I've searched and read several posts about duplication of a second key pod for my 2010 Prius but have a couple of questions. There are eBay sellers who will have you ship them a used key pod and will reset it claiming it will be like a new one and will be programmable like a virgin key. Is that actually true? Cost is around $20 to $25. Seems like a bargain if true. Second question is about enabeling the software. There is a 2 day option for $20.00 but it is the lowest tier of three levels of access they offer. Will that twenty dollar option give me access to the key programming part of the software? While I have it enabled I would like to change a couple of other settings like the backup beep and assume I can do so. I have an XP laptop with SP3 which is what I believe is usable for this process and I will need to purchase the mini cable for the OBD port to USB Port. I believe that's all I will need. Are there any particular versions of the software or cable I need? Sorry that's 3 questions I have the two original keys that came with the car but because my wife's purse was left behind while on vacation with both keys,and picked up by someone, we were left with no keys and had to pay the big bucks for a dealer reseed I think they call it and got one key. Later the purse was returned minus 700 cash but with everything else intact so we now have the original 2 keys but they no longer work of course. I'd like to have spares so we don't have to do the dealer thing again. Thanks for you're help, Mike
The Standard subscription to techinfo.toyota.com (Toyota TIS) doesn’t include the Toyota Techstream diagnostic software, for which you’d need the Professional Diagnostic subscription, from $65 for two days. If the keys you want to add are either new parts from a Toyota dealer or previously-used keys that a third party has returned to the uninitialized state, you can add them using the Smart Code Registration function in the Techstream software. The Security Professional subscription, available only to registered locksmiths, provides access to the Smart Code Reset function, which is needed only when all keys have been lost. If you subscribe to Toyota TIS, be sure to have a look at the Repair Manual (see Procedure “C” under Vehicle Interior: Theft Deterrent/Keyless Entry: Engine Immobiliser System: Registration) and at Smart Key System: Course T973B Handbook, under TIS > Library > Technical Training. See @ChapmanF's excellent summary of the situation with inexpensive cables; caveat emptor. Toyota’s recommended cable is more costly and works with current and older versions of Microsoft Windows.
Thank you. To be clear in my mind you are saying I would need to pay $65.00 (assuming I could. Not a locksmith) for 2 days access in order to add a key to my Prius. Is that correct? I have one working key and wanted a spare but at that cost I may just pay to have it done. The keys I have are the originals before the dealer did a smart code reset because the original keys were both lost temporarily and later returned.
If you want to license the Techstream software (and get an activation key to make it work) from Toyota, then yes, that’s correct. I’ve never investigated whether the € 5 activation sold by Toyota Motor Europe lets the Techstream software work with vehicles built for sale in the U.S. market.
Are you sure you can get it done for less than $65? I have my doubts -- but I could be wrong (it's happened from time to time).
$65 is the license fee to use Techstream for 2 days. I didn't know anyone actually paid it. Most people buy a mini vci for about $20 and it comes with a hacked copy of Techstream that doesn't have to be licensed. As for which ones work, there are many threads discussing that...
Thanks everyone for the replies. My present understanding is I can buy a cable with software and that will be sufficient to program a virgin or maybe a reinitalized key. Still up in the air about whether I'll try or wimp out and pay to have it done.
Even if you don't register another keyfob, Techstream is a good tool to have available. When the triangle of death lights up, the first question you'll have is why is it showing. Techstream will let you know the difference between a bad gas cap and a bad HV battery.
