Additional Key cannot be Registered [12/2019 - 10/2021]: Procedure

2025 Toyota Highlander XLE, FWDSECTION Procedure
  1. CHECK FOR DTC 
    1. Check for DTCs.

      Body Electrical > Smart Key > Trouble Codes 

      NOTE:

      If a malfunction occurs, do not remove/install the vehicle auxiliary battery before checking for DTCs.

      OK

      DTCs are not output.

      Result

      Proceed to
      OK
      NG

    Result: 

    NG 

    GO TO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE CHART. Refer to  DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE CHART [12/2019 - 11/2023] 

    Result: 

    OK 

    See step  2

  2. READ VALUE USING GTS (UNMATCHED VEHICLE-ID) 
    1. Read the Data List according to the display on the GTS.

      Body Electrical > Smart Key > Data List 

      Tester Display Measurement Item Range Normal Condition Diagnostic Note
      Unmatched Vehicle-ID Key No. (incorrect or correct) No or Yes No: Communication normal
      Yes: Communication malfunction
      The vehicle ID registered in the vehicle and the vehicle ID registered in the electrical key transmitter sub-assembly are different (if a key from another vehicle is brought into the vehicle exterior detection area while the doors are locked, "Yes" is displayed for "Unmatched Vehicle-ID" in the Data List).

      Other potential causes:

      • An electrical key transmitter sub-assembly from a different vehicle is being used.
      • A communication error due to wave interference.
      • The electrical key transmitter sub-assembly or certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) is malfunctioning.

      Body Electrical > Smart Key > Data List 

      Tester Display
      Unmatched Vehicle-ID

      Result

      Result Proceed to
      "No" is displayed A
      "Yes" is displayed B

    Result: 

    See step  5

    Result: 

    See step  3

  3. CHECK SMART KEY SYSTEM (for Start Function) 
    1. Remove the transmitter battery from the electrical key transmitter sub-assembly.
    2. With the brake pedal depressed, hold the electrical key transmitter sub-assembly near the engine switch and check if the power source mode changes.

      OK

      The power source mode changes.

      HINT: 

      If the power source mode changes, the cabin verification is malfunctioning.

      GTY920119Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      *1 Engine Switch
      *2 Electrical Key Transmitter Sub-assembly

      Result

      Result Proceed to
      The power source mode changes A
      The power source mode does not change B

    Result: 

    GO TO SMART KEY SYSTEM (for Start Function) (Power Source Mode does not Change to ON (IG and ACC)). Refer to  Power Source Mode does not Change to ON (IG and ACC) [12/2019 - 10/2022] 

    Result: 

    See step  4

  4. CHECK STEERING LOCK FUNCTION 
    1. The ignition switch is ACC or ON.
    2. Check that the steering unlocks.

      HINT: 

      • When the ignition switch is turned to ACC or ON and the electrical key transmitter assembly and certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) are verified, the steering is unlocked.
      • Check that the communication between the steering lock ECU (steering lock actuator or upper bracket assembly) and certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) is normal.

      OK

      The steering unlocks.

      Result

      Proceed to
      OK
      NG

    Result: 

    NG 

    GO TO SMART KEY SYSTEM (for Start Function) (Unable to Unlock Steering Wheel (Engine cannot Start)). Refer to  Unable to Unlock Steering Wheel (Engine cannot Start) [12/2019 - 10/2021]  

    Result: 

    OK 

    See step  5

  5. REGISTRATION 
    1. Using an unregistered electrical key transmitter sub-assembly, perform the additional registration procedure.

      Refer to REGISTRATION [12/2019 - 10/2021]

      OK

      Additional registration can be completed.

      Result

      Proceed to
      OK
      NG

    Result: 

    OK 

    REPLACE ELECTRICAL KEY TRANSMITTER SUB-ASSEMBLY (FIRST REGISTERED KEY WAS DEFECTIVE) 

    Result: 

    NG 

    See step  6

  6. REPLACE CERTIFICATION ECU (SMART KEY ECU ASSEMBLY) 
    1. Temporarily replace the certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) with a new one and register the electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies.

      HINT: 

      OK

      All of the electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies could be registered to the new certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) successfully.

      Result

      Proceed to
      OK
      NG

    Result: 

    OK 

    END (CERTIFICATION ECU (SMART KEY ECU ASSEMBLY) WAS DEFECTIVE) 

    Result: 

    NG 

    GO TO OTHER PROBLEM (New key cannot be Registered). Refer to  New Key cannot be Registered [12/2019 - 10/2021]  

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.