need help with 2001 Sequoia programming keys

[stulloss]

I just purchased a 2001 Sequoia. The only key available to me was the grey service key. Here is my problem, the dealership says they have to have a master key (black one) to create another key. Without that they say I am screwed and have to buy a new computer $1000-$1500. They gave me a number to call Toyota National and told me they will purchase the new computer. Toyota National tells me the 2001 models have re-programmable computers. I have called 4 dealerships in the area and none can confirm that it is a reprogrammable computer. Prices for a new master key run $35-$55, the programming if I had a master key would be $30-$75 depending on the dealership. Does anyone have any better, cheaper solutions or ideas for me to explore?

[MYSEQUOIA03]

Stulloss,
The cheaper solution is contact with the original owner to get the black key or the aliminum plate with number on it. Without these you have to replace ECU
Good Luck!

[stulloss]

thanks for the response. I tried to get the name of the previous owner but the dealership I bought it from say they bought it from another dealership and the grey key was all that was given to them. Has anyone heard of the computer being reprogrammable in a 2001-2 Sequoia?

[stulloss]

Is it possible to get the name of an owner somehow through DMV or something else maybe? The Dealership tells me they got it from another dealership and I ran a car fax on it but that does not list the other owners name, it just mentions it has had one owner.

[MYSEQUOIA03]

Stulloss,
You can ask any TOYOTA dealer. They have all records. Just mention your situation, Dealer may give to you.

[stulloss]

I found out it is definitely possbile to reprogram the ECU on a 2001-2002 Toyota Sequoia without having a master key. I had that done on mine at the dealer. They sold me a new master key for $50 and reprogrammed my old service key and the new master key. I got lucky and they did not charge me for the labor due to the confusion they caused and the fact that I researched the subject more than they did and told them how to do it. I have purchased another master key from a guy on Ebay that is a after market key for $20. Hopefully that will work as good and I can suggest no one pay the dealers $50 any more.

[monsequoia]

I purchased a 2001 Sequoia and in few weeks the check engine light came on. I had a mechanic who inspected the vehicle and didn't find any apparent faults, we came to concluded that it was the ECU problem. It's seems confirming by the fact that after we had installed the ECU in another Sequoia vehicle the check light was on. So now I have only solution to replace the ECU, but that would cause another problem with key recognition. How can I make the old master key recognized by the new ECU? Any recommendation is highly appreciated.

[bretbowman]

My dad ran into this and went back to the dealership (as long as it's a toyota dealership) and demanded a working master key. Regardless of whether the ONLY key that the dealership was given was a sub key or not, they have the obligation to provide you with a working master key. You may need to call Toyota corporate and raise a little hell. I would definitely file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org), they have an amazingly magic way of getting businesses to want to serve you better. All in all, this is always a better argument to bring up BEFORE buying, but since you have already purchased, you ought to raise some hell with the dealership and contact the local Better Business Bureau. These guys don't want/need a bad rep and the BBB will sure hang 'em out to dry if they don't take care of you.

Good luck!