1sttime4runner

I recently purchased a 1999 Limited 4runner that came with only one key. I have checked the key and it is a master key. I purchased two transponder keys off of ebay and had them cut at the local hardware store. I have tried the programming instructions that came with it and one set of directions I got off of here......no luck. The car does have a Shelby car alarm and I am wondering if that could be the problem. I have tried each set of directions twice. Any suggestions?

michalik_piotr

i did the same thing over and over.... we're screwed. need to shell out the $100 at the dealer.

profuse007

YOU MUST HAVE A PRE-REGISTERED MASTER KEY TO OPEN THE PROGRAMMING MODE.
1. Get into the car and sit in the Drivers seat, make sure there is not a key in the ignition lock.


3. Insert the already registered Master Transponder key in the ignition.
4. Turn the ignition switch from "LOCK" to "ON" 5 times, very fast.
5. Open and close the Drivers door 6 times, very fast.
6. Remove the master key from the ignition switch.
7. Insert the new key in the key cylinder within 10 seconds of removing the Master key.
8. Leave the key in the ignition switch for at least 60 seconds, after that the Theft light should go out.
9. Remove the key. The key should now be programmed into the ECU.
CONGRATS! YOU HAVE NOW PROGRAMMED YOUR NEW KEY!

just a reference. different than what I am used to... usually the brake and gas pedal.

profuse007

another method.

2.. Enter the car and close all of the doors.

3.. Simultaneously depress and release both the brake and accelerator pedals.

4.. Within five seconds, insert a working pre-programmed key into the ignition cylinder, and turn to the "on" position.

5.. Within fifteen seconds of turning the ignition, depress and release
the accelerator pedal five times for a primary key. (Depress and release four times for a valet key.)

6.. Within twenty seconds, depress and release the brake pedal six times for a primary key. (Depress and release only times for a valet key.)

7.. Turn the ignition to the "off" position and immediately remove the
key.

8.. Within ten seconds of removing the key, insert the new key and turn it to the "on" position.

9.. Within ten seconds, depress and release the accelerator pedal once. The security light will then flash for 60 seconds and then turn off. When the security light stops flashing the programming should be complete.

10.. Start the vehicle to verify that programming was successful.

profuse007

the second method is what I familiar w/ and you ahve to do it lightning fast.

1sttime4runner

Tried both those methods and had no luck. Ended up going to the dealer and getting them scanned by a mechanic. While I was there I got some tips on fixing my antenna and some body work. Great bunch of guys.

newkmail

Hey, my first post on Yotatech. First found out it was possible to buy keys online and program them yourself by reading this forum. Tried it myself tonight on my 99 4Runner Limited. Here's what worked for me, and it was the third method I tried. First two didn't work, including the one above in this thread.

1) Place an already programmed Master key (one that works all locks) in the ignition, but DO NOT turn on.
2) Press the GAS pedal five (5) times.
3) Press the BRAKE pedal six (6) times.
4) Remove the key from the ignition.
5) Insert the new key, but DO NOT turn it on.
6) Press the GAS pedal one (1) time only and wait about a minute for the security light to quit flashing.
7) Remove the key and Press the BRAKE pedal one (1) time only.
8) Wait at least ten (10) seconds, then re-insert the new key and start the car.

Many thanks to all the people taking the time to record their experience, advice and methods here. Just went thru the pink milkshake experience myself and there's a good chance my transmission will recover - mostly because of the knowledge gained reading about it here! Cheers!
KD

sharrack

What if you just ordered an aftermarket fob for your 99 runner and not a transponder key??
Is it still this difficult to get a fob dialed in?

Newkmail.....as soon as i first read about the milkshake, my stock radiator went bye bye!!
Great insurance against a 2,000 dollar repair!!

newkmail

Not sure how to reply to that question Sharrack. A fob, to me, is the remote door opener so must be a different method to set one of those up and don't know how yet. The transponder key is what I needed cause like some other people on here, when I bought the car it only came with one key. I was paranoid about losing that one key! So I bought 3 of them on eBay, only got one cut before I tried out the programming. Now I feel comfortable proceeding with the other 2 keys.

And ya, milkshakes suck! Seems like I saved my trans but still cost me $800 for new rad, trans flush etc etc!

slapdappy

Your method worked for me. 1999 Limited. Had to wait longer than 1 minute (80-90 seconds maybe) for security light to stop flashing.
Simple directions easily followed.
Thank you.