140 bucks for a key? WTF!!!!
- Thread starter Hapeacres
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DO
Not
DO
IT.
Search the 4th gen forum. For 10 bucks (key) and around 3 bucks (to cut) you can get a key.
Here. 20 second search.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/102100-new-key-transmitter-cost.html
Save you a ton. You can get the key cut at any hardware store and you can pair the key to your car. You can do it yourself, you don't need a machine. I have paired 2 extra keys and can verify it works.
Not
DO
IT.
Search the 4th gen forum. For 10 bucks (key) and around 3 bucks (to cut) you can get a key.
Here. 20 second search.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/102100-new-key-transmitter-cost.html
Save you a ton. You can get the key cut at any hardware store and you can pair the key to your car. You can do it yourself, you don't need a machine. I have paired 2 extra keys and can verify it works.
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BlackWorksInc
New member
You can buy OEM keys pretty cheap online or most hardware stores. They often can program the key for your vehicle for far less than that. Its about overhead and profit and I wouldn't waste your money on that.
ryanbt
New member
And if you have a master key (black head not gray) you can program it yourself:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/99215-how-make-spare-chipped-keys.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/99215-how-make-spare-chipped-keys.html
Hapeacres
New member
ok great, I will try the ebay purchase, cut it at Ace Hardware, and then program myself deal! I was going to take it to dealer tonight after work because the one black key I have does not turn either way in the back door. I dont know why it doesnt turn. The FOB remote rolls the back window down but does not close it. The only way I can close back window is by the drivers switch on console. I thought the dealer could help me with that with the new key purchase. I also accidently started the car while fooling around with the remote FOB????? I tried to start it again but couldnt figure that out either.
ryanbt
New member
The fob only rolls down the back window. Not sure how you started it with the fob. Were the keys in the ignition at the time? If so that would be easy to start, because the 4th gen T4Rs have what I call "bump" start. As in you just turn the key from "on" to "start" briefly and the starter will automatically crank until the engine starts. You don't have to actually hold the key in the "start" position. So if you had the keys in the ignition and were fumbling with the fob it would have been easy to have briefly turned the key to the "start" position.
As for getting your new key cut, I wouldn't cut from your new key from your existing key if it's having issues, I would have a Toyota dealer cut your eBay key from the VIN. I have done this before and they have not charged me. Your dealer may charge a small fee though. This way you are getting a true original and not a copy of a bad key which will more than likely inherit the same issues.
As for getting your new key cut, I wouldn't cut from your new key from your existing key if it's having issues, I would have a Toyota dealer cut your eBay key from the VIN. I have done this before and they have not charged me. Your dealer may charge a small fee though. This way you are getting a true original and not a copy of a bad key which will more than likely inherit the same issues.
gaterose
Senior Member
I agree, find someone else! I bought my key on ebay (it was $60, but was also a switchblade key with integrated remote), had it cut at a hardware store for $2, and my dealer programmed it for free. You can get a standard blank (not the fancy one I did) for only a few dollars.
$90 is ludacris. Many locksmiths can do the programming as well.
edit - sorry- I just saw you other post and see that you're basically doing what I said.
$90 is ludacris. Many locksmiths can do the programming as well.
edit - sorry- I just saw you other post and see that you're basically doing what I said.
sonerick
New member
Sounds like you have a remote starter too, nice!
FWIW, sometimes the key does not turn on my rear hatch, which makes closing the window a pain. I find that if I push inwards with some force while turning I can usually get it to turn. There must be some gunk in there or something, not sure...
FWIW, sometimes the key does not turn on my rear hatch, which makes closing the window a pain. I find that if I push inwards with some force while turning I can usually get it to turn. There must be some gunk in there or something, not sure...
Co.Ag.2005
New member
What brand? How has it held up (quality wise)?
gaterose
Senior Member
It didn't have a brand, I saw a post somewhere on this forum about it. The eBay link in the post was dead but I searched 4runner switchblade or something along those lines and found one. It didn't have a brand and had the trunk pop emblem instead rear window logo thingy. The rear window function still worked, just showed trunk instead of hatch.
It worked really well and I really liked it, unfortunately my car was broken into and it was in the center console and stolen
This appears to be the exact one I had
ebay
edit- yes it is the one I had, same seller "mykeyless"... looks like his prices went up a bit
Here is a very cheap one, may be worth trying - also ebay
edit - here's the thread
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/65956-switchblade-key-remote-combo-feedback.html
It worked really well and I really liked it, unfortunately my car was broken into and it was in the center console and stolen
This appears to be the exact one I had
ebay
edit- yes it is the one I had, same seller "mykeyless"... looks like his prices went up a bit
Here is a very cheap one, may be worth trying - also ebay
edit - here's the thread
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/65956-switchblade-key-remote-combo-feedback.html
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Co.Ag.2005
New member
It didn't have a brand, I saw a post somewhere on this forum about it. The eBay link in the post was dead but I searched 4runner switchblade or something along those lines and found one. It didn't have a brand and had the trunk pop emblem instead rear window logo thingy. The rear window function still worked, just showed trunk instead of hatch.
It worked really well and I really liked it, unfortunately my car was broken into and it was in the center console and stolen
This appears to be the exact one I had
ebay
edit- yes it is the one I had, same seller "mykeyless"... looks like his prices went up a bit
Here is a very cheap one, may be worth trying - also ebay
edit - here's the thread
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/65956-switchblade-key-remote-combo-feedback.html
Thanks for the detailed post!
NJshadow93
New member
When I bought my truck no key worked in the rear hatch. I sprayed WD-40 in there and now all keys work easily.
Hapeacres
New member
ok, I went to the dealer with my one black key to try and figure out why my key does not turn in the rear tailgate. The mechanic tried to turn it and he could not either. Then he tried the glovebox and it would not work on the glovebox either. He instructed a woman to cut me a plain key from the Vin number. They charged me five bucks for the plain key with no chip. This new key DID unlock the glove compartment and DID turn in the rear tailgate. I was able to open and close the back window! While the mechanic was using my FOB the car acccidently started just like it did to me!!! It surprised the hell out of him. He looked at the console and said he has worked here for ten years and have never seen a Toyota remote starter connected to the original FOB. He fumbled around a few times like I have to try to get it to start again but gave up. He told me to try all kinds of combinations and I may get lucky. He advised me to inform any mechanic about this because it could be very dangerous if someone was working on the engine! Now I have a question: Can I still make a duplicate key from the one black key I have? It is not the valet key which locks the glovebox or turns in the tailgate. I dont want to screw up the only key I have. I asked the mechanic and he said I could not program a new key from it so now I am not sure.
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Doozi
New member
It works perfectly!! I bought my new key from Amazon for $6.95 or $8.95, ACE Hardware cut it for me for free, and it took literally about 35 seconds to program the new key. Use the newly cut/programmed key for everyday use and store the original as your back-up... making copies of copies eventually will leave you stuck.
Hapeacres
New member
Woo Hoo, found an old registration in hidden glove compartment drawer and contacted previous owner. Said to press unlock four times and car will start! Toyota installed this after he purchased car. I tried it and it works! Original owner from Boston with all maintenance completed except timing belt. Never towed with it and only time was in 4 LO was to get out of snow in driveway. Ordered two keys off ebay and will program according to the forum instructions. I love this place!
I live near Hamstead..right on the border.
