Are You On The Fence About The AJT Keyfob?

[zw470]

Do yourself a favor and just buy it.

I couldn't decide whether or not I wanted to risk destroying my transponder, so I went back and forth for a couple weeks about whether or not I wanted to buy it. Eventually I decided to go for it, thinking I'd just use my valet key and keep this on the keyring like a normal fob instead of the all-in-one style. I had it like that for about 2.43 seconds before I realized it was much too bulky. I didn't feel like going out to the garage to get my heat gun, so I used my wiffe's hairdryer. I took my time and repeated the "heat and scrape" routine until the transponder just fell right out of it's little pocket. Honestly I had more trouble separating the key from the fob than I did getting the transponder out.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

My biggest concern has been the transponder chips as well

 

[J.F. Sebastian]

I think if one of my keys got banged-up this would be a great option rather than buy a blank on eBay and getting the blade cut at the dealership, etc...

Cool, innovative little products.

 

[jmeds]

I thought about it for a while as well, liked them so much I did both keys

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[MaddoxPics]

Guess I'll be the one to say it. I'm not spending $30+ on something that doesn't look any better than the OEM one nor has any advantages over it.

 

[IanB]

Guess I'll be the one to say it. I'm not spending $30+ on something that doesn't look any better than the OEM one nor has any advantages over it.

They make sense if you break the plastic housing on an OEM key as a method of repair, but I agree, not a mod I'd seek out if I didn't have a broken key.

 

[Knuckledragger]

I really like mine as well. I had two keys so I figured, why not? If I destroyed one, I would still have one transponder key and the valet key. In the end, it was simple to take it apart. I used a cigar lighter, razor blade, and a small pliers. Took maybe 3 minutes. I went with a black fob, grey buttons, and red screws. The ordering experience was nice as well. I might even buy another one just to have.

 

[Anand]

So for those who destroyed the transponder on your first attempt... here's a SUPER easy solution...

All of you need to do is spend a few bucks and buy some blank G keys on eBay (I think I got two blanks for $14 shipped), these generic keys have transponders that aren't glued in and nearly fall right out after two simple cuts. Then either find someone local with Techstream or spend $30 and buy it and the cable yourself, and spend another 3 minutes programming the new transponder... Boom, working key!

 

[nglayton]

They do not wear well.

I've had mine since middle of March. Looked cool, not worth $35, but looked cool.

Also mine is starting to crack.
Not looking forward to spending another $35 to fix it after less than 1 year. If you going to do it you might as well buy enough to last however long you own the truck.

Here's what it looks like after 8 months of normal use. Red arrow is pointing to where the crack is starting. Not good.

Note: Contacted seller and they replaced them under warranty

 

[jpham96]

I like my AJT keyfob. Install was super easy, I didn't have any issues with removing the transponder chip.

 

[nglayton]

Actually just looked at the AJT website again and it looks like they have 1 year warranty. I might be in luck!

 

[sandcrawler]

They do not wear well.

I've had mine since middle of March. Looked cool, not worth $35, but looked cool.

Also mine is starting to crack.
Not looking forward to spending another $35 to fix it after less than 1 year. If you going to do it you might as well buy enough to last however long you own the truck.

Here's what it looks like after 8 months of normal use. Red arrow is pointing to where the crack is starting. Not good.

i noticed that mine has a hairline crack in exactly the same spot...

 

[sinks88]

Did you ever contact him? I had same issue and he sent me replacements for free in like 2 days. On top of that he said the design has improved since first release. His CS is spot on.

They do not wear well.

I've had mine since middle of March. Looked cool, not worth $35, but looked cool.

Also mine is starting to crack.
Not looking forward to spending another $35 to fix it after less than 1 year. If you going to do it you might as well buy enough to last however long you own the truck.

Here's what it looks like after 8 months of normal use. Red arrow is pointing to where the crack is starting. Not good.

 

[arehman11]

My old OEM Lexus keys on my IS would crack at that exact same spot. Lexus replaced them but the dealer told me the trick to avoiding cracks is to hold the key at that spot when turning instead of at the back of the key. I never cracked another key in the 9 years I owned that car. Turn the 4runner key the same way and no issues.

 

[Toffees]

Guess I'll be the one to say it. I'm not spending $30+ on something that doesn't look any better than the OEM one nor has any advantages over it.

Of all the vain things people do to their 4Rs, $30 for a new key (so long as you don't destroy the device and require a new $300 key), is small potatoes

 

[jhguth]

Guess I'll be the one to say it. I'm not spending $30+ on something that doesn't look any better than the OEM one nor has any advantages over it.

you mean you've never thought to yourself, "this key is just way to small, i need a way to make it even bulkier!"

 

[mrblah]

I’m going to pass and keep my money in my wallet

 

[nglayton]

My old OEM Lexus keys on my IS would crack at that exact same spot. Lexus replaced them but the dealer told me the trick to avoiding cracks is to hold the key at that spot when turning instead of at the back of the key. I never cracked another key in the 9 years I owned that car. Turn the 4runner key the same way and no issues.

Yes, but, we shouldn't have to do that...... It should just not break.

 

[craaaazzy]

wow, that is one ugly looking aftermarket key. much prefer my yotamd lx470 key (which are known to break).

 

[rayofsi]

wow, that is one ugly looking aftermarket key. much prefer my yotamd lx470 key (which are known to break).

that is one sexy ass key
If only they made a fancy key shell for the 4runners.