Hey Forum, so I have a problem. Turns out the only key I have for my 05 4runner is a gray valet key. Realized this after 2 years of ownership.

I called dealer to ask how much it costs to make a new master key and they are around $200. Can anyone else do this? Any suggestions???

I really don't mind using the valet key as I have been but recently I purchased an all in one switchblade style key and when I tried the self programming to allow the key to start the vehicle, that's when I realized it can't be done since I don't have a master key.

Thank you

Others have done it with a bit of leg work and for less than $200

Transponder key woes...

EDIT: Nvm realized you can't program your own keys without a master.

Ok so I found a locksmith who did it for $50. Amazing.

I now have a master and he programed my new all in one while he was at it. Sweet.

Never thought a locksmith could have such prices this sounds good, if the price range is from 50$ to 100$ I am Ok with that. I've lost my key, I have a Camry 2019, I thought it is a popular car and I won't have any issues finding a key for it, but - the dealer told me I have to wait nearly a month to get it. I found 24 7 locksmith london service. I'll go there tomorrow to see what they have

I bought the same fob/blank key as the guy above. Gotta get the key on ebay, then find a locksmith to cut it off a current working key.

I highly recommend finding a locksmith that can VIN cut your key or have a dealer cut it, or if cost is an issue have the dealer VIN cut you a cheap steel key to use as a template. Copying one of your existing keys is just going to transfer the worn out key to the new one.

In this day and age I don't really recommend any other way to get them cut. You'd be surprised how many "my door, trunk, glove, and/or ignition lock cylinder sticks/won't turn" issues are fixed by just using a freshly VIN cut key (usually depending on the vehicle I'll eat some diagnostic cost to have a cheap steel key cut just to verify its the key not the lock cylinders that need replacing.)

I have an 04 4R and only have the Valet key also. I had a locksmith do what he could which in my case was to just clone the valet key which is great, now I have 2 keys but still no “master”.
I have the 5 digit key code from the lock itself, is it possible to get a key made from that number and will it be “master”? I know the transponder chip is an entirely different problem that would have to be dealt with but mechanically; would the key be a master that is able to unlock the glove box and tailgate?

If you're talking about the driver's door lock cylinder and the key code that's printed on it; that should be fine as long as it's a Toyota door lock cylinder and matches the ignition switch. We'll use the door lock codes sometimes if we can't get a key code via VIN for whatever reason. It'll be the same code they'll get when looking up the VIN (thanks for mentioning it, I actually forgot about the door cylinder key code; it's been so long since I had to pull one for that reason!)

You're supposed to keep the little metal tag that comes with your keys as that's actually the key code tag, but most people throw those things out. lol

I wonder, is there a place online that I can order a replacement key using the key tag code?

I just called a local locksmith. He provided an Ilco brand key which was much better than what I found at Amazon. I ordered the fob from a different seller. It works and I was able to program that myself, given the instructions. It is much lower quality, but it does work.

Toyota keys have a unique RFID tag in them for the engine immobilizer. Most of them cannot be cloned. At least that's what the locksmith told me. I have a 2012 Corolla that I misplaced both of the regular keys and was able to provide only the courtesy key. He created a new master from the courtesy key by reprogramming the new key and the courtesy key. Then I found the original sets and he was able to program those as well and he cut the courtesy key to open the trunk too.

Just FYI, when the key and door locks are all on the key, not a separate fob, the locksmith will have to program them. If the fob is separate you can usually program them yourself.

Look for a good locksmith and talk to them before purchasing the key or fob. They have access to better products and are much cheaper than dealerships.