New 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 (NUMBER OF REGISTERED KEY CODES) 
    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
      Number of Registered Key Codes Number of registered electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies 0 to 8 Number of registered electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies Up to 7 electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies can be registered

      Body Electrical > Smart Key > Data List 

      Tester Display
      Number of Registered Key Codes

      HINT: 

      A new certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) will be have no electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies registered.

      OK

      "0" is displayed on the GTS display.

      Result

      Proceed to
      OK
      NG

    Result: 

    NG 

    REPLACE CERTIFICATION ECU (SMART KEY ECU ASSEMBLY). Refer to  REMOVAL [12/2019 - 11/2023] 

    Result: 

    OK 

    See step  3

  3. READ VALUE USING GTS (OPERATION HISTORY LIST) 
    1. Check the freeze frame data.

      Body Electrical > Smart Key > Utility 

      Tester Display
      Operation History

      Registration Function (Reason for Non-operation)

      Parameter Name Detection Condition Trouble Area Proceed to
      Failed Registration Mode
      • A registration request was sent while in another mode.
      • During registration a different registration request was sent.
      Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) A
      Vehicle ID not set A vehicle ID has not been registered in the certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly). Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) B
      Key Registration Max A registration request is sent when the maximum number of electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies has already been registered. Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) C
      Vehicle Speed Too High
      (This applies only when registration fails even though the vehicle is stationary. Make sure that the vehicle is stationary first.)
      A registration request is sent with a vehicle speed of 5 km/h or more. Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) D
      No ECU Response The steering lock ECU (steering lock actuator or upper bracket assembly) was not connected.
      • Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly)
      • Steering lock ECU (steering lock actuator or upper bracket assembly)
      E
      L Code Verification Error The L codes registered in the certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) and steering lock ECU (steering lock actuator or upper bracket assembly) did not match.
      • Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly)
      • Steering lock ECU (steering lock actuator or upper bracket assembly)
      F
      Key Verification: Max Number The number of electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies registered in the certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) was more than 7. Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) C
      Key Verification: Amp Abnormal Malfunction of the immobilizer amplifier, such as a short to ground.
      • Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly)
      • Engine switch
      G
      Key Verification: Read Error Although a registered electrical key transmitter sub-assembly was held near the engine switch, immobilizer function certification was not successful.
      • Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly)
      • Electrical key transmitter sub-assembly
      H
      Unverified Key Although all of the registered electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies had been held near the engine switch, electrical key transmitter sub-assembly registration was not possible due to immobilizer function certification not being successful.
      • Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly)
      • Electrical key transmitter sub-assembly
      I
      Transponder Key Amp Error Malfunction of the immobilizer amplifier, such as a short to ground.
      • Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly)
      • Engine switch
      G
      New Key Registration Error Although an unregistered electrical key transmitter sub-assembly was held near the engine switch, electrical key transmitter sub-assembly registration is not possible due to immobilizer function certification not being successful.
      • Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly)
      • Electrical key transmitter sub-assembly
      J
      New Key Vehicle ID Error Although an unregistered electrical key transmitter sub-assembly was held near the engine switch, electrical key transmitter sub-assembly registration is not possible due to the vehicle ID not being stored successfully.
      • Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly)
      • Electrical key transmitter sub-assembly
      J
      New Key Registration Failed After successful immobilizer function certification, time expired before smart recognition completion confirmation or a registration cancellation request was sent.
      • Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly)
      • Electrical key transmitter sub-assembly
      J
      New Key Already Registered Although a registered electrical key transmitter sub-assembly was held near the engine switch, time expired or a registration cancellation request was sent. Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) K
      New Key ID Code Error Electrical key transmitter sub-assembly registration was not possible due to the certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) not being able to store the information of the electrical key transmitter sub-assembly to EEPROM correctly. Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) B
      No Response Registering L/S Code The certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) or steering lock ECU (steering lock actuator or upper bracket assembly) was not connected.
      • Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly)
      • Steering lock ECU (steering lock actuator or upper bracket assembly)
      E
      L Code Verification NG The L code could not be stored by the steering lock ECU (steering lock actuator or upper bracket assembly).
      • Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly)
      • Steering lock ECU (steering lock actuator or upper bracket assembly)
      F
      Key Number Write Error The certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) could not store the number of electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies to EEPROM. Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) B
      ID Code BOX Write Error The certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) could not store the information of whether the ID code box was provided in the vehicle to EEPROM. Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) B
      New Key ID Registration Stopped (Security Access Malfunction) Communication error Communication error between the GTS and key registration server L
      New Key ID Registration Stopped (Certification ECU Type Malfunction) The electrical key transmitter sub-assembly is not compatible with the certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly). Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) B
      New Key ID Registration Stopped (Key Type Malfunction) The electrical key transmitter sub-assembly is not compatible with the registration mode. Electrical key transmitter sub-assembly M

    Result: 

    REPLACE CERTIFICATION ECU (SMART KEY ECU ASSEMBLY). Refer to  REMOVAL [12/2019 - 11/2023] 

    Result: 

    REPLACE CERTIFICATION ECU (SMART KEY ECU ASSEMBLY). Refer to  REMOVAL [12/2019 - 11/2023] 

    Result: 

    See step  5

    Result: 

    CHECK FOR DTC B2785. Refer to  DTC B2785: Communication Malfunction between ECUs Connected by LIN [12/2019 - 10/2021] 

    Result: 

    See step  6

    Result: 

    CHECK FOR DTC B278A or B2784. Refer to  DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE CHART [12/2019 - 10/2021] 

    Result: 

    See step  7

    Result: 

    See step  11

    Result: 

    See step  13

    Result: 

    NEW KEY REGISTRATION FAILED, CHECK THE KEY 

    1. Check if a registered electrical key transmitter sub-assembly was held near the engine switch instead of an unregistered electrical key transmitter sub-assembly by mistake.
    2. Perform registration again using an unregistered electrical key transmitter sub-assembly. If the same problem occurs again, replace the certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly).

    Result: 

    CHECK GTS 

    1. Check communication between the GTS and the key registration server.

    Result: 

    REREGISTRATION 

    1. Replace the electrical key transmitter sub-assembly, register the ID.

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

    Result: 

    See step  4

  4. CHECK REGISTRATION MODE 
    1. Make sure that another mode or different registration mode is not selected.

      OK

      Another mode or a different registration mode is not selected.

      HINT: 

      If any mode has been selected, it is necessary to cancel the mode.

      Result

      Proceed to
      OK
      NG

    Result: 

    OK 

    REPLACE CERTIFICATION ECU (SMART KEY ECU ASSEMBLY). Refer to  REMOVAL [12/2019 - 11/2023] 

    Result: 

    NG 

    PERFORM REREGISTRATION. Refer to  REGISTRATION [12/2019 - 10/2021] 

  5. READ VALUE USING GTS (VEHICLE SPEED METER) 
    1. Read the Data List according to the display on the GTS.

      Body Electrical > Combination Meter > Data List 

      Tester Display Measurement Item Range Normal Condition Diagnostic Note
      Vehicle Speed Meter Vehicle speed Min.: 0, Max.: 255 Almost same as actual vehicle speed (Speedometer tester) -

      Body Electrical > Combination Meter > Data List 

      Tester Display
      Vehicle Speed Meter

      OK

      "0 km/h (0 mph)" is displayed when the vehicle is stationary.

      Result

      Proceed to
      OK
      NG

    Result: 

    OK 

    REPLACE CERTIFICATION ECU (SMART KEY ECU ASSEMBLY). Refer to  REMOVAL [12/2019 - 11/2023] 

    Result: 

    NG 

    GO TO METER / GAUGE SYSTEM. Refer to  HOW TO PROCEED WITH TROUBLESHOOTING [12/2019 - ] 

  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 

    REPLACE STEERING LOCK ECU (STEERING LOCK ACTUATOR OR UPPER BRACKET ASSEMBLY). Refer to  DISASSEMBLY [12/2019 - 10/2021] 

  7. CHECK ELECTRICAL KEY TRANSMITTER SUB-ASSEMBLY 
    1. Make sure that a registered electrical key transmitter sub-assembly is being used.

      OK

      A registered electrical key transmitter sub-assembly is being used.

      Result

      Proceed to
      OK
      NG

    Result: 

    NG 

    USE A REGISTERED ELECTRICAL KEY TRANSMITTER SUB-ASSEMBLY AND PERFORM REREGISTRATION. Refer to  REGISTRATION [12/2019 - 10/2021] 

    Result: 

    OK 

    See step  8

  8. CHECK NUMBER OF REGISTERED ELECTRICAL KEY TRANSMITTER SUB-ASSEMBLIES 
    1. Check the number of registered electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies.

      Result

      Result Proceed to
      Only one electrical key transmitter sub-assembly is registered A
      2 or more electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies are registered B

    Result: 

    See step  10

    Result: 

    See step  9

  9. REREGISTRATION 
    1. Reregister the electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies using different order combinations.

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

      HINT: 

      If there are 2 or more electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies, make sure that the number of order combinations is the same as the number of electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies so that each transmitter can be checked first.

      EXAMPLE: WHEN THERE ARE 3 REGISTERED ELECTRICAL KEY TRANSMITTER SUB-ASSEMBLIES (A, B AND C).

      Combination Order*
      1 A → B → C
      2 B → C→ A
      3 C → A → B
      1. *: Except for the first electrical key transmitter sub-assembly, the remaining electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies can be checked in any order.

      OK

      "Key Verification: Read Error" is not displayed.

      Result

      Proceed to
      OK
      NG

    Result: 

    OK 

    REPLACE ELECTRICAL KEY TRANSMITTER SUB-ASSEMBLY (ELECTRICAL KEY TRANSMITTER SUB-ASSEMBLY HELD WHEN "Key Verification: Read Error" WAS DETECTED WAS DEFECTIVE) 

    Result: 

    NG 

    See step  10

  10. 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 

    REPLACE ELECTRICAL KEY TRANSMITTER SUB-ASSEMBLY 

  11. CHECK FOR ELECTRICAL KEY TRANSMITTER SUB-ASSEMBLY 
    1. Check that all registered electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies are available.

      OK

      No registered electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies are missing.

      Result

      Proceed to
      OK
      NG

    Result: 

    NG 

    ERASE ALL REGISTERED ELECTRICAL KEY TRANSMITTERS EXCEPT ONE, THEN REGISTER THE REMAINING ELECTRICAL KEY TRANSMITTERS. Refer to  REGISTRATION [12/2019 - 10/2021] 

    Result: 

    OK 

    See step  12

  12. REREGISTRATION 
    1. Register the electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies using different order combinations.

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

      HINT: 

      If there are 2 or more electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies, make sure that the number of order combinations is the same as the number of electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies so that each transmitter can be checked first.

      EXAMPLE: WHEN THERE ARE 3 REGISTERED ELECTRICAL KEY TRANSMITTER SUB-ASSEMBLIES (A, B AND C).

      Combination Order*
      1 A → B → C
      2 B → C→ A
      3 C → A → B
      1. *: Except for the first electrical key transmitter sub-assembly, the remaining electrical key transmitter sub-assemblies can be checked in any order.

      OK

      "Key Verification: Read Error" is not displayed.

      Result

      Proceed to
      OK
      NG

    Result: 

    OK 

    REPLACE CERTIFICATION ECU (SMART KEY ECU ASSEMBLY). Refer to  REMOVAL [12/2019 - 11/2023] 

    Result: 

    NG 

    REPLACE ELECTRICAL KEY TRANSMITTER SUB-ASSEMBLY (ELECTRICAL KEY TRANSMITTER SUB-ASSEMBLY HELD WHEN "Key Verification: Read Error" WAS DETECTED WAS DEFECTIVE) 

  13. REREGISTRATION 
    1. Using an unregistered electrical key transmitter sub-assembly, register the ID.

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

      OK

      The key ID can be registered.

      Result

      Proceed to
      OK
      NG

    Result: 

    OK 

    END (ELECTRICAL KEY TRANSMITTER WAS DEFECTIVE) 

    Result: 

    NG 

    REPLACE CERTIFICATION ECU (SMART KEY ECU ASSEMBLY). Refer to  REMOVAL [12/2019 - 11/2023] 

RENDER: 1.0x

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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.