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Toyota key fob prog...
 
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Toyota key fob programming is a cash cow

  

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Hey Scotty I would just like to share my experience with Toyota and key fob programming. I bought a used 07 Avalon with 190k miles for $2200. I love the car and it runs like a top. The only caveat is that I was not given a key fob with it. It is a base model so it has the regular key ignition with no keyless entry or push button start like the higher trim models do. I figured I would use my scan tool to program a new key fob in to go with my key. I tried several times but ut would not erase the previous key fobs out of the system. I went to a locksmith who specializes in programming keys and he tried several times to no avail. I called a Toyota dealer to try to get more information on it only to find out that Toyota has the system locked up that requires a Toyota dealer to wipe the key fobs and reprogram new ones. Through gritted teeth I went to the dealer and had it done, costing me over $100 just to do it. I went home and not even a day later the car stopped responding to the key fob. After doing some research, I speculated that it was the key fob receiving unit in the rear sidewall of the car. Toyota wanted $600 for a new one. That's an absurd price for the stupid thing! I went to a junkyard and ripped one out of another avalon for $5 and installed it myself. I went back to the dealer and told them what I had done. Thankfully since I had just paid to have my key fobs programmed they just did it for me. It has worked ever since, even 10 months later. Toyota makes great cars but it just shows that the dealers are out to screw everyone over on parts. I feel bad for anyone that has to yet keyless ignition fobs programmed at the dealer.


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Good thing you didn't own a Toyota Prius then you would have spent $1500


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