Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us
Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network
HomeAnnouncements
Discussion Groups
By Brand
BMWChevroletDodgeFordGMHondaLexusMercedes-BenzNissanPeugeotToyotaVolkswagenOther Brands
By Topic
4x4 CarsRVsDrivingMaintenance & RepairCar AudioCollectible Cars
Country Specific
Australian ForumsUK Forums
ArticlesAuto InsuranceBuyingCars & TechnologyMaintenanceMiscellaneousSafety
DMV Resources
Related Topics
MotorcyclesBoatsMore Topics ...

Car Forum / Toyota / Prius / March 2006

Tip: Looking for answers? Try searching our database.

Guess how much to rekey/reprogram alarm?  Go ahead...guess

Thread view: 
Enable EMail Alerts  Start New Thread
Thread rating: 
system@down.nul - 14 Mar 2006 07:59 GMT
Had my backpack stolen with my license and carkeys.  Since the thief
knows where I live, I am considering to rekey my vehicle and reprogram
my remote/alarm.  Dealer estimate?  Only $1600.  Ouch.  Now, I'm
considering trading it in and taking the energy tax deduction.  Is
this cost normal?  
richard schumacher - 14 Mar 2006 16:44 GMT
> Had my backpack stolen with my license and carkeys.  Since the thief
> knows where I live, I am considering to rekey my vehicle and reprogram
> my remote/alarm.  Dealer estimate?  Only $1600.  Ouch.  Now, I'm
> considering trading it in and taking the energy tax deduction.  Is
> this cost normal?  

That's about what they charge for replacing the computer which
communicates with the keys, and that is the only means of re-keying.
mrv@kluge.net - 14 Mar 2006 17:11 GMT
> Had my backpack stolen with my license and carkeys.  Since the thief
> knows where I live, I am considering to rekey my vehicle and reprogram
> my remote/alarm.  Dealer estimate?  Only $1600.  Ouch.  Now, I'm
> considering trading it in and taking the energy tax deduction.  Is
> this cost normal?

The only cases I know of of a stolen Prius had to do with the keys
stolen, so it would be a good idea to remove the stolen registered
keyfob from the car's engine immobilizer computer.

If you had your only remaining keyfob stolen, then the price sounds
about right, as you would need to replace the security ECU in order to
add a new key.  (An already registered keyfob is needed to start the
add/remove process for the engine immobilizer, so don't loose that last
registered keyfob!)

I don't know the price to rekey the mechanical door lock on the
driver's door, but a new mechanical key can be cut using the metal
keytag that came with your keyfobs when you bought the car, or from a
dealer with your VIN, no master metal key needed.  The metal key (if
you already have one) can be cut for cheaper at a locksmith or hardware
store if you already have a master, though.

When buying new keyfobs, shop around at several dealers' parts
departments.  Prices will vary.  Be careful that you are buying the
correct keyfob - depending on the color of the Toyota logo (silver or
black) will depend if the keyfob is a Smart key.  (the color is listed
in the Owner's Manual, but I don't have mine handy to check at the
moment.)  Be careful of buying used keyfobs from eBay or the like,
although they may be cheaper the remote features aren't able to be
reprogrammed.

Sadly, only a dealer can program the car to accept a new keyfob
(add/delete), as the process requires a dealer scantool (THHT).  So,
expect some form of labor charge to add/delete the keys, besides the
part cost of the keyfob.  Just make sure that you test out the keyfobs
before you leave your dealer (the remote functions all work, the Smart
functions all work, the keyfob can start the car), as sometimes the
dealer will forget that there are separate procedures for the Smart
function/remote function/ignition start function.

the little metal mechanical key (2004-2006 Prius) is US part number
69515-47010.

the (2004-2006 Prius) keyfob WITHOUT the Smart function is US part
number 89071-47180.  List price is $192.33.

the (2004-2006 Prius) keyfob WITH the Smart function is US part number
89904-47061.  List price is $214.00.

At a known discount dealer, Conicelli Toyota - PA, Tom Rielli -
800-825-7128 ext.2653, the metal key is $3.97, the Smart-less keyfob is
$144.17, the Smart keyfob is $160.50.  That's the Prius-2G yahoogroup
prices, taken from the Parts Database section.
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Prius-2G/database?query=key&submit=Go&method
=reportRows&tbl=1

(you need to be a member of the group to view that section.)

You could also try some of the other known discount parts dealers (even
for the security ECU, you might get a better price, even after
shipping):
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius/links/Parts___Accessories__0009
96708657/Toyota_Parts_sources_001004633715/


However, you do not say what model Prius you have...  If you have a
2001-2003 Prius, things are a little easier.  You still have the
problem that if you lost all of your keys, you have to replace the
security ECU (about the price you listed above), and if you want the
locks rekeyed that'll be a bit of work (front driver's and passenger's
door, trunk, and ignition lock).  However, you are not beholden to the
dealer if you need to add/delete registered keys, as you can order them
cheaply and program them yourself if you have a remaining master
(black) key (not the grey sub/valet key), and hardware stores are
inexpensive ways to copy the mechanical key.  Same deal with the metal
keytag or VIN use to get the metal keycut pattern for the mechanical
locks.
Keys:  http://www.coastaletech.com/carkeys.htm  (US $18)
Programming keys:  http://www.coastaletech.com/keys.htm
Programming remotes: http://www.coastaletech.com/transmitters.htm

Good luck!

(oh, and be sure to check into the IRS recapture rules for the tax
deduction or credit, should you decide to sell your vehicle...)
mrv@kluge.net - 14 Mar 2006 17:11 GMT
> Had my backpack stolen with my license and carkeys.  Since the thief
> knows where I live, I am considering to rekey my vehicle and reprogram
> my remote/alarm.  Dealer estimate?  Only $1600.  Ouch.  Now, I'm
> considering trading it in and taking the energy tax deduction.  Is
> this cost normal?

The only cases I know of of a stolen Prius had to do with the keys
stolen, so it would be a good idea to remove the stolen registered
keyfob from the car's engine immobilizer computer.

If you had your only remaining keyfob stolen, then the price sounds
about right, as you would need to replace the security ECU in order to
add a new key.  (An already registered keyfob is needed to start the
add/remove process for the engine immobilizer, so don't loose that last
registered keyfob!)

I don't know the price to rekey the mechanical door lock on the
driver's door, but a new mechanical key can be cut using the metal
keytag that came with your keyfobs when you bought the car, or from a
dealer with your VIN, no master metal key needed.  The metal key (if
you already have one) can be cut for cheaper at a locksmith or hardware
store if you already have a master, though.

When buying new keyfobs, shop around at several dealers' parts
departments.  Prices will vary.  Be careful that you are buying the
correct keyfob - depending on the color of the Toyota logo (silver or
black) will depend if the keyfob is a Smart key.  (the color is listed
in the Owner's Manual, but I don't have mine handy to check at the
moment.)  Be careful of buying used keyfobs from eBay or the like,
although they may be cheaper the remote features aren't able to be
reprogrammed.

Sadly, only a dealer can program the car to accept a new keyfob
(add/delete), as the process requires a dealer scantool (THHT).  So,
expect some form of labor charge to add/delete the keys, besides the
part cost of the keyfob.  Just make sure that you test out the keyfobs
before you leave your dealer (the remote functions all work, the Smart
functions all work, the keyfob can start the car), as sometimes the
dealer will forget that there are separate procedures for the Smart
function/remote function/ignition start function.

the little metal mechanical key (2004-2006 Prius) is US part number
69515-47010.

the (2004-2006 Prius) keyfob WITHOUT the Smart function is US part
number 89071-47180.  List price is $192.33.

the (2004-2006 Prius) keyfob WITH the Smart function is US part number
89904-47061.  List price is $214.00.

At a known discount dealer, Conicelli Toyota - PA, Tom Rielli -
800-825-7128 ext.2653, the metal key is $3.97, the Smart-less keyfob is
$144.17, the Smart keyfob is $160.50.  That's the Prius-2G yahoogroup
prices, taken from the Parts Database section.
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Prius-2G/database?query=key&submit=Go&method
=reportRows&tbl=1

(you need to be a member of the group to view that section.)

You could also try some of the other known discount parts dealers (even
for the security ECU, you might get a better price, even after
shipping):
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius/links/Parts___Accessories__0009
96708657/Toyota_Parts_sources_001004633715/


However, you do not say what model Prius you have...  If you have a
2001-2003 Prius, things are a little easier.  You still have the
problem that if you lost all of your keys, you have to replace the
security ECU (about the price you listed above), and if you want the
locks rekeyed that'll be a bit of work (front driver's and passenger's
door, trunk, and ignition lock).  However, you are not beholden to the
dealer if you need to add/delete registered keys, as you can order them
cheaply and program them yourself if you have a remaining master
(black) key (not the grey sub/valet key), and hardware stores are
inexpensive ways to copy the mechanical key.  Same deal with the metal
keytag or VIN use to get the metal keycut pattern for the mechanical
locks.
Keys:  http://www.coastaletech.com/carkeys.htm  (US $18)
Programming keys:  http://www.coastaletech.com/keys.htm
Programming remotes: http://www.coastaletech.com/transmitters.htm

Good luck!

(oh, and be sure to check into the IRS recapture rules for the tax
deduction or credit, should you decide to sell your vehicle...)
Bob Wilson - 15 Mar 2006 04:06 GMT
> Had my backpack stolen with my license and carkeys.  Since the thief
> knows where I live, I am considering to rekey my vehicle and reprogram
> my remote/alarm.  Dealer estimate?  Only $1600.  Ouch.  Now, I'm
> considering trading it in and taking the energy tax deduction.  Is
> this cost normal?  

Only if you have lost all of your keys and the keyfob. What year is it?

On Ebay, you can buy blank keys and Prius keyfobs. There is a process
you can use to 'teach' the new key to your car. The same is true for the
keyfob. Then you can wipe out the old key and keyfob entries:

http://www.coastaletech.com/keys.htm
http://www.coastaletech.com/transmitters.htm

I bought a Prius fob from Ebay and programmed it in our Prius. I didn't
know about the programming the key so I paid $75 for the dealer to do a
$20 job via Ebay and Lowes.

BTW, I'd recommend making sure you have two keys and keyfobs, ASAP.

Now if you want to change the mechanical tumblers, that is a different
problem.

Bob Wilson
dbs__usenet@tanj.com - 15 Mar 2006 09:39 GMT
> Had my backpack stolen with my license and carkeys.  Since the thief
> knows where I live, I am considering to rekey my vehicle and reprogram
> my remote/alarm.  Dealer estimate?  Only $1600.  Ouch.  Now, I'm
> considering trading it in and taking the energy tax deduction.  Is
> this cost normal?  

This sounds like the normal cost at the dealer.  A locksmith with
up-to-date tools may be able to do it for you cheaper.

You do not have to replace the ECU, but it is time intensive to program
new keys without the master.   It's probably easier for the shop to sell
you a new ECU (since they profit anyway) than it is to go through the
timed steps to reprogram it.

If I recall correctly from the article I read last year, the ECU
reprogramming without a key takes 4 hours or so with specific steps to
be performed at certain intervals.  Miss a step or do it too late and
you start over.  Since my dealer could not figure out how to program
a spare key without the diagnostic tool, I can see where replacing the
ECU is easier for him.

The locks can be re-keyed by a competent locksmith for a lot less
than $1600.  Depending on your location, it should be more like $100
per door or less and slightly more for the ignition.

Daniel
richard schumacher - 15 Mar 2006 16:20 GMT
> > Had my backpack stolen with my license and carkeys.  Since the thief
> > knows where I live, I am considering to rekey my vehicle and reprogram
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> than $1600.  Depending on your location, it should be more like $100
> per door or less and slightly more for the ignition.

In summary, the original poster has no security against the fob thief
until the ECU is reprogrammed or replaced.  Replacing the fobs and
changing the mechanical locks will not solve that problem.
Shawn Hirn - 19 Mar 2006 15:22 GMT
> Had my backpack stolen with my license and carkeys.  Since the thief
> knows where I live, I am considering to rekey my vehicle and reprogram
> my remote/alarm.  Dealer estimate?  Only $1600.  Ouch.  Now, I'm
> considering trading it in and taking the energy tax deduction.  Is
> this cost normal?  

If it were me, I wouldn't worry about it. If your car gets stolen, let
your auto insurance company worry about it. Chances are, it will cost
you less if your car is stolen than it will to replace the keys and fobs.
 
Sign In
Join
My Latest Posts
My Monitored Threads
My Blog
My Photo Gallery
My Profile
My Homepage

Start New Thread
Enable EMail Alerts
Rate this Thread



©2008 Advenet LLC   Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.