Reprogramming keys for Toad Sterling Excel immobilizer

[sector: 4]

Below are instructions for "reprogramming" the RFID ignition keys "fobs" for the Toad Sterling Excel (aka Toad Powerkey) immobilizer system used on many Atoms.

The keys are RFID tags. They do not have batteries inside and never need power. Each key has it's own unique "code" which can be sensed by the system in the vehicle via the antenna. The system can store up to 4 codes. You are not really reprogramming keys, but updating the list of 4 keys which the system will accept.

In order to reprogram keys to the system, you need at least one working key to prove to the system that you're authorized to make changes. Extra keys can be found on eBay from Toad dealers in the UK. If the key being sold looks like the one below, it's the correct key.

Instructions for programing Toad Sterling Excel electronic keys (this will re-program ALL keys, up to 4 keys max.) (Perform steps 1 through 3 within 7 seconds start to finish)
1. Flip ignition switch to on position (red light on dash will begin to flash rapidly). 2. Move known-working key near antenna loop to energize system (red light will change to steadily on), then move key away. 3. Flip ignition toggle switch off/on three times (do not involve key, red dash light will begin to flash rapidly, system is now ready to reprogram ALL keys). 4. Move 1st key to be reprogrammed near antenna loop (red light on dash should flash to confirm), move key away. 5. Move 2nd key to be reprogrammed near antenna loop (red light on dash should flash to confirm), move key away. 6. Move 3rd key to be reprogrammed near antenna loop (red light on dash should flash to confirm), move key away. 7. Move 4th key to be reprogrammed near antenna loop (red light on dash should flash to confirm), move key away. 8. Turn ignition switch to off. All keys are now programmed. 9. To test keys: Wait for red dash light to go from "constant on" to "slowly flashing". All keys should now be operational.

[FrankRizzo]

If you are wanting to CLONE your FOB so that you don't have to go through those steps, (or can't, say if someone swapped out your dash, and you no longer have the LED), then it IS possible to go to a locksmith and have them cloned.

Technical info:
* The FOB is just a hunk of plastic (a "carrier") that holds the "chip".
* This chip is a small glass capsule a little thinner and longer than the average drug capsule.
* Each of these chips contains a small circuit enclosed in epoxy, and an exposed coil that receives the energy from the loop.
* There are SEVERAL types of these "chips", so not just any of them will work.
* They use a cryptographic system called "megamos".
* Megamos describes the messaging, and the encryption/decryption of everything passed during the negotiation.
* There are also several types of "megamos" systems.
* The megamos system our atoms use is ID4C. ("ID 4C", but when it's written normally, they jam it all together).

So, if you want to clone your FOB, contact your locksmiths, and ask them if they can "clone an ID4C chip like the ones used in Toyota FOBS". If they say yes, you could be set. I got it done for $27 and that included the cloning, the chip, and a "key looking carrier" that the chip rides in.