Scion xB Key Fob Programming by Year

Can you program a xB fob without the dealer? For most years, yes. Pick your year for the route and best next step.

Find your year

YearDIY onboard?How it programsWorking fob?Erase riskConfidenceBest next step
2004–2006YesYes - onboard relearnNo (all-keys-lost OK)PossibleHighFollow the steps below
2007–2008YesYes - onboard relearnNo (all-keys-lost OK)PossibleMedFollow the steps below
2009–2012YesYes - onboard relearnNo (all-keys-lost OK)PossibleMedFollow the steps below

Scion xB key types & programming facts

The provided sources indicate that Scion xB key/fob replacement is handled by matching the correct remote by model year, FCC ID, and part number, and then using onboard programming for the vehicle. One source for the 2012 xB identifies a non-chip 315 MHz remote, while another lists the 2004-2006 xB remote as FCC ID HYQ12BBX.

Key types used on the xB:

  • transponder chip key (2004-2012)
  • remote keyless entry fob (2004-2012)
  • remote-head key (unknown from provided sources)
  • flip key (unknown from provided sources)
  • smart/proximity push-to-start (not supported for 2004-2012 Scion xB in provided sources)

Common fob FCC IDs: HYQ12BBX, HYQ12BBY — check the back of your fob; we confirm the exact variant on site.

2004–2006 Scion xB

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.

Show the programming methods (19 steps)

Pre-programming setup steps

Programming step
1 Drivers door open, key removed from ignition switch
Remove the key
2 Within 5 seconds, insert and remove key from ignition switch twice
Close the doors
3 Within 40 seconds, close and open drivers door twice
Remove the key
4 Insert and remove key from ignition switch (single)
Close the doors
5 Within 40 seconds, close and open drivers door twice (second sequence)

Programming mode entry

Close the doors
1 Insert key into ignition switch and close the drivers door
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
2 Switch ignition ON and OFF once to program while retaining original codes
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
3 Switch ignition ON and OFF twice to program while erasing the original code
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
4 Switch ignition ON and OFF three times to check number of remotes currently registered
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
5 Switch ignition ON and OFF five times to erase all registered remotes

Programming confirmation and behavior

Remove the key
1 Remove key from ignition switch to trigger system response
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
2 System should lock and unlock vehicle once, twice, or five times depending on selected mode
Programming step
3 Once to four times, slowly, indicates how many remotes are programmed
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
4 Within 40 seconds: press and release LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
5 Within 3 seconds after that: press remote LOCK or UNLOCK button

Additional programming and troubleshooting

Press LOCK + UNLOCK
1 System should lock and unlock vehicle once to confirm registration, twice to indicate programming failure
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
2 Within 40 seconds, repeat simultaneous LOCK and UNLOCK step to program additional remotes
Programming step
3 Key fob battery replacement suggested if key fob not working; link indicated for finding battery
Programming step
4 Key fob replacement option available; link indicated for finding replacement fob

2007–2008 Scion xB

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.

Show the programming methods (24 steps)

Preparation

Programming step
1 Ensure key is removed from ignition.
Close the doors
2 OPEN and UNLOCK DRIVER side door; CLOSE all other doors including trunk.
Wait / timing window
3 Confirm ability to access ignition and door locks within 5 seconds.
Programming step
4 Identify whether key has transponder system (requires locksmith for cut/program).
Programming step
5 Locate replacement battery or replacement key options if needed.

Entering Programming Mode

Insert the key
1 Within 5 seconds INSERT key into ignition and PULL out twice.
Close the doors
2 CLOSE then OPEN DRIVER side door twice.
Insert the key
3 Insert key INTO ignition then REMOVE it (second sequence).
Close the doors
4 CLOSE then OPEN DRIVER side door twice (third sequence).
Insert the key
5 Insert key INTO ignition and LEAVE it in ignition.

Finalizing Programming Mode

Close the doors
1 CLOSE DRIVER side door after leaving key in ignition.
Programming step
2 Switch ignition to ON then OFF.
Remove the key
3 REMOVE key from ignition.
Doors lock-cycle (confirm)
4 Observe door locks cycling to confirm vehicle entered programming mode.
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
5 Prepare remote(s) for programming once lock cycle confirmed.

Remote Programming Procedure

Press LOCK + UNLOCK
1 PUSH and HOLD LOCK and UNLOCK buttons for 1.5 seconds on first remote.
Press / hold a fob button
2 Immediately after releasing, PUSH and HOLD LOCK button for 2 seconds.
Doors lock-cycle (confirm)
3 Observe door locks cycling to confirm successful programming of the remote.
Programming step
4 Repeat above steps for any additional remotes to be programmed.
Programming step
5 Open DRIVER side door when finished programming sequence.

Post-Programming and Additional Info

Programming step
1 OPEN DRIVER side door to complete programming process.
Programming step
2 Key portion with transponder must be cut and programmed by a locksmith.
Programming step
3 Non-transponder key portion only requires cutting, no programming.
Programming step
4 Replace key fob battery if key fob not working.

2009–2012 Scion xB

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.

Show the programming methods (24 steps)

Programming Preparation Steps (common start sequence)

Programming step
1 Start with key out of car, driver’s door open and unlocked.
Insert the key
2 Insert key in ignition and pull out once.
Insert the key
3 Within 5 seconds, insert key again and pull out.
Close the doors
4 Within 40 seconds, close and open driver’s door twice, then insert and remove key again.
Close the doors
5 Within 40 more seconds, close and open driver’s door twice, then insert key in ignition and close driver’s door.

Confirmation Mode (check number of remotes)

Doors lock-cycle (confirm)
1 Enter confirmation sequence using common preparation steps.
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
2 Turn ignition from LOCK to ON to OFF three times, leaving key on for one second and off for one second each time.
Remove the key
3 Remove key from ignition lock to trigger door lock/unlock feedback.
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
4 Doors lock/unlock at ~2 second intervals to indicate number of remotes programmed.
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
5 Five lock/unlock cycles indicates no codes registered.

Add Mode (add a remote without disturbing existing ones)

Programming step
1 Enter add mode using common preparation steps.
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
2 Turn ignition LOCK→ON→OFF once, leaving key on for one second and off for one second.
Remove the key
3 Remove key; doors will lock/unlock once indicating entry to programming.
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
4 Within 40 seconds, press lock and unlock buttons simultaneously then press either button within 3 seconds to register; successful registration = one lock/unlock, failure = two.
Insert the key
5 Repeat button steps for additional remotes within 40 seconds; insert key or open a door to complete registration.

Rewrite and Prohibition Modes (erase/replace and disable)

Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
1 Rewrite mode: use common preparation steps, then turn ignition LOCK→ON→OFF twice; removal triggers two lock/unlock cycles indicating rewrite mode.
Insert the key
2 Rewrite registration: within 40 seconds press lock+unlock simultaneously, then press either within 3 seconds; success = one lock/unlock, failure = two; repeat for additional remotes; insert key or open door to finish.
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
3 Prohibition mode: use common preparation steps, then turn ignition LOCK→ON→OFF five times; removal triggers five ~1 second interval lock/unlock cycles.
Programming step
4 Prohibition mode erases all transmitters and disables wireless door lock function.
Programming step
5 Rewrite mode replaces all existing transmitters with new ones; add mode preserves existing transmitters.

Troubleshooting and Notes

Programming step
1 Key portion must be handled by a locksmith for cutting and programming.
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
2 Doors’ lock/unlock cycles indicate mode entry, success, failure, or number of programmed remotes.
Programming step
3 If fob not working, battery replacement suggested (link referenced).
Programming step
4 Replacement key fobs available (link referenced).

How we validate this guide

Year coverage comes from our consolidated vehicle programming dataset. Route-level programming status is reviewed against internal route sheets and available manufacturer, security-access, and professional tool references. Exact button sequences are marked source-verified only when we have year/equipment-specific support; where a year is labeled “route verified, steps vary,” we confirm the exact fob, trim, and prompts before programming. Reviewed for route and safety by Mohammad H. Abdelhadi, ALOA-Certified Master Locksmith.

YearRoute statusExact steps
2004–2006Route verifiedGeneral guidance
2007–2008Route verifiedGeneral guidance
2009–2012Route verifiedGeneral guidance

Common questions

What FCC IDs are used for Scion xB remotes?

The provided sources specifically state HYQ12BBX for 2004-2006 and HYQ12BBY for 2008-2012.

Is the 2012 Scion xB key a transponder chip key?

A source for the 2012 xB lists a non-chip 315 MHz remote, so the remote is identified as non-transponder in that listing.

Do I need the year and part number to choose the right xB fob?

Yes. The sources emphasize matching the vehicle year with the FCC ID and part number for compatibility.

Can you program a xB key fob without going to the dealership?

For most years, yes - the route is onboard relearn or an OBD tool, both of which a mobile locksmith handles at your location.

Does this program the remote only, or the transponder key too?

It depends on your key type. Tell us your FCC ID and we will confirm.

What if my year says professional programming required?

Those years need a programmer or security access; we bring the tool to you and program it on site.

How much does it cost?

It depends on year, key type, and whether you have a working key. Call (833) 439-8636 for a firm price before we dispatch.

Need your xB fob programmed? We come to you, 24/7.
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