I just checked at Ace hardware, and they wanted $400.00 for a new key Fob.

I want to have a secret key attached somewhere on my frame . so of I loose my key while hiking or camping I can get it and start my 4runner

A smart key in this position would always allow the car to start, so I would have to remove the battery and use only the key and tapp feature.

I wish someone would make an emergency key that had only the cut key and the tapp to start chip within it.

Has anyone seen such a product?

Just checked with Toyota, All in a new programmed fob and cut key is $375.00 . This is ridiculous I wish my 4runner had a key without pushbutton start. Is there a way to downgrade it?

You can get techstream software and a ODB/USB connector on Amazon for like $40 and you can get a new key on Ebay for around $100. I did it about 5 years ago and it was easy peasy.

Amazon.com

[QUOTE=blakjack23;3789371]You can get techstream software and a ODB/USB connector on Amazon for like $40 and you can get a new key on Ebay for around $100. I did it about 5 years ago and it was easy peasy.

do you have a link for the key?

I got keys on ebay or Amazon and Toyota dealer cut them for free, then they would just need programmed

Thanks , for the info. There are a lot of them on Ebay and a couple on Amazon.

I will try to find the best one.

I posted this on your other thread, but adding here as well in hopes to save you some money and hassle....


Faraday pouch for FOB:
https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Faraday-TICONN-Premium-
Protector/dp/B07MDF5TX9?th=1


Small combination Lockbox:
SentrySafe Compact Portable Security Box Safe P005C Combo Lock, 5-15/16"W x 8"D x 2-5/8"H, Black

this would be like $50 all-in and provide the same value and peace of mind. My only concern would be protecting the combination lock wheels from the elements.... that shouldn't really be an issue if you have it mounted 24=7 vs as needed.

YMMV

For my Toyota RAV4, the smart key can be put into sleep mode so it cannot be used to start the car, and does not transmit a signal to unlock doors, etc. In the owners manual it is called battery saving mode (the key battery, not the car battery).

Perhaps the 4Runner keys have the same feature. Look in your owners manual.

For the RAV4 key, to enter the sleep mode you press the unlock button twice while holding down the lock button. A confirmation is flashed on the LED.

On the RAV4 forum, many people have used this feature; they put the key into sleep mode, leave it in the car, and carry a mechanical key to unlock the doors. Upon returning, they unlock the doors with the mechanical key, and take the smart key out of sleep mode.

GREAT call out!

Here are the excerpts from the 2021+ Smart Key 4R

Seems like using the battery-saving function + stashing the key in teh front bumper would be a slam dunk and basically free.

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Thanks for the info, I already turn off the fob every chance I get. It works the same on the 4runner. The reason I started this thread was I wanted to put a hidden key somewhere on the frame under the body. I was looking for a simple key that would only unlock the door and allow the car to be started by tapping the start button. It looks like the simplest solution is to just get a full function key fob and either keep it turned off or remove the battery.

As to the bigger issue of car thieves cloning the transmitter fobs wirelessly:
Toyota and the car industry needs to address this. I watched a documentary that stated that they can intercept/clone your fob from 150 feet away. This security flaw may cause our insurance to go up just like those poor people who have Hyundi's and Kia's.

As for the other thread I started, I cant find it. I thought it was gone, other forums automatically subscribe you when you create a thread. I just chalk this up to lack of experience on this forum.

"hackers and theives" have been able to do this for decades... with keycards, garage openers and car FOBs. It is a far cry from the blatant security flaw found in the hardware of some KIA/Hyundai vehicles.

You can never prevent theft completely, you just try to make it as inconvenient as possible. Personally, if someone is set on stealing my truck- Id rather they don't hack it up trying to do so.

Have you considered installing the Toyota touch keypad? You can add it to the front windshield and the wiring is through the driver side pillar. Mine came installed when I purchased it through a SE Toyota dealer. If you go hiking, boating, etc., you can store the keys inside the vehicle and then lock the vehicle using the keypad.
NEW! GENUINE TOYOTA 2019 2020 2021 KEYLESS ENTRY WINDSHEILD TOUCH KEYPAD TKP | eBay

I would love to have that remote keypad for about half the price. I wonder if it can thwart thieves who clone your key fob?

The keypad only unlocks the doors. You still need a key to start the engine. Unless the key is disabled (sleep mode -- see above), anyone can still pick up it's signal and clone it.

I guess you could put your key into sleep mode, leave it hidden in the car when you leave. When you return, then use the key pad to unlock the car, retrieve the key and take it out of sleep mode to start the engine.

Someone has to come up with a solution to the FOB cloning theft problem. Too many "premium" Toyota and Lexis are vulnerable. I wish I had a plain old key ignition switch now!

I was originally excited about the pushbutton system because I thought it meant that remote start and all of the Toyota connected features were included.

But I was wrong