$358 for a key

[buchaja]

I had to get a key made and visited a local small business that was recommended to me. Nice people, and an impressive little shop with a steady stream of visitors keeping the 4 or 5 employees busy.

Out of curiosity, I asked about having another key made for my '12 TE. Specifically, the one with the built-in FOB to open doors, etc. I expected the quote to come in around $200 or so. As the title says, it was $358!

Here's where this becomes a rant against Carmax: I got the 4runner there, got a good deal on a low mileage, one owner vehicle, but was not told I was only getting one key. I love the runner, but because of my experience consider Carmax just the world's biggest collection of used car salesmen.

 

[SigSense]

Read...

Learn: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/151497-lost-key-what-will-cost-me.html

 

[RobDek]

New 2011 2012 Uncut Toyota 4Runner Key Remote HYQ12BBY G Stamp on Key Blade | eBay

 

[BobsTrail]

I bought a blank key from Autotransponder.com for $21. The 3 Button remote is about $188. You may want to just get a key only.

The problem is getting the key cut and programmed. I was able to have a junk yard key guy cut it for $2. The problem is the programming. The dealer wanted $75. Some locksmiths can program the new key too but charge a lot.

I ended up buying a cable and disk on ebay for the Toyota TIS system for $28 and programmed it myself.

A lot of messing around but it worked and kept me under $50.

There are posts on this forum about the TIS cable and program. With that you can also reprogram some of the custom settings like seat belt alarm, cabin light duration and others.

 

[blizz86]

I bought a blank key from Autotransponder.com for $21. The 3 Button remote is about $188. You may want to just get a key only.

The problem is getting the key cut and programmed. I was able to have a junk yard key guy cut it for $2. The problem is the programming. The dealer wanted $75. Some locksmiths can program the new key too but charge a lot.

I ended up buying a cable and disk on ebay for the Toyota TIS system for $28 and programmed it myself.

A lot of messing around but it worked and kept me under $50.

There are posts on this forum about the TIS cable and program. With that you can also reprogram some of the custom settings like seat belt alarm, cabin light duration and others.

What did you have to do to program the key?

My 3rd gen's original keys were worn down and when you put it in the ignition sometimes it wouldnt turn and just get stuck. This was with both my keys lol. I had to somehow put in my original key and miraculously it worked once, took it out and put in the new key to ON and play with a bunch of the wireless remote and opening doors etc.

 

[buchaja]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The lock & key place wouldn't take a key that was brought to them and program it. It had to be a package deal, key and programming.

I'm in no hurry for a second set as I'm the only driver of the 4runner. But that sure is a nice price on ebay for a blank.

[MENTION=85467]BobsTrail[/MENTION]; did you use the TIS to automate the windows down w/fob function? Can this be done?

 

[SigSense]

The lock & key place wouldn't take a key that was brought to them and program it. It had to be a package deal, key and programming.

They are merely trying to rip you off good sir. Expand your search and you'll find someone that will cut/code keys for cheap.

 

[acuracing]

I had a replacement key with the 3-buttons made from a kiosk at the local mall. Cost me $160 even which included programming. A "hook-up" from a friend at Toyota would have cost me $225 total.

 

[buchaja]

They are merely trying to rip you off good sir. Expand your search and you'll find someone that will cut/code keys for cheap.

I believe you're right. Your input is greatly appreciated here. I got out my one and only transponder key graciously provided by Carmax when I saw the ebay link you found and compared them. Exact match, as you already know.

I had a replacement key with the 3-buttons made from a kiosk at the local mall. Cost me $160 even which included programming. A "hook-up" from a friend at Toyota would have cost me $225 total.

$160 is sure better than $358. But, still steep. I guess I'm dating myself, but I remember the days car keys (or any key) could be cut at the hardware store for 2 or 3 bucks.

$225 is about what I expected from a dealer. I wonder if mine would program one for me if I paid for an oil change or something...

 

[LWN]

Keyless entry programming

I bought a blank key from Autotransponder.com for $21. The 3 Button remote is about $188. You may want to just get a key only.

The problem is getting the key cut and programmed. I was able to have a junk yard key guy cut it for $2. The problem is the programming. The dealer wanted $75. Some locksmiths can program the new key too but charge a lot.

I ended up buying a cable and disk on ebay for the Toyota TIS system for $28 and programmed it myself.

A lot of messing around but it worked and kept me under $50.

There are posts on this forum about the TIS cable and program. With that you can also reprogram some of the custom settings like seat belt alarm, cabin light duration and others.

Thanks for the post! I'm going to buy the disk and cable as well to program my replacement chip key, but did you/can you also use the software to program the keyless remote entry? I haven't found any posts here about how to program the remote entry.

 

[pence]

Where are you located? I can do it for freeeeee
I bought the $20 TIS Techstream cable and 'found' the software. Its a 10 minute process. I would suggest buying it as there are many other options you can set besides programming a key (rolling down windows/sunroof w/ unlock press on button, turning off seatbelt warning, ect) Good luck mate!

 

[LWN]

Where are you located? I can do it for freeeeee
I bought the $20 TIS Techstream cable and 'found' the software. Its a 10 minute process. I would suggest buying it as there are many other options you can set besides programming a key (rolling down windows/sunroof w/ unlock press on button, turning off seatbelt warning, ect) Good luck mate!

I appreciate the offer but I just ordered the cable and CD on EBay myself

But my question is, can you use that to program the remote keyless entry buttons on the new key, or is there some other process to program the keyless entry buttons?

 

[pence]

Ya you program the buttons and the immobilizer separately. Make sure your key has a G stamped on it or it wont work. Its super tricky to install on a x64 machine running 7,8, or 10, but I got it to work after hours of trials. Win XP will def be your best bet! GL

 

[LWN]

Ya you program the buttons and the immobilizer separately. Make sure your key has a G stamped on it or it wont work. Its super tricky to install on a x64 machine running 7,8, or 10, but I got it to work after hours of trials. Win XP will def be your best bet! GL

Ok, thanks much for the info, and yea I've got Win 7 with a X64 so thanks for the warning - this sounds like loads of fun... Still worth it to save nearly $500 - I need to replace two lost keys...

 

[Jeremy556]

Ok, thanks much for the info, and yea I've got Win 7 with a X64 so thanks for the warning - this sounds like loads of fun... Still worth it to save nearly $500 - I need to replace two lost keys...

I would recommend running it in a 32bit Windows XP virtual machine if you can. That also keeps the Chinese driver for the USB cable of your real machine.

 

[Satex]

Does this mean that on 5th gen new keys and fobs cannot be added without the programming software?

 

[ToyoDriver]

El oh el. You want a headache? I lost the only key to my Mercedes.

Had to tow the car to the dealer and they order the key from Texas. It took 3 or 4 days if I recall right...and $350...plus the tow bill....and $500 in airfare since I was out of town at the time.

You can't just go "get a key programmed" with that brand, and after that experience getting a key made in a few minutes for $358 at a dealer would be a blessing.

 

[CookieRoe]

I spent about $340 for a factory key for my 07 Civic when I lost them. I had spares, naturally, but there was no way I was going to soldier one without one.

It is what it is.

 

[ScottR]

Does this mean that on 5th gen new keys and fobs cannot be added without the programming software?

Keys can be cut, fobs must be programmed.

 

[TX med]

I bought the Toyota key (~20$) from Amazon and asked my dealership about how much it would be to get the key cut and programmed and they said 70$ assuming I bought the right key. When I went for pickup they said they had waived the fee. :dancin: