There has been a lot of talk in the locksmith community about whether renewing and updating an Autel MaxiIM IM508S after a long period of inactivity will wipe out your “All Keys Lost” (AKL) functions for Ford and Toyota. After leaving my unit out of subscription for about 2.5 years, I finally decided to renew it and test the results myself. (Note: I am using this device in the USA; Autel’s software policies and features may vary by region.)
The Big Question: Will the Update Kill My AKL?
The short answer is no. Many users feared that performing the latest IM508S OS and System Software Updates would automatically remove these high-value features. However, after completing the full suite of non-vehicle updates (OS, system program, and pass-through), all Ford and Toyota AKL functions remained intact.
Real-World Testing & Programming Paths
I verified the following paths both before and after the update to ensure nothing was lost:
Ford Programming Paths
- 2011–2014 F-150 (Blade Key):
- Path: Manual Selection > USA > F-150 > 11-14 > Blade Key > Control Unit > Immobilizer > Immobilizer Learning.
- Verified Functions: All Keys Lost, Add Key, and Parameter Reset.
- 2018–2020 F-150 (Smart Key):
- Path: Manual Selection > USA > F-150 > 18-20 > Smart Key > Control Unit > Keyless System > Key Learning.
- Verified Functions: All Keys Lost and Add Key.
- 2021–2023 F-150 (Smart Key):
- Path: Manual Selection > USA > F-150 > 21-23 > Smart Key > Control Unit > Keyless System > Key Learning.
- Verified Functions: Read D-Flash via Programmer, Add Smart Key, and All Smart Keys Lost.
Toyota Programming Paths
- 2012–2020 Camry (Smart Key):
- Path: Manual Selection > USA > Camry > 12-20 > Smart Key > Control Unit > Keyless System (CAN).
- Verified Functions: Backup IMMO Data, Add Key, and Smart Box Reset (All Keys Lost).
- 2009 Corolla (Blade Key):
- Path: Manual Selection > USA > Corolla > 2009 > Blade Key > Control Unit > Immobilizer.
- Verified Functions: Quick Reset of Immobilizer (All Keys Lost option).
Key Takeaways from the 2026 Update
- Subscription Status: My subscription now shows as active for exactly one year from the renewal date.
- Internet Dependency: There are reports that post-update, the tool may require an active internet connection even for vehicles that previously worked offline.
- Stability Improvements: One reason to update is to fix bugs in newer models. For example, a 2024 Nissan Rogue recently locked up the BCM during a 40-pin bypass attempt; software updates are often needed to resolve such stability issues.
Final Verdict: You can safely perform your Autel IM508S OS and system updates without worrying about losing your Ford and Toyota AKL capabilities. It’s a relief for anyone who has been holding back on their maintenance for fear of losing functionality.
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