Lost key fob - What are my options?
 

I've managed to lose both my key fobs for my 2014 FR-S. I am currently using the valet key. The dealer wants $200 for a key fob and $200 to program it. Are there any cheaper solutions?

I am also interested in getting a remote start system at some point. Could I just use the lock/unlock and trunk pop functions from an aftermarket remote?

There are mobile locksmiths who will do all of this for much less than the dealer, but the hard part may be getting an appropriate blank key for them to use - our cars have a unique transponder not shared by other Toyotas even though the key outwardly looks identical to other cars. They can try using the blanks they have and it's on them if it doesn't work but OTOH if it does work, you're also paying them to take that chance.

What I've done has been to buy two used keys off of eBay, and removed the transponder and remote control from them to put in new key shells. Given you still have your valet key, the new keys can be programmed by anybody with an appropriate scan tool, and any decent locksmith can cut the key blade for you. (*)

Note that decent locksmiths may be hard to find. I know that locally, some old formerly reputable businesses have been sold to new owners who don't know what they're doing. You don't want them to do a straight copy of the valet key - you will end up with another valet key which won't open the trunk physically, though maybe you don't mind that. Ideally you'd find someone who knows how to read your existing key blank (Toyota cuts are easily read by eye) and can cut a new key from code.

Do you happen to know what type or brand of scanner will program a key fob?


Asking for a friend that has a spare that came from eBay that needs programming and local locksmiths refuse to even try it.

Toyota Techstream is what the dealerships use for the programming. Any scantool that replicates its feature set would do.

I haven't used the Toyota edition of the Launch Creader Elite, but have played with the 2024 Honda version, and it included immobilizer programming options found in Honda HDS. I would expect the Toyota version to replicate Techstream's feature set as completely as the Honda version does HDS, so I fully expect the Creader Elite would work.

There are likely many other scan tools - perhaps even others within the Launch product line - which would work, but I don't have experience with them.

There are also bootleg versions of Techstream itself that are often sold together with the requisite cable. I don't know if I trust these to be free of malware, or if the media distributed might still require a license key that's not included. OTOH, they're readily available, not too expensive, and I haven't heard of anybody actually getting into any trouble, so they could very well work too. If you want to try your luck with that, you can search eBay for a Mini-VCI cable.

The fobs are cheap from a number of places. The vehicle's computer is programmed to "memorize" up to 5 different chips. Also a good idea to clear the original two (2) that originally came with the vehicle - sounds like you only had one - plus the valet key.

The 2014 FR-S uses a Subaru G-chip (or similar Subaru system) - same as the BRZ. You can even get a facsimile "flip" fob without the Subaru logo on eBay as possible upgrade.

The valet key does not have all of the cuts of the ignition key, so you will need the key code to cut new ignition key(s).

The code is easily read from the key.

The valet key differs from the master key in only one cut right at the tip which is not even a part of the normally recorded key bittings. The valet key blank comes with the tip precut to reflect valet usage. Vehicle-specific cuts are made identically onto valet and master key blanks.