How to Program a New Traditional Turnkey Key for Toyota, Scion, and Lexus Vehicles Using Tom’s Key TSL-1 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 traditional turn key for Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicles using the first generation TSL-1 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-1 Programmer and can be used as reference material for other installations of these vehicles.
Please note this is NOT a demonstration for Push to Start vehicle remotes as a TSL-1 programmer is not capable of programming a Push to Start smart key. For our demonstration on how to program a “Push to Start” Toyota, Scion, Lexus vehicles using our Tom’s Key TSL-2 programmer click here.
Please be aware that when programming new keys, there are two portions to the procedure: programming the key, and programming your vehicle’s remote (If needed and available). It is important to note that there is no need to pair both and one can be done without the other.
Why Program Your Own Key?
Cost Savings
At Home DIY
Quick and Time Saving Solution
Prior Key Step: Master Key
Prior to anything, a first key step to take is making certain that the key you have is a master key, as you will only be able to program a new key using a TSL-1 only if you have a master key in your possession. To know if you have a master key please review the following content here.
The Programming Process
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to program your new spare key so that you may gauge the programmer’s use and simplicity.
Step 1: Order the Correct Items Needed for your Installation and Double Check Upon Reception
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 rare event that a mistake was made during fulfillment or even purchase.
To double check compatibility, compare your original key(s) to your newly received key(s). At first glance the keys should be very similar or exactly identical. They should also have matching key markings located at the base of the key. The symbols will typically be a dot, a “G,” or an “H”. If you find that your original key does not have these markings it can be that your vehicle does not have to be paired with a specific chip and any key will do.
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.
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 plug it in tightly to ensure it doesn't accidentally come disconnected during the programming process.
Once connected, you should hear the programmer beep.
Step 4: 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 5: Set the Programmer to Key Pairing or Remote Pairing Mode
Before programming make sure to set the switch on the programmer to the correct setting, this being whether you wish to program a key or remote. Once properly set progress to programming.
Step 6: Program the Key and Remote
Key Process
Turn your vehicle to the “on'' position with your original functioning key by moving the ignition two clicks forward without revving the ignition to turn the engine on. Once in the “on” position you should hear the programmer beep. Within 10-20 seconds of this beeping you should also see your security light turn solid red with no type of blinking pattern. This means your vehicle is ready to be paired with a new key.
Proceed by removing your original key from the ignition and inserting your new key into the ignition, you do not need to turn this key it can simply sit in the ignition as it pairs. At this point watch the security light, while your new key is inserted in the ignition you should begin to see your security blink every two seconds. That lets us know that your key is pairing, this should take 60 seconds. Once the blinking stops your key is fully paired.
If you find a different blinking pattern or encounter any other issues during programming please reach out to one of our agents at [email protected] while also reviewing our TSL troubleshooting guide here.
Remote Process
In addition to programming new keys, you can also program alarm remote fobs using our TSL-1 Programmer. To do this, you will need a master key. Proceed by setting your TSL-1 programmer switch found on the programmer to the “remote” programming side. Once this is done, using your master key turn your ignition to the “on” position without revving or starting your engine. Proceed to plug in your TSL-1 programmer and listen for a repetitive beep.
Once your TSL-1 programmer begins beeping repeatedly, open the driver’s door then press the lock and unlock buttons on your new key/ remote at the same time, followed by pressing the lock button once more. Congratulations, you have successfully programmed your new remote(s), it’s that easy. To program more remotes repeat the process.
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 Key(s) and Remote(s)
Once you have programmed your new keys, it is important to test them to ensure they work properly. Check if they turn on your vehicle’s engine, as well as activate the alarm and power locks if any remotes were programmed.
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 Tom's Key TSL-1 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-1, don't hesitate to reach out to our customer service team at [email protected]. We are here to assist you and provide solutions.