What's the problem?
In an all-keys-lost situation, you aren’t able to disarm the alarm the typical way due to the lack of a working fob. This is especially problematic on newer Toyota models, where an active alarm can prevent OBD communication entirely. If you encounter this issue, you can perform the following steps to return the vehicle to a neutral state and allow OBD communication again.
How to fix it?
The only thing needed to perform this procedure is a cut emergency key blade.
- Open the vehicle's driver door
- Insert the cut emergency blade into the driver door lock; then lock and unlock door
- Close the door
- Lock and unlock door once more
- Alarm should be disabled and you should regain OBD communication ability
How to prepare?
This issue mainly occurs in newer Toyota models, so while not all vehicles will exhibit the problem, it's best practice to be prepared to perform this procedure on any newer Toyota (especially 2024+) with which you are experiencing communication errors. Just make sure to familiarize yourself with the process so that when you encounter this issue, you can diagnose and resolve it quickly instead of wasting time troubleshooting your programmers and OBD connectors.