Wow, I'm so happy I found this - as they say, 'do you know the way to ebay'

In another act of utter stupidity, I managed to throw away my only key for my '99 limited this weekend. I'm in the process of dynamatting (actually peel&seal) my whole car, and I think i put my keys on the floor. Well, come time to cleanup, I crumpled everything up, and tossed it in the trash.
Dealer quoted me $500 to flash my ecu, $600 to replace (with a 10 day turnaround).

Found this guy on ebay, selling the same service for $99! If you're in this situation, here ya go!
Here's the guy who does it, maybe you can email him if there's no auction going on:
http://cgi2.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-c...=off&fromasq=1

and here's the actual service/item for sale:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2461684231


EDIT:
more info on the transponder key:
http://www.1-800-pdq-keys.com/toyota_xponder.htm

 

My wifes 99 only came with 1 key. I also bought a key off E-bay, and it was $20 with shipping. I talked to the guy I bought it from and he would cut the key for a additional $5 with a code from the door jamb (you will have to do this if you don't have the master). I added the new key myself but had a master. There must be an easier way to program a new key rather than sending the computer in.

 

Only '99 Limiteds came with a transponder key?

 

yea i have one real key with remote entry.. really want another.

 

So it's not really a transponder by rather an alarm dongle integrated with the key? i.e. will the car start with regular $1 copied metal key?

 

In case anyone buys a transponder key on E-bay and needs to program it here are the instructions:

4Runner Key Programming
Add Duplicate Key
1.Simultaneously depress and release brake and accelerator pedals 1 time.
2.Insert master key into ignition
3.Within 15 seconds depress and release accelerator pedal 5 times.
4.Within 20 seconds depress and release the brake pedal 6 times and remove key.
5.Within 10 seconds insert new key into ignition.
6.Within 10 seconds depress and release the accelerator pedal 1 time.
7.After 80 seconds new key is registered and security light goes off.
8.Remove new key and depress and release brake pedal 1 time.

It is very easy to do. Always good to have at least one extra transponder key around. If you only have only one and it doesn't work your screwed.

 

No, the key has a chip in the plastic handle and it WILL NOT start with a plain metal key. You must have a balck master key in order to program another key into the ecu. If you have only a grey secondary valet key or you don't have any keys at all, then toyota will not reprogram the ecu, but they will replace the ecu and provide you with 2 masters and 1 valet keys if you pay the labor - about $250. That's what I was told by my service writer at Hoover Toyota a while back. My white 99 only came with a valet key.

 

Good grief! Good that I settled with the SR5 as the keys was one of the things I hated about the previous car.

Old car spare key = $150
4Runner spare key = $1

 

bamachem, was a dealer selling the white 99 you had? How did the car get to the dealer with no master key, or did the dealer loose it? That would suck not being able to test drive it until they changed the computer.
4RUNR, you mean your 99 doesn't have one of these fat transponder keys? I thought all 99 Runners and after had them.

 

My local toyota dealer quoted me $500 to flash the ECU, $600 to replace (and that's with toyota paying the bill for the ecu)... crooks!

 

Highland, nope mine uses a regular key that can be copied for 75cents at Sears Hardware The remote for the factory RS3200 alarm is separate. The alarm can also be disarmed by simply opening the door with the key. Simplicity

 

I wonder then if the ECU's are different for the SR-5 and Limiteds. The reason I say that is maybe there is a way to disable the key interlock on the Limiteds. The SR-5's may have a wire jumped somwhere. This would be good to know incase I damage a key while on a trip in the middle of nowhere Sunday afternoon and can't start the car.
My wifes key arms the alarm as soon as the key is removed from the ignition and disarms when the door is opened like yours.
It was funny when I went to Ace Hardware to get my wifes new key cut. I said this blank cost $20, are you sure you can do it. She says hold on I'll get someone else with more experience.

 

The remote entry should be handled by the alarm ECU NOT the engine ECU.
These are two totally separate units. You should be able to remove the alarm altogether if you want.
I think if I get a 99+ limited I will pull it out too....not worth the hassle.

I bet the $600 is the cost of installing a new alarm ECU....just a hunch!

 

The alarm has its own control unit, under the seat somewhere. The ignition key security feature is handled by the main engine ecu....

 

Really?.....I am very surprised.....Can you point me to a wiring diagram for this?

 

RUIZS....did you have this done with the guy? how did it work? I lost my only key yesterday and need to have this done.

thanks

 

Yes - I got it done, the guy has great service! He sent it out the day after he received it, worked great. Just had to go get the key cut (he sends you a programmed blank with your ecu). You'll have to get the key cut at a dealer with the key code for your truck, cost me $7.

MTL -
Actually, now that I recieved my new remote, and programmed it, the RS3200 alarm is not under the seat... With the rs3000, it was under the seat, and you had to push a button on it to reprogram the remotes. With the 3200, I have no idea where the control unit is, but its just a series of locks, unlocks, and key insertions that do the trick (I posted instructions a week or two ago). I think they switched from the 3000 - 3200 in '99.