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someconcerns · Jan 6, 2009, 03:41 PM

Just bought a 2008 RAV4 with 9k miles on it from a local Toyota dealer to which the RAV was traded in on a smaller vehicle. Passed my look-see and my mechanics more detailed examination and servicing. Drives and rides well.

PROBLEM is, it came with just one key and with my wife and 2 kids that's just not going to fly. The dealer did, at my request, leave a message with the owner (on phone) asking for the other keys, but there has been no response so far. I did have made a cheap key so I can at least deal with three people who lock their purses in their vehicles, but have been advised this key would disable the ignition.

I know buying more keys from a dealer and having a dealer program them is super expensive, but that the same type or similar keys are offered on Ebay. I do not have the key number.

FCC ID on the key is: HYQ12BBY and it has 3 buttons (lock, unlock and panic). I've noted that the Camry of 2007-09 uses a 4 button (the above plus trunk release) with the same codes on it.

QUESTION: what is the best way to get another full remote key and maybe a valet key?

RickMN · Jan 6, 2009, 04:49 PM

Some locksmiths have the ability to program automotive keys. Check with a few in your area and get pricing.

kitch428 · Jan 6, 2009, 05:39 PM

You can get the standard immobilizer key or an aftermarket equivalent. They still will require programing.
You just won't have the wireless door lock feature.

KISS · Jan 6, 2009, 06:04 PM

Programming may be able to be done in the vehicle, but you need a MASTER key to program a MASTER or VALET key. Toyota should be able to look up the key code for the Valet key by VIN and cut it.

I never did get a straight answer about whether they can reprogram an ECM without a MASTER key though. I think the answer was yes only if the owner is verified.

As for another "trick", but it requires leaving the good key in the car. Car starter systems have the ability to "jump out" the security system by placing the key in a special box of electronics. This defeats the security through the remote start system.

I know I did the programming for about 3 keys for a 2000 Toyota in the car. A bunch of contortions. Didn't have the remote stuff. $20 to get the key cut. Probably takes about 20 min for one key. Less time per key when programming more keys.

I'll bet that's a different process all together. An auto-installer friend sold an aftermarket remote control for alarm systems which was programmable. He needed a special box to do that part of it.

Fr_Chuck · Jan 6, 2009, 06:12 PM

Also noted while it may have been too late now, that should have been a requirement before you accepted delivery

someconcerns · Jan 6, 2009, 06:38 PM

All good points.

In regard to the number of keys before delivery, believe me the wife has been taking me to task over that. But then she was there and didn't ask the question either. The last car we bought was in 1996, when you only had a couple of remote fobs to worry about.

On programming, I am given to understand that it is more difficult than in earlier years. My mechanic, an ace who does only Toyotas, thinks the equipment would cost him well into four figures. I was also told that Toyota could look up the key code based on the VIN, if they were satisfied I was the owner.

Is the 3 button key/remote I have a "master key?"

While I would like the wife to have the full remote (I know she'll get mine) I don't mind simply having keys with chips to avoid immobilizing the system.

KISS · Jan 6, 2009, 07:53 PM

Found this link. It's much simpler than what I had to do.

WikiAnswers - How do you program a toyota rav 4 remote key fob

eBay has keys for like $90 + postage and you can request programming instructions.

someconcerns · Jan 7, 2009, 06:32 AM

Keeptsimple-

So is what the wikianswers site seems to be saying is that I can take a new, unprogrammed key, have it cut at my local hardware store ($3-4), follow the procedure in the wiki (below), and I'll have a new key which: (a) starts the RAV4 without disabling the ignition and fuel pump; and (b) operates all three buttons on the key?

However, the wikianswer only explicitly refers to just a remote key fob, but not necessarily the key.

Has anyone tried this solution for the key to start and run the RAV4 or other car? I don't really want to risk disabling the RAV4. Recognizing that the procedure doesn't actually say to start the car, would this potentially disable the RAV4? If the remote buttons function, does that ensure that the chip will work?

WikiAnswers - How do you program a toyota rav 4 remote key fob
"1. get in the car
2. shut the door
3. place the key in the ignition
4. lock the doors, manually
5. turn the ignition to on then off...do this seven times
6. unlock the doors and try your remote "

KISS · Jan 7, 2009, 10:33 AM

You might be right about programming the transponder and the remote separately.

These are more like the instructions for programming a transponder key:

Toyota Rav4 2002 Key Programming

You can't disable a key, but apparently there are a certain number of keys that can be registered. The keys come with a specific RFID serial number. That number is added into the ECM as a valid key when the transponder is programmed.

In this case you need the master key to program the slave.

kitch428 · Jan 7, 2009, 04:40 PM

As far as I know as a professional Toyota technician, I have never seen or heard of anyone successfully programing an immobilizer key to start the '08 model RAV4 without using the Toyota "Techstream" diagnostic scanner.
The ECM is no longer part of the immobilizer function. It now has a separate immobilizer ECU that works through a "gateway" network of ECU's on the vehicle.

kitch428 · Jan 7, 2009, 05:34 PM

Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

Also noted while it may have been too late now, that should have been a requirement before you accepted delivery

That's a big 10-4, Padre !

someconcerns · Jan 7, 2009, 05:41 PM

Well, I also had an off-line chat with a locksmith, who said it had to be done with the expensive equipment-which he didn't have. He did allow that it might still be possible to reprogram an old already-cut key of this type, cut off the metal part and tape it under the dash - if that is close enough to work - and then use a hardware store key without a chip.

OK. So it sounds like my plan needs to be to buy 1-2 of the supposedly-exact keys for the RAV4 on Ebay from a highly-rated seller who has sold this type of key. Then take it to a dealer who will program and cut it. Then hope no one loses it.

kitch428 · Jan 7, 2009, 05:58 PM

Like I said earlier, It doesn't have to be the exact key you already have. (That's with fob built into the key.)
You can get a much cheaper key from the dealer, it just won't let you have the fob on it. Just a plain immobilizer key. (that will require the dealer to program it)

someconcerns · Jan 7, 2009, 07:00 PM

"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to kitch428 again."

Is there any way around this?

jonnyp123 · Nov 12, 2010, 05:03 PM

someconcerns, I just bought a used 2009 Rav4 with only one key as well. Did you find a solution for your problem? If so, what was the winning combination?
Thanks

someconcerns · Nov 12, 2010, 06:00 PM

Well, the funny thing was - after I went through all those gyrations and research - it was one of those less-common RAVs without the immobilizer. A regular key cut by the hardware store worked without disabling the ignition. I DID find some not-outrageously priced keys on Ebay, which the dealer had been willing to program for a fee. We never got that far, though. Have the dealer check the VIN to see if the key requires the chip. That's what mine did and sold me the keys with remote lock/unlock. Best of luck on yours!