Key In Ignition Chime Not Working - Unable to Program New Key Fob

2012 Tacoma Access Cab 2.7

I was getting a set of keys made and the "auto locksmith" said if the key in ignition chime isn't working then you can't do the process to program the new fob.

So he got the new key cut and programmed and that's working fine.

I saw all the videos of how to program the fob but I could not get the truck into programming mode. So apparently that's because the key in ignition chime is not working which is required to get the truck in programming mode.

Where would you start troubleshooting that as I see lots of posts regarding how to disable that but I couldn't find any on repairing that.

Should one keep in mind that if they disable the key in ignition chime then they won't be able to put the truck into programming mode to program a new fob.

I am guessing Toyota would may want to change the whole ignition which sounds costly.

Everything else seems to be working i.e. headlights go out when door is opened, dome lights come on when door opened, beeping when door is open and key in ignition etc.

I'm not sure I remember ever hearing the key in ignition chime but it was probably working at some point in time...

I am willing to open the ignition cover etc. if maybe its just a loose wire / terminal or something?

Edit: I am thinking this fellow may have had the same issue but who thinks to check the key in ignition chime is working when programming a fob : https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/programming-extra-keys-gen-2.804141/#post-28827650

 

I'm having the same problem(s). Did you ever figure it out?

 

Probably a bad unlock warning switch or worn lock cylinder, pretty easy to test the switch.

Steering column components (ignore the circles)