What is a Transponder chip or rfid chip?

A transponder chip is an RFID radio transmitter that is hidden in the key. It talks to the car's computer through a wireless system to make sure that the right key is in the ignition. The Cars Immobiliser system lets the car start once the chip has been checked. There are different types of transponder chips for different car makes and models, and each type needs to be used with the right car. The best way to do this is to have a locksmith cut and program the key or take the car to a Gold Coast dealership.

What is an immobiliser system?

Modern cars have immobiliser systems that are state-of-the-art. Advances in immobiliser technology have made it impossible for thieves to hot-wire or get around a car's immobiliser system to start the engine. Since 1997, almost every car made in the world has had a cutting-edge immobiliser system that is always getting better and making the car safer. Even though each vehicle immobiliser system is a little different from the others, they all have something in common: a transponder chip. A tiny RFID (Radio-frequency identification) chip called a "transponder" stores a code that only works with that particular chip. Transponder chips don't need batteries to work. Instead, a tiny copper coil inside the chip acts as an antenna and gets a voltage from the magnetic field created by an antenna near the car's ignition. When you turn on your car, the code from the transponder chip on the head of the key is read by the antenna. If the code on the transponder chip is the same as the code in the engine or immobiliser ECU, the car will start. If the code doesn't match, the car won't start. The staff at need car keys assists people all over Australia.

A smart key is a key intended to open a corresponding vehicle electronically. Some cars come with a smart key as a standard feature, while others let you add one as an option when you order the car from the factory. Newer models of smart keys are becoming more and more common. Even if the key fob is in the driver's pocket, it can still unlock, lock, or start the car because of the antennas in the car's body and the radio pulse generator in the key.

What happens if i try to start my car with a key that is either damaged or not programmed?

Using a key that hasn't been programmed to start your car can lead to a lot of issues. When using a non-programmed key, every model of vehicle will behave differently. While some vehicles won't react at all, others will let the starter motor run while not starting the engine. If the engine is started with a non-programmed key, many cars will actually completely lock the car down and prevent any attempt at programming. If your car is in a lock out state then unlocking the vehicle from its lock out state can be time-consuming and expensive.

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Toyota FJ Cruiser Manual Key Programming Procedure

Posted on: 11-13-2023

Manual procedures

Additional key programming

This procedure can be used to add a spare key, provided it is started with a current working MASTER KEY.

Ensure drivers door is closed, key removed from ignition lock.
INSERT and REMOVE the master key 5 times, leaving IN the ignition on the 5th time.
OPEN and CLOSE drivers doors 6 times.
REMOVE the master key from the ignition.
- Immobiliser light should illuminate on solid.
INSERT the new key to be programmed into ignition in the OFF position. The security light will start flashing a pattern of 1 - 1.
After 60 seconds the flashing light will stop, the key is now programmed.

Erase keys procedure

This procedure can be used to erase all existing keys, except for the MASTER key used to perform the process.

Ensure drivers door is closed, key removed from ignition lock.
INSERT and REMOVE the master key 6 times, leaving IN ignition on the 6th time.
OPEN and CLOSE drivers doors 7 times.
REMOVE the master key from the ignition.
- All keys except for the master used will now be deleted.

Remote programming procedure

This procedure is used to program remote functions.

Make sure the drivers door is open and unlocked and key is out of the ignition.
INSERT and REMOVE the key from the ignition key cylinder TWICE within 5 seconds.
CLOSE and OPEN the drivers door TWICE within 40 seconds.
INSERT the key into the ignition and remove it ONCE.
CLOSE and OPEN the drivers door TWICE within 40 seconds.
INSERT the key into the ignition, do not turn on.
CLOSE the door.
Turn the ignition switch from OFF to ON:
- 1 Time for ADD (Add new remote without erasing existing)
- 2 Times for REWRITE (Erase all existing and add new remotes)
- 3 Times for CONFIRMATION (check how many remotes are programmed)
REMOVE the key from the ignition.
- The door locks will now cycle LOCK to UNLOCK a number of times corresponding the mode selected.
- If CONFIRMATION mode has been selected, the power door locks will now cycle in 2 seconds intervals) a number of times corresponding to the number of transmitters currently registered.
For ADD or REWRITE modes, within 20 seconds of Door Lock confirmation proceed as follows:
- A: Press both transmitter LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously between 1 and 1.5 seconds and release.
- B: Within 3 seconds of step (a), press the transmitter LOCK button for more than 1 second and release.
- C: If the transmitter has been successfully programmed, the power locks will cycle LOCK to UNLOCK once at this time. If there are problems with the procedure up to this point, the locks will cycle twice, in which case you must go back and repeat the above steps (1) and (2).
- D: If multiple transmitters are to be programmed, repeat the above steps (1) to (3).
Open the drivers door to complete the procedure.

To book diagnostic key programming contact Need Car Keys on (07)5598 2425

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