Lost my key two days ago. About to pull the lock and get the lock code. Has anyone with this model car been able to copy a key without needing it programmed? It's a 1998 Toyota Camry V6, MCV20R. I have a blank that has the right chip. The car has factory security eg, rectangle led that flashes red. Not sure if I can copy a key or it needs to be also registered in the ecu as well. My understanding is it may accept the new key or it may be the system that needs a master key? Deciding between cutting the blank I have or getting a mobile locksmith to do everything.
98 Camry, lost car key, anyone changed their key?
Cave Fire on 31/08/2020 - 10:15
Last edited 31/08/2020 - 10:34
Last edited 31/08/2020 - 10:34
Comments
I was going to pass this over to HelloPam… It will either be in the waste paper basket or in the car somewhere…
I thought this may have been a Pam thread.
I would get an automotive locksmith to do it. The problem is, if you have lost all the keys, there is no way to get the car into programming mode. You usually need at least one working key on most cars to get it into programming mode. A locksmith will have all the equipment to plug into the ECU, set it to learn and then program the new keys. They will also be able to cut your new key for you on the spot. My advice here is while they are there… GET TWO KEYS! Because it's cheaper to get two done on the the spot than it is to get them to come back out again later because you once again lost your only key.
That being said, I know with some models of Camry, the only way to program new keys to the vehicle if you have lost all of them, is to reflash the security ECU. Not that that part is a big job, the issue is that the ECU resides on the firewall under the dash and the only way to get it out is to remove the dash. Again, I am not sure what year models that affects, so you might be ok there, maybe not.
Another place to look is to get on some Toyota forums and see what they are saying. You wont the the first or only person with this issue, and someone may have an alternative solution.
Obligitory shit comment: It's a '98 Camry. Cheaper to buy a whole, working 98 Camry, as it would be cheaper than getting two new keys and getting them cut and programmed. Something, something "economic write off"
Cheaper to buy a whole, working 98 Camry, as it would be cheaper than getting two new keys and getting them cut and programmed.
hahahaha so true….. Keep the old one for parts :)
There is a 98 camry on carsales for $400, running with keys too!
Not in Qld…. Maybe someone desperate will sell less than 1k, but they are dear here. The price for that one is $1000 ono when you go into the ad.
price for that one is $1000 ono when you go into the ad.
Was $1000… It's now listed for $400.
Do a road trip and get it :)
Do a road trip and get it :)
Sounds like fun, but with 14day hotel ‘holiday’ included it’s not going to be cheap!
1998 Toyota Camry V6, MCV20R
You lock this junker? 🤣🤣
Heaps of thefts in my area so yeah.
For the price of the locksmith and coding you could probably buy. New car and get decent scrap/paddock basher money for this one.
On some older cars as long as you have a key that can turn the car to the on position you can usually get into the cars secret pair mode and pair the fob to the car yourself, you don't need a currently paired fob (although the alarm might be blaring while pairing it if it's armed). Try searching how to get into pairing mode for your model car.
Found this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFuc7Yui9xA so the chip/transponder just needs to be programmed as master. Don't know how someone without a tango programmer would do this. Harder way is with the ECU through an EEPROM programmer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rtXpOWYx_U
NECRO (in case other camry drivers need this) First guy (in above video I linked) completed easily for a 97 but unfortunately didn't have presets in his machine for my exact model. Was a very near thing. Used the boot key to make a first copy. Didn't charge either. Advised to use someone with an ECU programmer -> someone turned up with a bigger machine, Used the boot key and coded with preset. He did a reset/master key program by opening and closing the doors. Easy and quick if you know the correct preset and reset for the master key.
Our resident Locksmith will reply soon.
Over to you Pegaxs.