Setting programmable features with code scanner?

[pgoelz]

Hi all,

Just brought home my new 2011 Highlander. It replaced my venerable 2002 Buick Rendezvous.

Got a question.... I called the dealer to find out what was involved in changing some of the programmable features like the door unlock, confirmation beeps, headlight delay, etc. They said about an hour and.... $100. SAY WHAT? I really love my Highlander and the dealer experience so far, but that is pure robbery.

So.... what is the most cost effective scanner I can use to set these features? I'm thinking an interface that uses software on a PC would be a good idea but I can't tell from the web sites I have visited so far which (if any) of them can actually speak Toyota-speak and set these features. If I can get something for $200 or less I figure it would probably make sense to just get the scanner instead of paying the dealer $100 a pop to change a setting. Still burning over that one.

TIA,
Paul

[PhotonDreams]

When I got my '08 Basic I eventually went back to a dealer, not the one I bought it from, and told the service guy the stuff I'd appreciate him turning off. Then 20 minutes later it was all done........free. Could be different dealers have different policies, or ways of making money.

[pgoelz]

I figure if I make a stink I can probably get them to set it up the way I want it for no charge. But I really don't want to make that stink at a dealer I may need a long term relationship with. And a code scanner would not be a bad thing to have around. The vehicle is new but it won't be forever

Paul

[earthltd]

My dealer does it for free. But they said it would take several hours so I will wait for the six month maintenance. If your dealer won't do it with the free service, find another dealer.

[jimmied]

it literally takes less than 10 minutes. they plug in their laptop, get the connection going, move some buttons on the screen, save, log out program, unplug. it should be no big deal.

[summerwind]

I had it done free as well. The dealer I bought it from wanted to charge me $45. I took it to another dealer's service department and they did the changes while I waited in 30 minutes fpr free. Needless to say my HL gets services by the one that did it as part of customer good will.

A lot of service departments have never had anyone ask them to change the settings and they give you a high price quote to cover figuring out how to do it.

Print out this thread, talk to your sales guy and ask why this dealership doesn't support it's customers like other dealers do and should you look for a more customer focused Toyota service department.

Since your are locked into Toyota for changing these settings and since you just bought it your dealer should change the settings us part of customer good will

Good luck

[pgoelz]

I agree, they should do it for free forever. I will eventually speak to my salesperson and see what they are willing to do. But I don't want to make a big deal out of it because other than this, I think they are a decent dealership and they are the closest to me so I need a good long term relationship with them.

No one has any input re: what the minimum code scanner setup would be that can make the changes? Or can ANY scanner that can set PIDs do it if I have adequate documentation?

Paul

[summerwind]

Originally Posted by pgoelz

No one has any input re: what the minimum code scanner setup would be that can make the changes? Or can ANY scanner that can set PIDs do it if I have adequate documentation?

Paul

It requires a Toyota Techstream computer with Toyota software to change the settings.

You can not use a code scanner

[pgoelz]

Rats, that is what I was afraid of. Thanks. Anyone in the metro Detroit area got one (he asks hopefully) If not, I think I'll stuff an earplug in the piezo hole (or just unplug it) and call it a day if the dealer won't do it gratis.

Paul

[wvdavod]

Does anyone know why the 2011 owner's manual goes through all the steps to make changes yourself when it doesn't work? This owner's manual is hands down the worst I have ever seen. No details at all...just of list of menu selections. I can see that for myself. Tell me what they do!!!

[pgoelz]

Not sure I follow you. My owner's manual lists the customizable features and their parameters but makes it abundantly clear that you have to go to the dealer to actually change anything.

Paul

[wvdavod]

My manual includes a chart that shows each of the autolocking choices and the steps to take to change them (hold down locking or unlocking button after a series other button presses, etc). I even get the confirmation beep that it describes in the manual, but nothing changes. I just bought my HL limited 2 weeks ago, so I am assuming it's the latest manual.

[pgoelz]

Dunno. I know some things are programmable if you have the smart key system but not if you just have a keyfob. Which do you have? Odd that you get the confirmation beep though. I'm kinda new to the Highlander myself. I'm used to my Rendezvous, where everything was user programmable. Easily.

Paul

[arabianobsession]

It's probably part of a step that has to be done AFTER the dealer changes it with Techstream.

Our dealership does it free the first time and then charges a fee afterwards, so when people purchase their new car I tell them to decide on all the features they want programmed first, then set up the appointment.

[summerwind]

Originally Posted by wvdavod

My manual includes a chart that shows each of the autolocking choices and the steps to take to change them (hold down locking or unlocking button after a series other button presses, etc). I even get the confirmation beep that it describes in the manual, but nothing changes. I just bought my HL limited 2 weeks ago, so I am assuming it's the latest manual.

That's for the Smartkey system.

The fob button settings (open all doors with one press) have to be changed by the dealer