7
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 
e
 lectronically registering replacement   
keys is restricted. Only a Toyota dealer   
or certain bonded/registered independent 
l
 ocksmiths can generate replacement keys.
Introduction 
INTRODUCTION  
8
 
 
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 find  
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   
identified 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 
qualified independent automotive locksmith 
make a duplicate key before you need it.
THE IMMOBILIZER KEY
Introduction 
INTRODUCTION