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How can you remove a Toyota immobilizer?

My car has been acting up a bit recently, and I’ve had problems unlocking and locking the vehicle. Based on what I’ve read and talked about with my buddy, a mechanic, it sounds like there’s a problem with the immobilizer. How can I remove the immobilizer in my Toyota?

avatar
Jack Walsh · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with your vehicle, but to remove a
Toyota
immobilizer entirely, you need to visit a mechanic. While only a professional can remove or service the immobilizer, there are ways to bypass the system until then.
To bypass the immobilizer in your Toyota, you should try the following:
  • Determine if it’s an immobilizer issue by making sure you’re using the right key and the batteries aren’t dead. You should also try a spare if you have one. If the anti-theft light, typically red or blue, is flashing on your dashboard, the key hasn’t been recognized.
  • Put the key in the ignition and turn it to On without starting the vehicle. Leave the key like this for 10 to 15 minutes. If the anti-theft light is not blinking, turn off the ignition, leave the key in place for about three minutes, and then start the vehicle. Repeat if necessary.
  • With the car unlocked, insert the key into each door, turn it as if you’re unlocking the vehicle, and hold it in place for 30 seconds. Ideally, this will tell the vehicle you have the right key.
Hopefully, this work to keep you on the road until you can have the immobilizer looked at by a professional!
Additionally, we all know trips to the mechanic can be pricey, but if you want to save some money on your
car insurance
and help offset the cost, use
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