Losing every key to a Toyota doesn’t necessarily mean replacing the lock set or removing the ignition cylinder. In many all-keys-lost situations, the door lock contains enough information to recreate a working mechanical key.
The 2M2 TANK 2 Pro CNC Key Cutting Machine includes a Find Key Bittings function that helps locksmiths calculate the missing cuts and generate a complete key quickly and accurately.
In this guide, we’ll demonstrate how to recover a Toyota key by decoding the door lock and using the Find Key Bittings feature.
What You’ll Need
Before getting started, prepare the following tools:
- Toyota door lock cylinder
- TOY43 key blank
- 2M2 TANK CNC Key Cutting Machine
- 2M2 TANK mobile app
Why Use the Find Key Bittings Function?
When all keys are lost, the door lock usually doesn’t reveal the complete key code.
For many Toyota vehicles, the door lock only contains the bitting information from the third cut onward. The first two cuts belong to the ignition lock, so they cannot be read directly from the door cylinder.
Instead of guessing these missing cuts manually, the Find Key Bittings function searches the built-in database and generates all possible combinations based on the known bittings.
This significantly improves efficiency while reducing unnecessary key blanks.
VIDEO DEMO:
Step 1. Decode the Toyota Door Lock
Remove the door lock cylinder from the lock housing.
Insert a TOY43 key blank into the cylinder.
The Toyota lock used in this demonstration contains eight wafers.
Observe the height of each wafer to determine the key bittings.
The wafer heights correspond to different cutting depths:
- Level 1 – No protrusion
- Level 2 – Slight protrusion
- Level 3 – Medium protrusion
- Level 4 – Highest protrusion
Read every wafer from front to back.
For this lock, the decoded bitting is:
32 32 32 12
Step 2. Open the Find Key Bittings Function
Launch the 2M2 TANK App.
Select:
Cut by Bitting → Search TOY43
The application displays the correct clamp installation guide.
Secure the TOY43 key blank according to the illustration before proceeding.
Step 3. Calculate the Missing Key Bittings
Input the known bittings:
32 32 32 12
Because these values begin from the third cutting position, enter them in the correct locations.
Tap:
Find Bitting
The software searches the database and returns every possible ignition combination.
In this example, the app generates 8 possible key bitting groups.
Step 4. Cut the First Test Key
Choose the first bitting group generated by the software.
For example:
11 32 32 32 12
Tap Cut, and allow the 2M2 TANK to cut the key automatically.
After cutting:
- Test the key in the door lock.
- Then test it in the ignition.
The door lock should operate correctly.
However, because the first two cuts were calculated rather than decoded, the ignition may not turn on the first attempt.
Step 5. Modify Only One Bitting
One of the biggest advantages of the 2M2 TANK is that you don’t need to waste another key blank.
Instead, use the Single Bit Cut function.
Return to the list of possible bittings and choose the next combination.
For example:
12 32 32 32 12
Reinstall the previously cut key into the machine.
Select:
Single Bit Cut
Choose the position that needs adjustment and perform a single recut.
The machine only modifies the selected cutting position, saving both time and key blanks.
Repeat this process until the ignition turns smoothly.
Tips for Better Results
- Double-check the wafer heights before entering the bittings.
- Always read the wafers from front to back.
- Secure the key blank exactly as shown in the clamp guide.
- Test the key in both the door lock and the ignition.
- Use Single Bit Cut instead of cutting a new blank whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I generate a Toyota key from the door lock only?
Yes. For many Toyota models, the door lock provides enough information to calculate the complete mechanical key using the Find Key Bittings function.
Why doesn’t the first key always start the ignition?
The door lock doesn’t contain the first two ignition cuts. The software calculates several possible combinations, which may require testing one by one.
Do I need a new key blank for every attempt?
No. The 2M2 TANK supports Single Bit Cut, allowing you to modify only the required cutting position on the same key blank.
Which key blank is used in this example?
The demonstration uses a TOY43 key blank.
Final Thoughts
The Find Key Bittings function on the 2M2 TANK 2 PRO provides an efficient solution for Toyota all-keys-lost situations. By combining door lock decoding with the built-in bitting database, locksmiths can quickly calculate the missing ignition cuts, reduce material waste, and improve their overall success rate.
If you regularly work on Toyota vehicles, learning this workflow can significantly speed up key generation jobs while making better use of every key blank.