Look how a Toyota Highlander owner defied non-safety warnings, programmed a Lexus-style key fob, and saved hundreds—all from the comfort of his home.
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In the world of vehicle ownership, one common frustration for many Toyota and Lexus owners is the high cost of replacing or duplicating smart keys. Dealerships often charge hundreds of dollars for a single key replacement, leaving many to wonder if aftermarket options are worth considering. Recently, a member of the Toyota Highlander Owners Club on Facebook shared a success story that caught the attention of the community. Bilal Ashiq detailed how he not only programmed an aftermarket smart key for his Toyota Highlander but also added a Lexus-style key fob, all while saving a significant amount of money. His experience proves that with the right tools and a little patience, tackling this process at home is possible.
In his post, Bilal shared:
"Hi Toyota fam! I successfully programmed an aftermarket smart key for my Highlander and wanted to share my experience, as I didn’t find much information in the forums about programming aftermarket keys. The smart key I purchased on eBay stated that it wouldn’t work with Techstream, but I decided to take a chance anyway. Worst case, I’d only be out the return shipping cost. I bought the two-year warranty as well, just in case the key goes bad early.
For Techstream, I bought a cable from AliExpress, which came with a URL to download a modified version of the software. It also included a video guide for installation. From setting up the software to programming the key, the entire process was a breeze.
Given the eBay listing’s warning, I honestly didn’t expect the aftermarket key to work—but it did! Now, the only step left is to get the key cut. If local shops won’t cut it for a reasonable price, I’ll just use an eBay vendor who offers the service for $20.
Additionally, I was able to get the Lexus-style key fob, which looks great. The most important thing when buying a new smart key is ensuring that the number on the circuit board matches your existing key fob. If the numbers align, you should be good to go!”
Bilal’s approach offers an alternative for those who may not want to pay dealership prices but still need functional and stylish key replacements."
Bilal’s post sparked a lively discussion among group members, with others chiming in about their own experiences using Techstream and aftermarket keys. Frances Sutton shared her insight:
"You can buy the cable and software off Amazon for about $50. I did this months ago and made two keys for my husband’s Lexus, an extra fob for my Highlander, and two fobs for my brother’s 4Runner. I also did all kinds of ECM mods using the same setup. Recently, I even used it to check the evap system on the Lexus and pinpointed which sensor wasn’t working.”
Frances highlights that with a relatively small investment in tools, Techstream can go beyond key programming to offer advanced diagnostic capabilities and ECU customization.
However, Chris Barkan issued a note of caution for those considering Techstream in the long term:
"This will work for now. When Toyota transitions to GTS+ fully, Techstream won't work."
Chris is referring to Toyota’s move toward newer diagnostic systems, such as GTS+ (Global Techstream Plus), which may render current versions of Techstream incompatible with future Toyota models. This is something to keep in mind, especially for owners of newer vehicles or those planning to buy one soon.
Why This Really Matter
For Toyota and Lexus owners, Bilal’s success story provides a clear roadmap for bypassing dealership markups while retaining full functionality of their vehicles’ smart key systems. By using tools like Techstream and pairing them with aftermarket keys, owners have access to a cost-effective solution for key replacements, additional fobs, and even vehicle diagnostics. However, the transition to GTS+ could present challenges down the road, meaning that enthusiasts and DIYers may need to prepare for changes.
The Toyota Highlander remains a popular choice for families and tech enthusiasts alike, thanks to its balance of reliability and innovative features. For those considering the newest models, the 2023 Highlander Hybrid offers even more advanced technology and efficiency, making it worth a closer look.
Bilal’s post raises several interesting points for discussion among Toyota owners:
- Have you used Techstream or similar software to program a key or customize your vehicle’s settings? How was your experience?
- For those who’ve purchased aftermarket keys, did they function as reliably as OEM keys?
- What are your thoughts on Toyota’s transition to GTS+? Will this make it harder for enthusiasts to work on their vehicles at home?
- If you’ve used an eBay vendor to cut a key, how was the quality of their service?
If you’ve had a similar experience—or are considering trying this yourself—share your thoughts and tips in the comments section below. Let’s keep the conversation going!
If you’re fascinated by the convenience of programming aftermarket keys or customizing your vehicle’s features, you might also want to check out this guide on how to unlock all doors with your Toyota Smart Key, a trick that works seamlessly on models like the 2020 Tundra.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
The 2nd image is by Bilal Ashiq, posted with his Facebook post and and referenced above.
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