Just picked up a 99 4runner came with 2 sets of keys both with remotes, but they don't work at all. The remote unit has 3 buttons; 1 for doors, 1 that has a '*' (asterix), and 1 for the rear window/door. The red light on the remotes come on -batteries are good. Where do I begin to troubleshoot this?

 

Change the batteries... Just because the lights come on doesn't mean it has enough juice to function properly.

An overhead crane in the uranium mill I work in quit working. The lights on the remote came on so no one checked the batteries. $200,000 was spent flying a company from the states up to test and overhaul it. Batteries were bad in the remote, $8 problem.

Might not be your problem but it's worth trying before you spend more.

If that's not it for sure maybe try finding out how to reprogram them. If theres no way for you to a good locksmith MIGHT be able to help if not I'm sure the dealership will gladly take your money.

 

Sounds like an aftermarket RKE/Alarm unit. The Toyota factory remotes have a Lock and Unlock button and no LED. Most also have a rear window DOWN button and a red "panic button" on the back.

I'd look under the seats and under the dash for a control unit to see if you can identify the remote unit. If you can identify if it's an aftermarket unit and which exact model then you can probably find some specific troubleshooting info.

Like Apache said, check the battery. Also posting a pic of the remote may help too.

 

I'll post pics of the remotes tonight and check the batteries.

(do they really install the units under the seats?)

 

new battery worked for me, give it a try

 

Sometimes. Sometimes under the dash, sometimes in the engine compartment. I guess what I should have said is "See if you can find an aftermarket remote box". You could have one and it could just be unplugged, have a blown fuse or something simple like that.

I'm pretty sure the 4runner factory keyless entry is part of one of the ECUs. The dealer added option unit probably has a separate ECU that's added at the dealer.

 

I tried a battery from a working remote and it still didn't work...I will still try to get a new one tomorrow. Here's a pic of the remote:

 

Sorry , but that is one ugly remote

 

yea id just tear out that old alarm and start over again with a good quality alarm

 

Yea,Tear that old alarm out,along with the wiring...and hope they didn't butcher up your wiring harness....Very few aftermarket alarm's stand the test of time..Can/will cause intermittant problems in future...even if the remote does not work....

I hope its not a "gulf states Toyota" alarm/keyless entry..a friend of mine had massive problems with his..untill he ripped it completely out,wires and everything...

 

I will first have to find it...

 

can't find any alarm...it's mia...why would the po remove the unit but not take the remotes??