How to Program a New Smart Key/ Push Button Start for Toyota, Scion, and Lexus Vehicles Using Tom’s Key TSL-2 ProgrammerUpdated 10 months ago
Introduction
Welcome to our Tom’s Key EZ Install Guide for Toyota, Scion, or Lexus vehicles. This EZ Install Guide article was designed to aid new customers or potential new customers understand the programming processes for Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles. In this EZ guide we will guide you through the process of programming a new smart key for Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicles using the second generation TSL-2 Programmer from Tom's Key Company. Although the video content is on a Toyota vehicle, the programming process is generally similar for any Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles using a TSL-2 Programmer and can be used as reference material for other installations of these vehicles.
Please note this is NOT a demonstration for traditional turnkey vehicles. For our demonstration on how to program a traditional turnkey for Toyota, Scion, Lexus vehicles click here.
Why Program Your Own Smart Key?
Cost Saving
At Home DIY
Quick and Time Saving Solution
The Process
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to program your new smart key so that you may gauge the programmer’s use and simplicity.
Step 1: Order the Tom's Car Key Programmer
To get started, place an order through our website (Tomskey.com). Assure you use our product picking tools, our help center, or customer support team options on our website to assure you have all the proper items necessary in order to create a new spare key. In most cases you will need a key, a programmer, and a key cut in your cart to experience our full service. The only time this would not be the case is if you have your own solution for each individual item that would be needed and are only looking for some of our services/ products but not all. Accuracy is very important when it comes to installation, it is why we include it as a step in this guide, so please take full advantage of our tools and support team to assure accuracy of items that will be needed for your new spare key project.
Most often than not during purchase there should be a compatibility check to make sure all items purchased are compatible with your vehicle, however, it is recommended to do a second compatibility check with all items in hand in order to make certain that everything you received is correct prior to programming, as this can save you loads of time in the event that a mistake was made during fulfillment or even purchase.
To double check compatibility, compare your original keys to your newly received key(s). At first glance the keys should be very similar or exactly identical.
For remotes, in most cases remotes should also resemble one another, however more importantly, knowing your remote(s) and vehicle’s matching FCCID is imperative. To simplify, an FCCID is simply a code that denotes compatibility for us here at Tom’s Key Company between a remote and vehicle’s frequency. To find your vehicle’s FCCID and compare your original remote with your new received remote please review the instructions found here.
When you have double checked these few things you are ready to program. If any questions arise at this stage please contact our support team at [email protected].
Step 2: Plugging in the Extension Cable
Locate the OBD2 port in your vehicle. It is usually a wide aperture that can be found near your vehicle’s foot brake or the surrounding area. In some cases, you may need to remove a panel or a piece of plastic to access it.
Then take the supplied extension cable, line it up, and plug it into the OBD2 port. Assure it is gently but properly inserted, as having an incorrectly inserted cable can lead to issues during programming.
Step 3: Connect the Programmer
Connect the programmer to the cable and screw it in tightly to ensure it doesn't accidentally come disconnected during the programming process.
Once connected, you will see lights on the programmer indicating Bluetooth, vehicle, and power status power on.
Step 4: Assure the Provided Smartphone is Bluetooth Connected
Make sure Bluetooth is turned to “on” on the phone's settings. If this is done the “Bluetooth” portion of the programmer should go from red to blue or already be blue while interacting with the programming app on the phone during the next step.
If you run into connectivity issues or issues with the provided smartphone please contact our support team at [email protected].
Important Note Prior to Programming
At this point it makes logical sense to mention that prior to programming extra keys, if you desire for your keys to be the only of its kind out in the world, (especially in the case of second hand ownership of vehicle) you may want to review Step 5: Program the Smart Key, but begin with Step 8: Erasing Smart Keys. This is because the erasing smart key procedure only leaves one working key in existence (The key you present during the erase key procedure).
Step 5: Locate Your Security Light
Before we begin programming your new key(s), locate the security light in your vehicle which blinks when no keys are in the ignition. The security light is a blinking red light that indicates whether functional keys are in the ignition. It can be found in different locations depending on the model and year of your vehicle. Look for it around the ignition, on the dashboard, near the steering wheel vents, or central dash of your vehicle. Once you've located the security light, we can proceed to program the keys.
Step 6: Program the Smart Key
The programmer app should show on the phone provided by Tom’s Key Company. Click the app and open the app. Once within the app select the make of vehicle you’ll be programming (Toyota, Scion, or Lexus) and accept any terms and conditions related to the vehicle after reviewing them.
Proceed to set your vehicle to the “on” position without turning on the engine. For push to start vehicles select the “smart key system” option on the programming phone. Then select auto identify so that the programmer may begin identifying your model of vehicle.
If the auto identification does not work you will need to manually find your vehicle from the screen options.
Once your vehicle is selected from the menu you will arrive at a screen where the following options will be available: “Add a smart key,” “Erase smart keys,” “Advanced,” and “help.” Don’t go into the “advanced” section unless instructed to do so by one of our agents as this can cause issues.
In order to begin creating a new smart key, select “Add a smart key.” A prompt will appear stating to make contact with your working key upon the “Start/ Stop” button. Proceed to do so in a timely manner as there is a 10 second window to do this right. Once completed then proceed to present the new and/or unprogrammed key to your vehicle’s “Start/ Stop” button just like previously done with your working/ existing key. Note you should hold the new and/ or unprogrammed remote up to the “Start/ Stop” button until you hear your vehicle beep. Once you hear this beep you will see that the programming phone will prompt you with a “Programming Success” prompt. Congratulations on your new key, they are ready to test.
In the event you hear no beep and/or have no prompt, you should still proceed to Step 6: Test the Smart Key(s), as in some rare instances both these acknowledgements can fail yet the key still programs.
Remember Toyotas, Scion, and Lexus do have a maximum amount of keys and remotes they can have programmed to their memory. If you find that a key or remote does not take, it can be for these reasons, in which case you will need further assistance. Please review our TSL troubleshooting guide here if you encounter any problems during the programming stage and feel free to reach out to our team at [email protected].
Step 7: Test the Smart Key(s)
Once you have programmed your new smart keys, it is important to test them to ensure they work properly. Check if they can lock and unlock the doors and activate the alarm. Also, verify that each smart key can start the vehicle by taking the keys not in use as far away from the car and trying them one by one.
Step 8: Erasing Smart Keys (Optional)
As in the “Program Smart Key” section of your vehicle you will enter into the menu option with the following: “Add a smart key,” “Erase smart keys,” “Advanced,” and “help.” You will then proceed into the “Erase smart keys” setting. As with programming a smart key, erasing a smart key will also require you to present your programmed key to your “Start/ Stop” button on your vehicle. Please note that the one key you present will become the only working key out in existence. To proceed, place your working smart key on the “Start/ Stop” button for a few seconds. You may hear a beep which signifies all other working keys have been erased. In some instances it may be a simple prompt on the programming phone. Once either of these have been confirmed, the “Erasing Smart Key” procedure is complete.
Conclusion
Programming a new key and remote for your Toyota, Scion, or Lexus vehicle is now easier and more cost effective than ever. By using the second generation Tom's Key TSL-2 Programmer, you can save a significant amount of money compared to dealership prices.
If you encounter any issues during the programming process, or are a new customer with questions about our TSL-2, don't hesitate to reach out to our customer service team at [email protected]. We are here to assist you and provide solutions.