July 29, 2023
2000 Tacoma Key fob
There are two kinds of fobs from this era -- so I am told.
They are sometimes called grey or black.
The "grey" ones may actually be black in color.
It all sounds confusing to me and I have never fully sorted this out.
Once you have the correct one you need to "program it".
ECU method (this did not work)
I had an old fob from my 1999 Camry that worked just fine with the Camry.
I wanted to use it with my 2000 Tacoma and hoped it would just be a
matter of programming it. I tried the following, with no luck.
By far the hardest thing is finding the "ECU programming receiver."
This may be in various places under the drivers side dash as it was
often installed by the dealer. I removed the left kick panel and it
was not behind it (but it might be on your vehicle).
I peeked in through fuse access hole and there it was!
The harness going to it is labeled "ES3000".
There is no way to reach the "programming switch" through this hole,
so I had to remove the lower part of the dash (below the steering wheel).
This is fairly easy. It is held by several (4?) 10mm bolts and a screw.
Once it is removed, you can pull the "ECU box" out of the hole they
crammed it into and indeed there is a tiny green button on the side.
I pushed and held it for 3 seconds, but nothing happened.
I saw no activity on the alarm system LED on the dash, though
in bright sun it is hard to tell. Pressing buttons on my remote
accomplished nothing after holding the button for 3 seconds.
Why did it not work? Who knows. Maybe I have an incompatible "grey" fob
that is masquerading as a black fob.
I put it all back together and gave up.
You may have better luck, so here is the process:
- Insert key and turn to on (KOEO).
- Press and hold the ECU programming switch for 3 seconds
- Observe the security system monitor LED on the dash, it will light up for 5 seconds
to confirm entry into programming mode, and you must do the following within that 5 seconds.
- Press and release any button on the remote.
- The LED should go out and you should hear a piezo chirp. Also the vehicle exterior lights will flash.
- Turn the key off
- Test the remote.
This is the RS3000 security system method.
Lots of fobs are on Ebay for as little as $9.95 for two.
Rain dance method (did not work for me).
The following almost unbelievable sequence apparently will work for
later model vehicles.
- Turn key to on, then off.
- Remove key.
- Turn key to on, then off. (within 5 seconds)
- Remove key.
- Open and close driver side door.
- Open and close driver side door. (within 40 seconds)
- Turn key to on, then off.
This did not work with my 2000 Tacoma.
Have any comments? Questions?
Drop me a line!
Tom's Tacoma pages / tom@mmto.org