How to Programming Keys After ECM Re-Flashed for Toyota/Lexus

After we re-flash the ECM it will be in “Automatic Registration Mode” when you install it. The ECM is expecting that when first powered up (by turning on a key) that it will encounter 3 new keys. The first two keys are internally (inside the ECM) designated as MASTER keys and the 3rd key inserted will be internally designated as the VALET key. The ECM can be programmed with as few as 1 key. If less than 3 keys are programmed into the ECM the security light may flash for some time (hours to weeks) until the ECM “learns” that it is apparently not going to get any more keys.
The programming process is fairly simple. ***MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT HAVE MORE THAN ONE TRANSPONDER KEY NEAR THE IGNITION CYLINDER AT ANY TIME! *** (i.e. do NOT have more than one transponder key on your key ring) ***

If you are programming 3 keys:
1 .Close all doors and windows.
2.Lock the driver side door with the key.
3.Unlock the driver side door with the key.
4.Briefly insert any key into ignition lock cylinder and remove immediately. The security light should illuminate and remain on.
5.Insert first transponder key into ignition lock cylinder for registration DO NOT TURN ON. The security light should remain on for 3-5 seconds then go off. After security light goes off remove first key from ignition. Security light should come back on and remain on indicating you’re still in programming mode.
6.Insert second transponder key into ignition lock cylinder for registration DO NOT TURN ON. The security light should remain on for 3-5 seconds then go off. After security light goes off remove second key from ignition. Security light should come back on and remain on indicating you’re still in programming mode.
7.Insert third transponder key into ignition lock cylinder for registration DO NOT TURN ON. The security light should remain on for 3-5 seconds then go off. After security light goes off remove third key from ignition. The security light should extinguish and then commence to blink regularly.
8.Wait 30 seconds for the programming cycle and programming mode to close.
In some cases it may be necessary to cycle the ignition on and back off 5-6 times and/or press brake pedal 5 times to exit programming mode to close the programming cycle. I’ve seen some cases where it was necessary to insert a 4th key to complete the programming cycle.

 

If you are programming less than 3 keys:
1.Close all doors and windows.
2.Lock the driver side door with the key.
3.Unlock the driver side door with the key.
4.Briefly insert any key into ignition lock cylinder and remove immediately. The security light should illuminate and remain on.
5.Insert first transponder key into ignition lock cylinder for registration DO NOT TURN ON. The security light should remain on for 3-5 seconds then go off. After security light goes off remove first key from ignition.
6.If you are done proceed to step 6 below. If you want to add another key proceed to step 4.
7.Press brake pedal 5 times to exit programming mode.
8.In some cases it may be necessary to cycle the ignition on and back off 5-6 times and/or press brake pedal 5 times to exit programming mode to close the programming cycle. I’ve seen some cases where it was necessary to insert a 4th key to complete the programming cycle.
NOTE: If less than 3 keys are programmed into the ECM the security light may flash for some time (hours to weeks) until the ECM “learns” that it is apparently not going to get any more keys.
After performing one of the above sequences any of the keys that you programmed into the system should successfully start and run the car.

 

After programming the keys into the car, the security light should blink at regular intervals when there is no key in the ignition or if an unrecognized key is placed into the ignition.
IF THE LIGHT BLINKS A FEW RAPIDLY, THEN A PAUSE, THEN A FEW MORE,
THE CAR IS TELLING YOU THERE IS A PROBLEM – THIS IS AN ERROR CODE.
Usually this scenario means that one or more of the chips in the keys are unrecognized or that there is an insufficient number of keys programmed into the car and it really wants another key with a correct chip. If ANY of the keys were programmed correctly you should be able to use the correctly programmed key to start and drive the car. Driving the car with the security light blinking is not a huge problem.

To determine if the key(s) have been properly programmed into the ECM you may utilize the following procedure:
1.Positively locate the “security” or “anti-theft” light. This light should blink when there is no key in the ignition or if an unrecognized key is placed into the ignition.
2.Insert the key you have into the ignition – DO NOT TURN ON. There are 3 possible things that may occur:
(a) Security light continues to blink = unrecognized key.
(b) Security light goes off IMMEDIATELY = MASTER key
(c) Security light remains illuminated for 1-3 seconds before going out = VALET key
3. Repeat step 2 for each key that you have programmed into the car.
If you have a condition where the security light continues to blink for any of the keys, that key has not been properly programmed or recognized by the car’s computer. If the security light goes out immediately (master key) or after 1-3 seconds (valet key) then the keys have been properly programmed into the ECM and you should be able to successfully start and run the car.
If the car does not crank when the key is rotated to the “start” position then there is something else wrong in the car. It could be that the battery terminals are not sufficiently tight to make a good connection or a problem with the starter solenoid or the starter, or in some instances a blown fuse.
The information presented here is the information presented to Locksmith Charley by other sources, therefore, I am unable to guarantee the accuracy of this information. I have used these procedures before and they have worked for me personally so I believe them to be true and correct.

 

This article is shared by Locksmith Charley,for more info,please call: Locksmith Charley – Box 40293 – Mesa AZ 85274 602-717-5397