How to tell if you have a transponder key

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kameleon

Junior Member
On my 2000 SR5 I only received a single "STRATTEC" key when I bought it last week. I am looking at getting some keys made and I need to know if it is the transponder or not. If it is I will get the key blanks off ebay or amazon and get them cut then program myself. That is as long as the key I received can be used as the "master" key.

So, is there an easy way to tell somewhere on the truck to see if it is a transponder setup or not?
 
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kameleon said:
On my 2000 SR5 I only received a single "STRATTEC" key when I bought it last week. I am looking at getting some keys made and I need to know if it is the transponder or not. If it is I will get the key blanks off ebay or amazon and get them cut then program myself. That is as long as the key I received can be used as the "master" key.

So, is there an easy way to tell somewhere on the truck to see if it is a transponder setup or not?
Click to expand...

Call the dealer perhaps.


My 2000 did not have a transponder key but my 01 does
 
If you have a key that says stratec on it then yes you have a transponder key. I believe they only deal with programmable key. You can buy the blank on eBay if you want but you will need to still go to the dealer or preferably a locksmith. Usually it will cost around 75 to get a programmed key, around 35 for key and 40 to program. No, you cannot program the key yourself unless you have the computer to do it and those usually run around a couple thousand for used ones. Best bet is to call AAA if you have it and tell them you lost your keys, then you only have to pay whatever they don't cover, usually 50 for basic and 100 for plus membership.
 
In 1999 Limited models with the 5VZ-FE came standard with an Immobilizer, while sub-models like the SR5 came optional with it (I believe only V6 models though.)

2000+ Model Years can be reprogrammed (if you lost the keys or reached maximum allowed keys, this was a common issue with older Toyota Immobilizer systems) vs. older systems that would only allow additional keys (there's a limit to how many keys can be stored in the system, I believe its 4-5 including original master key.)
 
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I called my local dealer and since it was originally sold in California they could not look at what it came with from the dealer. So I called a dealer in California and they looked it up but it said nothing about my main two questions: keyless entry and immobilizer. So since it is a STRATTEC key I am thinking that it is an immobilizer like MyHigh said. My local locksmith wants $30 for the key and $70 to program it. I can get two key blanks on ebay shipped for $19 and I found the directions on google on how to program the keys. The only possible issue I have is not having the original master key. Worst case scenario I can get my brother to get one of his friends that work at a toyota dealership to program them for me. Might cost me a couple of :cheers: though. :)
 
Actually I just may have confirmed that it is NOT a transponder key. Out of curiosity I went to strattec's site and found the key I have. Here is a pic of the key and its counterpart on their site:
IMG_20131024_164832.jpg
. So with that I am believing that I do not have a transponder key. Thoughts?
 
That would be good news!

Usually one way to tell is if you look at the head of the key where the actual key shaft enters, you can sometimes see a little disturbance in the plastic, it would look like a round hole and then plastic melted in and that would be where the chip would get inserted.

Just for the heck of it go get a key cut from dealer or locksmith and try it out, it's cheap and easy . If it starts and runs then your golden, if it doesn't work then you know it's a chipped key, at that point you have a mechanical key to hide on your truck. It will open doors but not run you vehicle I keep one in my wallet just incase.

Taking another look at your key I pretty sure your a non transponder key holder
 
Usually the transponder keys are a little thicker then the normal keys. that one looks to be a normal key. why not have a standard key cut and try it out, shouldnt cost to much.
 
I am the only owner of a 2001 Sr5 and it does not have a transponder key so I would guess that yours is the same unless it is a Limited, As was mentioned the Limited's had it. Also I don't think it was an option on my 2001. At least no one
at the dealership asked me if I wanted that option
 
Transponder

I have a 1999 4R I can’t get started. It was disconnected from the battery for a long time. Battery was replaced, started once and won’t restart. Is it possible the key and ECU could get messed up and not read? I checked the key and it does have the little round piece on the parting line of the cover of the key, as described above. Truck cranks but no spark and won’t pump fuel through the rails. Dealership tried to replace the ECU but didn’t work. Thoughts? How do you make the ECU relearn the chip? In my case I have an original key and a replacement key.
 
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