DIY: Lost Key Fob Remote Replacement for FR-S

[customfab87]

*Please excuse any typos or unclear explanations. I will revise this DIY as I gather more info*

Yes there is an alternative to the expensive OEM clicker key! This guide will help you put together a replacement clicker key for about $80, which is the lowest cost possible solution from all of my research. If making multiple keys, one could save a substantial amount. (Alternatively you can just use parts of this guide to program an OEM clicker key, which costs about $165. At least you're saving on programming costs.) This guide assumes that you have at least ONE remaining programmed key. This is the only method to get a generic HYQ12BBY replacement key to work on the FR-S. Although our car shares a FCC ID with other Toyota's, it uses a Subaru immobilizer system, so it cannot use the immobilizer chip inside the generic replacement keys, which was designed for a Toyota immobilizer system.

Please proceed at your own risk. I am making this guide to try to help fellow community members. This process can damage your car's computers or your personal computer, cause personal injury, cause financial loss, and possibly waste a lot of time.

Parts required:
1. Computer running Windows XP 32-bit, or XP Mode under Windows 7
2. Techstream software
3. M-VCI cable
4. Generic non-chip key that's cut ($2)
5. Genuine Scion valet key, Toyota PN: SU003-01453. The cheapest option is Camelback Toyota at $63.67, with free shipping for orders over $150. I ordered multiple keys.
6. Generic clicker key with FCC ID: HYQ12BBY ($14)
7. Any existing programmed key
8. Sharp razor knife
9. Beverage of your choice.



Steps:

1. Set up XP mode under a PC running Windows 7, if you are not running in XP 32-bit natively. Install the MVCI drivers that came with your cable, and install Techstream software. I will post links as I find them, but a quick search will produce many in depth guides.

2. Plug the M-VCI cable into your car's OBD2 port and into the USB port on the computer. Attach the M-VCI cable by clicking on USB at the top of the screen and the appropriate device. The biggest problem I've noticed with devices not attaching on new computers running XP mode is the fact that there isn't a driver for an Intel USB 3.0 controller for Windows XP. You can solve this problem temporarily by going into the BIOS, and under USB settings there should be an option to set the XHCI Pre-Boot mode to Disabled. This forces the USB 3.0 controller to run under USB 2.0 mode.



3. Make sure that you switch your ignition to ON with your programmed key, but don't start the car.

4. Once you start up Techstream, click on Connect to Vehicle. I have version 10, and the menus may slightly differ from other versions. If the connection is successful, you should see the vehicle detected. If the Division says Toyota and other fields are blank, try closing Techstream, cycling the key, and restarting Techstream. Click Next to proceed.



5. Under the System Select tab, double click on Main Body.



6. Under the Main Body tab, click on Utility.



7. If you are afraid that someone who finds your lost keys can open your car, then you may want to use the Key Code Erasure utility first. I have never used this utility, but if you search on youtube there are plenty of tutorials. Under the Utility screen, double click on Key Registration to continue.



8. Have your generic non-chip cut key and your new uncut immobilizer key ready. Under key registration, click on Next to proceed.



9. If this is your first time programming additional keys, you should see 3 keys registered and room for 3 more keys. Click next to continue. Your programmed key should still be in the ignition cylinder switched to ON. You will have 60 seconds to complete each step.



10. Now you have 60 seconds to remove your programmed key from the ignition switch, and insert the new key. Insert the cut non-chip key into the ignition switch while holding the immobilizer key against it, so that the ECU will think that you are inserting a cut immobilizer key. Turn the keys to ON but don't start the engine.





11. The programming should take 1-2 seconds. If successful, you should see the following message immediately. I forgot to take a screenshot, but from my memory I recreated the message that you should see. If you have further keys to program, take both keys out of the cylinder, and insert the generic non-chip cut key along with a new non-programmed immobilizer key held next to it back into the ignition cylinder. Turn to Ignition on but don't start the car. Programming should take 1-2 seconds. Again, you have 60 seconds to complete this process. If you have no further keys to program, just let the timer expire.



If you accidentally insert a programmed key back in, you should see the following error message, with another 60 seconds to insert the correct key.



12. Once complete, you should see the following message. I only programmed one key in additional to the 3 that came with the car, so I have 2 spaces left.



13. Start the car by inserting the generic non-chip key, along with the programmed immobilizer chip held next to it. The car should start and idle.

[customfab87]

Part 2: Programming the remote for door lock/ unlock

Programming your remote's functions is much simpler under Techstream than the manual method of remote programming, and involves only two clicks of the remote. You can use any generic replacement clicker key with the FCC ID: HYQ12BBY.

1. Under the Utility menu, select Wireless Code Registration.

Utilty.png

2. If your key is not already in the Ignition, switch to Ignition ON but don't start the car. Wait at least 30 seconds before clicking Next. Make sure the driver's door is the only one that's open and that it's unlocked.



3. The body computer can remember 6 remotes. If this is the first time that you are adding an additional remote, you should have space for 4 more, like me. Click Next to continue.



4. You have 30 seconds to complete each step after clicking Next to continue.



5. Using a new unprogrammed remote, hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons for at least one second. Then press either the LOCK or UNLOCK button once for one second.



6. The body computer will communicate to Techstream that a remote has successfully been programmed. Press Next to program another remote, or click Exit to finish.

[customfab87]

Step 3

Cutting the clicker key/ Swapping over the Immobilizer chip/ Customization

[derek1ee]

Anyone tried this on a BRZ Limited w/ keyless entry fob?

I got a used car with only one key, and try to use the "earse" function to remove the other key that I don't have.

I get to the screen says "2 keys registered", but after I press next, it says communication to ECU was lost. I think it may be that the keyless system is different and requires the Subaru software to program it, but weren't sure.

[customfab87]

Yes the immobilizer system on the FR-S and BRZ are different. You need the Subaru software to program a BRZ.

[aznchris]

I love this thread hopefully it never gets deleted or images gone. So "key code registration" is to register a new key. "Key code erasure" is to remove all other keys, but one. "Wireless code registration" is to program the buttons of a key.

I'm assuming "Wireless code erasure" is to remove the buttons from all other keys.

But what's "Key reset"...?

[soundman98]

don't ever click that.

it resets all the keys for all locks within a 1/2 mile radius.

very problematic.

[aznchris]

Originally Posted by soundman98

don't ever click that.

it resets all the keys for all locks within a 1/2 mile radius.

very problematic.

omg.. Is it that easy? Or is it gonna be like, are you sure you want to do that? lol

[soundman98]

Depends on if you have 2FA set up