Stationed Overseas. Lost keys.
 

***EDIT/SOLVED***
So I was able to fix the problem myself. I ordered a new key from fobkeyless.com and had it cut by a local locksmith. After that I used my web-ninja skills to figure out how to reset the immobilizer and then program my new key. All together my total cost was about $180 and it took me less than 30 minutes. I'm not sure if I am allowed to post a tutorial on doing this as it is basically stealing my own car so if anyone wants to know or needs help them feel free to send me an email.
james.primmer@gmail.com
************


My car: 2013 Scion FR-S

Mistake 1: I bought my car with only one key stupidly not realizing that the dealership was supposed to give me more.
Mistake 2: While traveling through Oman I somehow lost this key.

So I'm in the military and currently stationed in Bahrain. I tried taking my car to the Toyota dealership here to have them cut and program me a new key and was informed that since the car was meant for North America that they do not have the capability to do that. They offered to replace all of the ignition electronics for the low, low price of $4800. I'm not to keen on that idea if there is any other option. So I guess my question is: What are my options?
A bit of internet research leads me to believe that I can use Techstream and reset the codes in my immobiliser if I have the right stuff and program a new key. Does the versions of Teachstream floating around online allow me to do that? I couldn't really find anything specific about that except something about needing seed codes. I'm desperate at this point and will try anything to avoid paying 4800 to the stealership. Any help/advice/kind words would be greatly appreciated :)

Did you buy the car from a dealer or private sale? If through a dealer I would try to get ahold of them since they may be able to look up your code and program and cut a key for you.
I don't think I have seen anybody successfully program a key on their own.
You do not want to change everything over since it could mess you up when back home.

From a dealership. I spoke with them and they said that they could definitely cut me a key but that I would have to be there with the car so they could program it.

Assuming you haven't already, my suggestion would be to have your home dealership cut the key for you and ask them if they could talk to a dealership on your end that they could ship the key to and have them program it. At least this way it'll seem like one dealer asking another to help their customer out, not a civilian trying to arrange it all.

The whole we can't do it you need new locks costing 4800 sounds like a money grab.

Basically have to ship the car back to the USA?

Thanks, @jimmillion for serving our country.

I thought a dealership could cut and program a key knowing the VIN of a car ..... :iono:

Help me out here folks.....do I have a misconception ....... ??


humfrz

If that was the case all i would need is your VIN to get a copy of your keys. I think they would need some access to the immobilizer :iono:

They can. In fact I just ordered a key for my son's 1998 Volvo over the interwebs yesterday because we just found out the one key we had was the valet key and would not open the trunk. (Long story for another time).

The issue may be getting the immobilizer to work (the '98 Volvo doesn't have a chipped key). I have purchased "smart keys" before from a third party and followed the instructions for a specific car to make them work (honk the horn twice, turn on the left turn signal, kiss your mother on the lips, cycle window, that type of thing) but not sure all cars can be done that way.

No. You have to bring your registration or title and a photo ID to the dealer in order for them to make a key from the VIN.

I can assist on this one!
Worth to take note that the Australian systems may be different to USDM models.
Basically you don't need a dealership, a good automotive locksmith should be able to help you out, my work (locksmith) did a keyless system a few months back at a fraction of the price. If you can get a Key Code from the dealer that helps, this is the code that cuts the physical key but still requires coding. The dealership will replace of the security system as they CANNOT reset the system to add keys, out of their hands really and I can explain if need be. But a good locksmith can reset the system without the need of buying a new security system. So that's where I would be starting.

Not really. As mentioned above, I just ordered a set from an Internet retailer (technically a dealer that sells parts online). Sent them the VIN, they sent me the keys. Had them in two days.

From what I've learned, having the VIN doesn't do any good when it comes to the immobilizer. I imagine the dealership can cut you a key with that but a locksmith can do it cheaper with the code that's on the inside of the door handle. Resetting the immobilizer is only possible with cars made for North America. Turns out our cars are stupid easy to steal. See my edit at the top, I was able to reset mine and program my own keys. I appreciate all the responses, guys! Thanks!

Really glad to hear this was resolved- scary that the dealer was looking to separate you from 48 Benjies originally.

Thats crazy!
Glad that's sorted though.