Toyota 4Runner manufactured from 1984 until the present is in its 5^th generation. 4Runner had humble beginnings. If imitation is truly the sincerest form of flattery, surely the first-generation Toyota 4Runner made Ford Bronco and Chevy Blazer blush. 4Runner was the product of the collaboration between Toyota Truck and Winnebago.  The first 4Runner was basically a small Toyota pickup truck with a Winnebago fiberglass shell mounted over the bed.  Like the Bronco and Blazer, seats were mounted in the back; and there was no partition between the front and the rear. To avoid paying the higher SUV tax, 4Runners were imported into the United States in the 80s with only front seats. The rear seats and rear seat belts would be installed by the dealership.

In the 80s and 90s, one of the last places you would want to be in the event of an accident is inside a 4Runner. The early 4Runners offered very little protection from side or front impact crashes.

4Runner as we know it made its first appearance in 1989 with the redesigned second generation. Prior 4Runners have two doors; while most 2^nd generation have four. The 2^nd generation began to move away from the basic pickup truck with a shell on the back to more of a true sports utility vehicle (SUV).

By the third generation the transition from pickup truck to SUV was complete. Although Toyota models such as Avalon has keyless entry remotes as early as 95, it was not until 99 that the technology was made available in 4Runner. The 3^rd generation also ushered in an improvement in the safety rating.

From 1994 until 2017 over 2 million units were sold. The competition includes: Cherokee, Envoy, Durango, Trailblazer, Pathfinder and Explorer. Although well mannered, quiet and comfortable on city streets, 4Runner is capable and sure-footed off-road.  4Runner is a true SUV; not a crossover masquerading as one. Unlike car base crossovers, 4Runner is constructed with increased ground clearance and rugged heavy-duty parts. 4Runner is rated one of the most durable vehicles available.

The 5th generation 4Runner weighs about 2 tons. It comes in three trim levels. The base SR5 and the premium Limited are available with 2 and 4 wheel drive. The middle trim package is a four-wheel drive vehicle. 4Runner and the FJ Cruiser are built on the same platform.

(1984-1997) 4Runner has a non-transponder keyed ignition (Ilco part number: TR33, TR44, TR47), The key code series are K1-K4570, W1-W2409 and 10001-15000.

(1998-2000) is equipped with Toyota (Type 1)  transponder keyed ignition (Ilco part number TOY43AT4, 4C Chip), (Ilco service key part number is X217/TR47). Additional transponder keys can be programmed using the Silca RW4 Plus cloning system or on board programming. A working master key or valet key can be cloned; only a working master key can be used in the on board programming procedure.

Key on board programming procedure is as follows: Step 1. Press and release the gas and brake once. Step 2. Put a working master key into the ignition. Step 3. Press and release the gas five times. This step must be completed in 15 seconds. Step 4. Press and release the brake six times and take out the key. This step must be completed in 20 seconds. Step 5. In 10 seconds or less put the key you are programming into the ignition. Step 6. Press and release the gas once. This step must be completed in 10 seconds.  Step 7. The security light will go out after blinking 80 times. This indicates the new key is now programmed. Step 8. To exit programming mode, remove the key and press and release the brake once.

Keys cannot be programmed for 1998-2000 4Runner with a diagnostic because there is no OBD2 access. If a working key is not available, the key has to be added to memory by Eeprom or the Electronic Control Module has to be replaced. The key code series is 10001-15000.

(2001-2002) 4Runner with Toyota (Type 1) is equipped with a transponder-keyed ignition (Ilco part number TOY43AT4, 4C Chip) the service key is (Ilco X217/TR47). The key code series is 10001-15000. A diagnostic tool, cloning, or on board programming can be used to program additional keys. If all keys are lost the immobilizer must be reset.

(2003-2009) 4Runner with Toyota (Type 2 or Can) keyed ignition system. The non-high security transponder key use is (Ilco part number TOY44D-PT, 4D Chip/ Dot. Blade). The service key is (Ilco X217/TR47). The key code series is 10001-15000. A diagnostic tool, cloning, or on board programming can be used to program additional keys. If all keys are lost the immobilizer must be reset.

Key on board programming procedure for the (2003-2009) 4Runner is as follows: Step 1. A working master key is needed. Step 2. Close all doors and windows. Step 3. Put the master key into the ignition. Step 4. Turn the ignition from on to off 5 times (DO NOT START). Step 5. Open and close the driver’s door 6 times. Step 6. Remove the working master key and put the new key into the ignition (DO NOT TURN THE IGNTION ON).  Step 7. The security light will go out after blinking 60 times. This indicates the new key is now programmed.

Key less remote programming procedure for a 2001-2010 Toyota 4Runner is as follows: Step 1. The key out of the ignition and the driver’s door open and unlocked. Close all other doors. Step 2. Within 5 seconds put the key in and out of the ignition 2 times (DO NOT TURN THE IGNITION ON). Step 3. With in 40 seconds close and open the driver’s door 2 times. Put the key in and out of the ignition (DO NOT TURN THE IGNITION ON). Step 4. Close and open the driver’s door 2 times. Step 5. Put the key into the ignition and do not take in out of the ignition. Step 6. Close and open the driver’s door.  Step 7. Turn the ignition on and off (DO NOT START). Step 8. Remove the key from the ignition. Step 9. The power locks will cycle within 3 seconds indicating programming mode has been entered successfully. If the power locks do not cycle start all over. Step 10. Press the remote lock and unlock buttons at the same time for 11/2 seconds. Right after letting go press only the lock button for 2 seconds. Within 3 seconds the power locks should cycle, an indication the remote has programmed successfully. Repeat step 10 for any additional remote(s).

(2010-2018) with Toyota (Type 5) keyed ignition system. The non-high security transponder key use is (Ilco part number TOY44G-PT, 4D-67 80 bit, G Chip). The service key is (Ilco X217/TR47). The key code series is 50000-69999. A diagnostic tool or cloning can be used to program additional keys. If all keys are lost the immobilizer must be reset. When the immobilizer is reset all lost keys will be erased from memory and one master key must be programmed.

(2013-2018) with Toyota (PROX 6) Push to Start ignition system. Smart Proximity Key Fob is used. A diagnostic tool such as an AD Smart Pro is needed to program additional smart prox key fobs. If all key fobs are lost the immobilizer must be reset. When the immobilizer is reset all lost keys will be erased from memory. The 16-minute procedure requires the driver’s door to remain open during the procedure. To ensure proper voltage jumper cables should be attached to a running car and placed on the battery terminals before starting the procedure. The smart prox key fob is (part# 89904-35010). The Emergency key is (Ilco part# TOY51-P). The Emergency key code series is 40000-49999.

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