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Spare Key strategy

10K views 36 replies 8 participants last post by  sethr  
#1 ·
I got a car with just one key.

Its a Toyota Camry SE, 2016.

I want to get a duplicate.
Dealer wants to charge over $300 for a blank and programming !
I have seen blank keys on Ebay for approx $50, but they need to be cut and programmed.

I really do not need the transponder ( wireless functions for door and trunk ).
Is there a cheaper option ? Can I just get the local hardware store to make me a duplicate ?

One local locksmith quoted $80 to program and cut the blank, which I would happily pay, but not sure if this provides a satisfactory product.
Ebay has a listing where a guy cuts the keys from pictures and sends you an Over the air programming service with a unit they mail to you. This is $99. Has anybody used this and what their thoughts would be ?
 
#2 ·
Use the automotive locksmith. If his key and program don't work while you're standing there, then no worries.

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#6 ·
I think what we have is only a chunk of techstream. If it did keys and showed tranny temperature it would be worth it's weight.

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#7 · (Edited)
Looks like the tech-stream cables are cheap enough, and the official blank keys for Toyota are not too bad either.
However, the key still needs to be cut, even if we could program them.
Most of us have laptops/PCs as I do.

I have three Camrys in the family, so the cost of the hardware is not too bad, its just having to go to a locksmith/dealer to achieve anything worthwhile. Their seem to be pretty exorbitant.

Member Speedkar9 shows how to use techstream to program a lexus key here:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/310-7th-generation-2012/1406594-camry-remote-key-duplication.html
 
#15 ·
Subscribed.. i hate the fob/key in one.. i would love to pick up a plain H chip key (like the valet key) and have it cut and program it myseld if possible.

Ive already scooped up a cheap FOB that was already cut (G chip) in anticipation of chopping off the blank and just using the FOB.

Ive scratched up my interior three times and im just waiting to scratch the paint on the door/trunk from holding the FOB in my hand. If that makes any sense.
 
#16 ·
I hate that massive key/fob and the one for my wife's Rav4 is one reason I got the Smart Key option on my Corolla.
Added benefit, impossible to lock myself out ;)

For the non-smart key, the version of Techstream that we can get works just fine. You can program a total of either 4 or 6 chips into your car.
The remote is a different story... I don't know if our Techstream can do that or not.

BTW, the Amazon "flip key" is neat, but the paint wears off of the buttons very quickly, so be warned. Mine wore off just being in my pocket.
Buy a Valet key, remove the chip from under the rubber cover and tack-glue it into the flip key case.
Have the flip-key cut by any locksmith, load up Techstream and program it.
Transfer the remote "guts" from your original key to the flip-key case and you're done.
 
#17 ·
Ive had flip keys too.. too jiggly/loose when turning the ignition.. whatever... guess im picky..

Just want a regular old key and a regular fob with the key shaft cut off..

Looks like p/n 89785-0D170 will work for us.

Have been meaning to get techstream but have been waiting for some people to confirm its actually reliable and useable.
 
#21 ·
Run a quick search and you'll find a thread with full instructions for running TS.
I don't recall the specifics but it can't be run for North America... tell it that it us being used in one of the Eastern Bloc countries (I don't recall which).
 
#19 ·
How did you manage to get only one key? I assume the car is used, but even then, they should give you two keys, because it's a safety risk to have 2 others (1 valet, and 1 regular fob) floating around.

I bought mine used as well, and it came with 2 fobs with the door lock/unlock, trunk button and panic alarm, plus a valet key.
 
#20 ·
This car shows that the key was lost from the trunk when an oil change was done at 10K miles, but never replaced ( because it was not noticed util later ). It has no other keys available at all. I can get a new key, fully programmed for around $300, but I thought I would use the Techstream to duplicate another key and disable previous ones as well as have some diagnostic s/w around.
 
#24 ·
Mine works on Windows 10. Bought it 6 months ago. Works on 64-bit machine okay.

There's an 11.x.xx version I haven't grabbed yet.

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#33 ·
Right now I have .028 installed.
I had a dealer give me links to newer stuff when I asked. But he warned HE hasn't tested them.

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#27 ·
Thanks very much for your help and post.

Is it possible to use the earlier version of the software with newer version of the Techstream probe ?
I assume that combination will allow me to register a new key for a 2016 Camry ?

I have actually bought the following unit from Ebay last week:

Mini VCI Diagnostic Tool Cable Scanner for Toyota Lexus TIS Techstream V10.30.29
Mini VCI TIS Techstream J2534,support 32bit

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191973921340?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

However, the seller tells me that software that I received with it is encrypted ?
 
#28 ·
The .30.29 is newer than the .28 I got with mine 6 months ago.
I wouldn't go back any versions if you have a 2016.
I haven't tried the 11.x.xx yet. It was still being tested, but I got a DL link.
I'll see if it will load..

Whatever you do, don't try to flash the cable to a new remote firmware.

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#29 ·
I managed to download the software version Techstream 7.10.030 and the associated drivers. With this version and MINI-VCI, J2534, Standard OBDII Communication Interface, I was able to communicate to one of my old Camrys ( MY 2001). However, does anyone know if I have to use Techstream version V10.30.029 for programming a 2016 key fob ?
 
#34 ·
Do you have the info for this individual who sends you an "over the air programming service"? Any contact info would be great. The hell with the dealer. Hot Ajax
That's pretty scary,don't you think?
A guy that can make all the keys he wants to for your car. Then he can tap your system OTA and program!!?!! He has your address also.
Can you imagine what those keys are worth on the black market?!!

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