7Introduction
INTRODUCTION
THE IMMOBILIZER KEY
THE NEW WORLD OF
ANTI-THEFT TECHNOLOGY
This Toyota vehicle may be equipped
with an electronic “immobilizer” anti-theft
system. When the key is inserted into the
ignition switch it transmits an electronic
code to an immobilizer computer. The
engine will only start if the code in the
key matches the code in the immobilizer.
If the code does not match, the immobilizer
disables the ignition and fuel systems.
While an exact physical copy of the key
will open the door and allow retrieval of
items locked in the vehicle, it won’t start
the vehicle unless the key has the same
code as the immobilizer.
SECURITY
For security purposes, access to key
codes and service procedures for
electronically registering replacement
keys is restricted. Only a Toyota dealer
or certain bonded/registered independent
locksmiths can generate replacement keys.
18-TCS-11410_WMG_MY19Avalon_Guts_4_1F_lm.indd 73/21/18 1:12 PM
8Introduction
INTRODUCTION
REPLACING THE KEY
Upon purchase, each vehicle should have
two master keys and an aluminum tag
with a key-code imprinted on it.
To generate a fully functional replacement
key (one that will both open the doors and
start the engine), one of the master keys
is required. To make a key that will open
the door for retrieval of items locked
inside the vehicle, the aluminum key-code
tag can be used. If a master key or the
aluminum key-code tag is not available,
a Toyota dealer or certain registered
locksmiths can obtain the key code from
a restricted-access database. These
businesses can also access a service
utility to reprogram the immobilizer if
all registered master keys have been
lost. If a Toyota dealer is not available,
please refer to www.aloa.org to nd
a bonded/registered locksmith who
performs high-security key service.
KEEPING THE KEY SAFE
Replacing an immobilizer key may be
costly. It is advisable to keep a spare
master key and the aluminum key-code
tag in a safe place. If you record the
key-code in more than one place, do not
record it in a way that can be easily
identi ed and associated with the vehicle.
It is wise to keep a copy of the key-code
outside of the vehicle.
If the vehicle was delivered with less than
two keys and the aluminum key-code tag,
consider having the Toyota dealer or a
quali ed independent automotive locksmith
make a duplicate key before you need it.
THE IMMOBILIZER KEY
18-TCS-11410_WMG_MY19Avalon_Guts_4_1F_lm.indd 83/21/18 1:12 PM
