98 Camry with no keys - Help!

[akidagin]

I picked up a 98 Camry for a rebuilder. It was a police impound and the keys were lost. Had a replacement key cut and it turns the engine over but it wont start. I was told the car needs reprogrammed. So what's involved and what is the best solution. A couple people told me I may need to get a different steering column with key and the controler out of the same car at a salvage yard as the most inexpensive way. I'm new to Toyota's so any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[keisuke]

go to your local toyota dealer see if they can program u a key if you give them the VIN Number take proof of the impound sale with you too so that they do not call the cops..

[BlueFusion6851]

The gen4 didn't have a transponder in the key though... Did you all your fuses, injectors, etc?

[BlueFusion6851]

after some searching I found this to help you out.

The programming sequence for adding another key (Toyota key part number 89785-26020) to the Camry, according to the ILCO key company catalog, and a Toyota maintenance manual I have seen, is as follows: Simultaneously depress and release the brake and accelerator pedals 1 time (one instruction kind of hints that you should hold the pedals down while you insert the master key, the next step). Insert the master key in the ignition, but do not turn it. Within 15 seconds press & release the accelerator pedal 5 times. Then within 20 seconds press & release the brake pedal 6 times. Within 10 seconds remove the master key, and insert the new key. Within 10 seconds press & release the accelerator 1 time. The security light will stay off after 60 to 80 seconds indicating the re-programming was successful. Remove the new key, and depress & release the brake pedal 1 time.

[akidagin]

Originally Posted by BlueFusion6851

The gen4 didn't have a transponder in the key though... Did you all your fuses, injectors, etc?

Well, if that's true than it may be something like that. I haven't had a chance to spend time trouble shooting other problems. So did the 1998 models come without the chip in the keys?

[Tom 2000]

Originally Posted by akidagin

Well, if that's true than it may be something like that. I haven't had a chance to spend time trouble shooting other problems. So did the 1998 models come without the chip in the keys?

If you have an XLE model, it came with a transponder key. The other models - CE and LE - did not.

[akidagin]

Originally Posted by Tom 2000

If you have an XLE model, it came with a transponder key. The other models - CE and LE - did not.

Yes, it is an XLE model so it looks like I do need to have it programed or start looing for a steering column with key and a controller from the same car at a salvage yard? Just trying to figure out which may be the least expensive. Or any other ideas. What does a dealer charge if you give them your VIN and proof of ownership?

[Mike Gerber]

You have to purchase the right key; the key must have a chip in it. Then it must be cut and then the key must be reprogramed. The dealer should know the key must have a chip from the vin number. He should know it's an XLE. This is a lot easier than trying to find another steering column. If you get another steering column, the key from the new steering column will not match the car's door locks.

In addition, the XLE models came with an alarm system. There should be a red light flashing on the dash. If you want that to function you will also have to purchase and program the XLE specific remotes. Do a search for this. There was an article about the remotes on a 98 Camry XLE within the last week.

Mike

[akidagin]

I talked to a Toyota dealership and they told me since I don't have a master key that starts the engine I will need to buy a replacement ECM and the keys that come with it...which is very expensive?

How about this idea...could I get an ECM and steering column w/key from a salvage yard that doesn't have the theft/engine imobilizer and install it on the car? Then I wouldn't have to go through the programing hassle. Anyone ever try this??