In most cases you need to do 2 procedures
-
Immobilizer programming – transponder chip based system for starting the car
-
Keyless Entry programming – this is to unlock and lock your car w/ the keyfob
Do I need to go to the dealer?
You can if you want. I’ve heard stories of people paying over $200 for a spare key. In 20 years of owning my 2006 Scion tC I have been able to do it for less than $35 each time. In this article I will show you how I programmed a $15 spare keyfob I bought off Amazon.
You are are looking specifically for any keyfob with FCC ID: MOZB41TG
If you want an OEM uncut Key blank with the transponder and keyless entry there are two part numbers. Ask the dealer which one will work for you.
SU00302746 Keyless Transmission Us Toyota
SU00305527 Keyless Transmission Ust – Toyota
Automated Key Kiosk will not cut your key
I’ve never been able to get these key duplication kiosks to cut my replacement key blanks. They will detect that your remote has an immobilizer chip and spit it out.
Where do you get your key cut?
Bottom line – have a human do it. I go to Home Depot. They will tell you they can’t do a car remote with a RF immobilizer but tell them you have programmed it already and it works, you just need it cut. Worse case scenario tip them $10 to cut it off the books. If all else fails come back later and see if a different employee will do it OR go to a locksmith.
Replace the Battery first
Start with a known good battery. I always replace the battery first. I don’t know how long the key has been sitting on a shelf. In most cases the replacement keyfobs ship with bottom tier batteries.
I have had bad experiences with the no-name bulk packs from Amazon. They dont last as long as Energizer IMO, and by the time you get to the next battery you’re 2 years in, you’ve got 8 batteries still sitting in the pack – you might as well buy a curent year one from the store.
I have had the best experience with the regular Energizer or Duracell 2-packs from your local CVS or Walmart.
2005-2010 Scion tC Immobilizer programming
> YOU NEED AT LEAST ONE WORKING MASTER KEY <
- Insert existing master key 4 times, leave in cylinder lock
- Open and close door 6 times
- Remove master key from cylinder lock
- Key programming light will turn on
- Insert clone key (the key you’re programming)
- Programming light will blink for about 60 seconds
- When it stops blinking your new key is programmed
- Remove the key, the programming light will start blinking
- Reinsert the key, the programming light will STOP blinking
- If you haven’t done so, get the key cut or if you have it cut already you should be able to start the car!
2005-2010 Scion tC Keyless Entry programming
Steps
- Start with key out of ignition
- Driver door open
- 2x INSERT key into ignition and PULL it out (do not turn it)
- 2x Close & open driver door (leave open)
- 1x INSERT key into the ignition and PULL it out (do not turn it)
- 2x Close & open driver door twice (leave open)
- Insert key into ignition and leave it in
- Close driver door
- Switch ignition ON → OFF once
- Remove key
👉 Door locks should cycle (this means you’re in programming mode)
Program the remote
- Press LOCK + UNLOCK together for ~1.5 seconds
- Immediately press LOCK for ~1 second
- Door locks should cycle again to confirm
- Repeat steps above for additional remotes.
- Open driver door to exit programming mode
How many keys can I have programmed?
Maximum: 4 keys total
- Typically 3 master keys + 1 valet, or
- 4 master keys (if no valet is registered)
- Once all slots are full, you must erase existing keys (ECU) before adding another.
