001+ Optional
- Landcruiser 1998+
- Matrix 2005+
- MR2 2000+
- Prius 2001+
- RAV4 2004+ Optional
- Solara 1999+SE Optional, SLE All
- Sienna Van 1999-2003 Optional 2004+ All
- Sequoia 2001+
- Tacoma 2005+
- Lexus LS400 97+ All
- Lexus All Others 98+
This anti theft system is quite secure. The keys have an embedded transponder chip
that must be recognized by the vehicle before it will start. The circuitry that controls this function an integral part of the onboard computer system of the vehicle. Until the system recognizes a pre registered key, the starting , fuel, and ignition systems of the vehicle are not functional.Unlike some add on security systems, bypassing this immobilizer is not a matter of removing a component or splicing some wires to hot wire the vehicle. This is good news for the vehicle in terms of theft prevention, but can quickly become a nightmare for the owner that misplaces the keys to the vehicle.
When
additional keys
are needed for the car, the procedure is simple enough provided that the owner is in possession of aworking master key
for the vehicle. The mechanical cuts can be transferred to the new transponder key blank using a key duplicator just like it has been done for years. At this point, the new copy of the key will lock and unlock the doors, open the trunk, and even unlock the steering wheel and turn the interior accessories on, but it will not start the vehicle until its unique electronic code is recognized by the vehicle. This is accomplished by using one of the master keys already registered with the vehicle to initiate the programming mode. This can be done with any of the pre registered master keys, but cannot be done with a valet key.The problem waiting to happen is the situation in which the owner of the vehicle does not have any
master keys for the vehicle
. While transponder technology is not a new thing in general, it is relatively new to the automotive industry. What used to be a quick stop at the hardware store for a couple of spare car keys for under $5.00 is a thing of the past. Thetransponder keyblanks
are more expensive, and need to beprogrammed to the vehicle
. When faced with a cost of $30.00 to $75.00 dollars and setting an appointment for aduplicate key
, many owners will tend to delay or forgo the expense. This can come back to haunt them in a big way!Previously when all keys to the vehicle were lost, the owner would bite the bullet and have a locksmith originate new keys for the car from scratch. This would cost considerably more than a duplicate key, and depending on the time of day (night) and location of the vehicle could cost anywhere from less than one hundred, to several hundred dollars.
If this happens with a
transponder equipped Toyota
, onboard computer must be replaced at a cost of more than $1,000.00! If you own aimmobilizer equipped Toyota
vehicle and have read this far, continue to the next paragraph for the best free advice you will get this week.Have a