I just bought a 2008 SE. It only came with one key and remote. I searched the forum and found out info about where to buy an additional remote and program it.

My question is, does the key require a chip to start the ignition? Or is it a non-chip key? And where is the best place to buy a correct additional key (other than paying stealership prices)?

Also, this Extra Key Fob, just slightly smaller than the OEM keyless remote, was on the key ring with the one OEM keyless remote and one OEM key that came with the vehicle. The dealer didn't know what it is. Does anyone know? Does it have something to do with an alarm system, or is it a Lojack piece? The clear part is a button, and when you push it, a red light comes on in the tiny clear window just below the clasp, but it doesn't appear to arm an alarm, as near as I can tell. The back side of the fob is smooth black, and there are not brand names or numbers anywhere on the fob.

Your turning someones pace maker on and off...

More on this. This is how it works on the 4th gens. IF you car has an engine immobilizer, which NOT ALL did, then your actual key will have a transponder chip in it. This chip is the same tech that anyone with a HID security card has. It is proximity activated. Once you place the key in the ignition, the signal amplifier near the steering coloum shoots the chip number to your ECU. If they match, you start the car. If they don't, you don't go anywhere.


The key fob ONLY communicates with the door/car alarm. The key fob does NOT operate as a backup to this. Meaning, you can't use a key fob with a non chipped key in a car with the engine immobilizer.

I have no idea which models do or don't have the immobilizer system. I have it and I have a v8 sport edition.

Thanks. Mine is a V8 SE. Is there any way to tell by looking at the key whether it has a transponder chip or not? Do the chips with the transponder look any different than the non-chip keys?

Not sure. Call any toyota dealer tomorrow, give them your vin and they can tell you every factory option.

Take the oem key to any Home Depot or Lowes, they have a device in their key cutting machines that scans for chip keys. They should scan the key for you, and let you know if it is chipped or not. I am almost positive you have a transponder chip key. You can get chiped keys from many independent locksmiths that do auto keys, but make sure they can also program the key to your vehicle. If the key is not programed to the vehicle, it will not start it.

All right. Thanks very much. That's what I'll do.

I thought all non chipped keys are skinny and chipped ones are fat. Thats how it is in Canada at least. Also if it's chipped you should have a flashing red security light by the multi- info display above the climate control.

Do you have any antennas around the inside of your windshield? if so, that mystery key fob could be for a remote starter.

No, no antennas at all that I can find. Thanks for the suggestion. And when pressing the button on the key fob, I can't seem to get it to do anything, except light up a small red indicator on the fob.

Not sure if you figured out if your T4R has transponder keys yet but I'll give my 2 cents. I thought all 4th gen T4Rs were chipped. However Toyota puts a dot on one side of the metal part of all keys right at the base of the rubber that have a transponder. If you have this dot you have a transponder chipped key.

Thanks for that. As a matter of fact, mine does have a tiny dot on the metal near the rubber, as you describe. That's great to know. But the other day, I took my ignition key to Home Depot, and he stuck it in their machine, and yes, it has a transponder chip. Home Depot has the chipped blank and will cut the key and program it to match your existing key for $70 plus tax.

But my Home Depot rep, who I got to visiting with, nice guy -- I asked him how much to cut and program a key if I bring my own chipped blank in. He said he didn't know about the other reps, but that he would cut it and program it for me for the cost of cutting the key, a couple of bucks. Hubba, hubba! So I ordered two chipped keys off of Ebay for $8.79 each including shipping. As soon as they arrive, I will go to Home Depot and try to locate "my guy" and have him cut and program them.

BTW, I had him cut a non-chipped key for the doors for two bucks, and not only does it open the doors, it will also open and close the rear window!

That little fob you have a picture of does look like dealer installed remote start. I have seen it on other makes of cars. Try locking the door twice with the factory fob and then pushing that one, maybe hold it.

Thanks for that tip. I did what you suggested, locked it twice, and then held down the button on the mystery fob, but nothing happens. I tried it several times to make sure. So for now, the little fob is still a mystery!

Thanks so much for the idea though. Appreciate it!

worth a shot. would have been pretty sweet.

Yeah, I definitely had my fingers crossed.