XLS=Xpensive Lock System Transponder Key Options?--again

[mstreman]

I would liked to find a concise and complete fact sheet regarding this inane smart key system to make some informed decisions. But I can't and the archived post don't cover much. I am trying to sort through options and there seems to be conflicting information. After I solve my immediate situation, I thought I would ask these questions so I can write up a one source FAQ.

My elderly Dad won a 2000 Avalon at the local bank auction and got one grey key and fob. He has already been defrauded by the stealership for $3000 grand for unnecessary work--but I digress. We already took the car to a locksmith that said --no problem I can fix it and for $150 we were given two transponder keys that won't start the car. We are in the Knoxville TN area.

Work arounds ? Take the existing grey key and mount it inside the steering wheel shaft cover near the IGN switch give everyone dumb keys. Some say this might damage the ECU.

Where do I find the key pattern so I can make a dumb key which will open all the locks if I don't have the orignal master key? (back to the stealership is the last option)

How do I locate a local Locksmith that can reflash the ECU? I see that service managers and many locksmiths don't know what they think they know.

Are there any mailorder reflashers recommended for cost and quality--or just plan old competence?

Can I have one or more master keys one to use and one for the safe deposit box?
Do multiple master keys have to match codes? can multiple masters once introduced to the car, be used to introduce other keys?

If I go to ebay to buy some blanks, do I buy a "set" of blank transponder blank that will work with my car or I don't buy a" set" but just get up to 4 random transponder keys which I cut to my locks and introduce them once I have solved the master key issue?

Do I undestand the following correctly:
1. One has to have the master key to introduce a new key to the car.
2. The fob is independent of the key system?
3. each key needs a fob to deactivate the alarm?
4. The immobilizer can't be continiously set to disabled, leaving the alarm untouched and allow me to use dumb keys.(I don't care about the danged car alarm and in fact would be far better off if someone would just steal the thing at this point.)

5. Some scanners can turn off the immobilizer but only while attached for diagnostic purposes?
6. Immobilizer- defeaters are sold for remote start systems only?- that is, you can't install one and use the dumb key alone but have to use a remote starter?

Where can I find a FAQ on how remote starters work around the ECU circuits? I get the impression many of them place a working transponder key in an antenna box what is piggy backed onto the ECU circuits.

Where can I find the reflashing procedures so I can educate those that think they know what they don't know?

Reflashing the ECU. Can I buy the software/connections/scanner and go into business doing this for a living?

I know this is a lot to chew partial responses are ok.
I have the links to reprograming sequence. It helps if you are the type person who can pat your stomach, rub your head and skip rope all at the same time--only an engineer who doesn't have to do it himself could have developed the reprograming steps!

2000 AvalonXLS-- XLS=Xpensive Lock System

[TrailDust]

to Toyota Nation!

Sorry to hear about your issues. Hopefully someone will be able to chime in with the details you need, but if not probably your best bet to get the workaround info, etc., would be to access TIS (Toyota Technical Information system). It's a subscription-based system, but it should answer all your questions. If you do produce a full write up/FAQ for these issues I'd be happy to make it into a sticky. Best of luck to you.

[Riick]

Transponder keys in Toyota are EZ to work with.
Blank (un-programmed) Transponder keys available on ebay for around $15 or so.
Any locksmith can cut the metal part of the key to match what you have, so key will turn in lock.
YOU can program the new key..
Instructions HERE: LINK
.....or here is a generalized search, including buying the key: LINK2

As far as the "fob" - you're talking about the 3 button remote (actually 4 button if you include the red panic button on the rear)
It has exactly nothing to do with the transponder system.
Again, similar system, if you have one, you can make many more.