How to Program a New Traditional Turnkey Key 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 traditional turn 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 Push to Start vehicle remotes. For our demonstration on how to program a “Push to Start” Toyota, Scion, Lexus vehicles 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
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 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 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 Key, but begin with Step 8: Erasing Keys and Remotes. This is because the erasing key procedure only leaves one working key in existence (The key you present during the erase key procedure). It would be a shame if you go and program new keys, then decide you want those keys to be the only keys in existence that match your vehicle, therefore we usually recommend this optional step prior to programming.
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 Key and Remote
Key Process
Enter the programmer app upon the phone provided by Tom’s Key Company. 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 turn your vehicle ignition to the “on” position without revving the engine. Select the “Key” option on the programming phone. Then select the “By Type” option, this will lead you to select a key type. A traditional key is known as a “Transponder Key,” so in this next menu select “Transponder Key (Turn Key Ignition),” then use the “Auto Identify” button to have the programmer auto identify what kind of key type your vehicle uses. If you have any issues with the auto identification, feel free to use the vehicle look up option on the programmer, if for some reason this does not solve your issue please feel free to contact us for support at [email protected]
In order to begin creating a new key, select “Add a key.” A prompt will appear stating you will need a master key, then to insert your working key (master key) into the vehicle’s ignition and turning two clicks to the “on” position (if the key was already in the ignition you can quickly remove and reset to the “on” position) . After this is done a prompt will appear for you to remove your master key and insert your new key. Proceed to do so in a timely manner as there is a 10 second window to do this right. Once completed hit “yes” on the prompt. At this point a new prompt advising you to wait 60 seconds and to watch the blinking pattern of your security light to go off will appear. This is the pairing sequence. At the end of this time lapse you will see that the blinking has completely stopped and turned off, you now have a new working key, congratulations. To add further new keys repeat this process.
Please note if you see any other blinking pattern on your security light other than the 1 second interval blinking, or your key does not pair after 60 seconds and the blinking of your security light continues, please repeat the entire process at least two more times, if programming continues to fail please reach out at [email protected] and we will gladly help you with any issues.
Remote Process
In addition to programming new keys, you can also program alarm remote fobs using our TSL-2 Programmer. To do this, you will need a master key. Open the programming app and select “Remote” from the menu. Insert the master key into the ignition and turn it two clicks to the "on'' position and open the driver door. Then select the “Auto Identify” option on the app to have the programmer automatically identify the type of remote to add. If the auto identification does not work, just as with the key, you can choose your model from the vehicle list found within the programmer. If both these options are not available you can work your way through trial and error through the various “Types” found within the programmer menu.
Once past the remote type section, a prompt will appear indicating to turn your key to the “on” position and to open your vehicle’s driver side door, remove the key and reinsert if the key is already in the “on” position, then click “yes.” Once this is done a new prompt advising you to proceed by pressing the lock and unlock buttons on your new keys at the same time, followed by pressing the lock button once more. Note that multiple remotes can be done during this same programming cycle. Repeat the button pressing sequence in succession for any other remotes you plan to program to your vehicle. Once you are done with all the remotes you wish to program, hit “ok” on the programmer.
Congratulations, you have successfully programmed your new remote(s)!
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.
Step 8: Erasing Keys and Remotes (Optional)
Key Process
As in the “Program Key” section of your vehicle you will enter into the immobilization menu option with the following: “Add a key,” “Erase key,” “Advanced,” and “help.” You will then proceed into the “Erase keys” setting. As with programming a key, erasing a key will also require you to present your programmed original key (master key) within the ignition of your vehicle. Please note that the one key you present into your vehicle’s ignition for this process will become the only working key out in existence. To proceed, place your working within your vehicle’s ignition then turn 2 clicks into the “on” position. Hit any “Yes” or “Ok” options on the programming phone. Your vehicle’s security light should turn on briefly and a new prompt will appear on your programming phone asking you to remove the key. Once this is done the current key in your possession is now the only working key remaining out in the world.
Remote Process
If there are any other remotes programmed to the vehicle, you can choose to erase them by following this procedure. Switch the ignition to the "on" position and enter the remote section on the programming app. Follow the “erase remote” instructions on the app. Click "Yes" on the app to continue the erasing procedure, this will then prompt you to select a type for the remote. Use trial and error here if you do not know the type until you see a connection success prompt. Once successful, remove the key, and insert it back in and turn the key to the “on” position. Make sure that if your remote is a remote key (your remote is attached to your key) that the remote buttons are pointing upwards toward you. This will give you easy access for future steps. Press the lock and unlock buttons on the working remote at the same time for one second, then follow by pressing the lock button once more. You should hear a beep from the vehicle, indicating a successful erase procedure of all other remotes existing in the world, except the remote which was used for the procedure. Test this by pressing the remote buttons on your remote, locking and unlocking the vehicle. Make sure to remove the key from the ignition before testing. At this point there are no other working remotes existing out in the world except the one you used for this procedure. Congratulations.
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.