Cheapest way to get a new Toyota key (not the valet key)?

[NathanOfSeattle]

Up to this point I've "accepted" just using the valet key to drive my 4runner around since that was all the previous owner had when I bought it. I wanted to see what the cheapest way to get a new Toyota key would be so that I can have an actual Toyota key to take advantage of some nice to have features (locking the glove box, opening/closing windows, and anything else I don't know of).

I had called my local dealership and they said to just come in and they'll take care of it. Sounds expensive

Any advise on the cheapest way to get a new Toyota key would be? My initial thinking is:
1. Buy an uncut key off eBay
2. Take to locksmith to get cut
3. Then take to dealer for key programming

 

[fluffeh]

I think the dealer needs the master key for programming or it gets way more expensive.

 

[shadow247]

What year is it? My 99 just has a standard metal key and no chip. I wouldn't think you need to program anything with that.

 

[NathanOfSeattle]

What year is it? My 99 just has a standard metal key and no chip. I wouldn't think you need to program anything with that.

2000. Yeah I have that same standard metal key and the dealer told me that is the valet key. It'll work just fine for starting/stopping, and locking the doors. Dealer also mentioned I either need the original master key, or come in to prove ownership before they cut and program a new master key for me.

 

[shadow247]

Strange, mine opens the doors, locks the glovebox, and I'm not sure if I have the window roll down feature with key. Any idea how that works?

 

[BrianSD_42]

Just go to the dealership.


They will charge $10 - $20. No big deal. They make one based on the VIN#.


// END THREAD

 

[theizzardking]

i thought the valet key only opened the doors as it had not chip to turn over the ignition.....i see no reason why any key for the truck wouldn't work on the glove box...and wtf do you mean windows? what does that have to do with the key, i'm lost here, this is all new info to me unless im missing something here.

 

[Yoter]

My "Valet" cheap after market key does all of the above mentioned functions...
Windows, glove etc..
I am sure they are all the same, Just a hunk of metal.
If you are talking about the remote, than yes you want an OEM 3 button remote.

 

[Yoter]

i thought the valet key only opened the doors as it had not chip to turn over the ignition.....i see no reason why any key for the truck wouldn't work on the glove box...and wtf do you mean windows? what does that have to do with the key, i'm lost here, this is all new info to me unless im missing something here.

I think he is referring to opening the hatch window with the key, hold the key in the lock on the hatch to raise and lower the window

 

[theizzardking]

I think he is referring to opening the hatch window with the key

oh, ok, i was thinking the cliker bit, but still , i don't understand how this works, if the key opens the door and runs the truck why doesn't work the back window ? isn;t the key cut the same? i had a valet key cut from may master key at a hole in teh wall and it worked everything i needed it to, it just wouldn't start the truck because of no chip.....my experience is just completely different than what everyone is saying happens, just trying to fiugre out what the deal is...

 

[NathanOfSeattle]

oh, ok, i was thinking the cliker bit, but still , i don't understand how this works, if the key opens the door and runs the truck why doesn't work the back window ? isn;t the key cut the same? i had a valet key cut from may master key at a hole in teh wall and it worked everything i needed it to, it just wouldn't start the truck because of no chip.....my experience is just completely different than what everyone is saying happens, just trying to fiugre out what the deal is...

My local Toyota dealer said the master key allows you to lock the glove box and open/close the rear hatch window. Other than that the valet key allows for the same operation as the master key.

I just want another key in case I lost my only key and I figure why not try to get a master key. Anyway, I'll probably just go with the dealer option.

 

[Yoter]

it just wouldn't start the truck because of no chip.....

Oh, I am the confused one here lol
I guess the Highlanders/ non limiteds have no such electronic chip because I use a cheap hardware store key in my 4runner.

 

[fluffeh]

Yeah my key has the transponder to start the truck and my valet key is a grey one without a remote. And I can definitely roll the back window up and down with it. I didn't think the truck would even start without the transponder.

 

[Evilmunkey]

I have an '02 there is no immobilzer chip in the key, so take your registration to the dealer and have them cut a master key from the vin # you provide that's all, there is no programming needed on '02 and older.

Only thing you'd need to program is a new key fob (keyless entry remote)

 

[theizzardking]

Oh, I am the confused one here lol
I guess the Highlanders/ non limiteds have no such electronic chip because I use a cheap hardware store key in my 4runner.

bwaha, i don't know, i'm all sorts of turned around on this thread, it either has a chip or it doesn;t and can;t tell fromt he way the thread is going if that's the case or not, never heard of a valet key with no chip needing to be programmed, on the other hand I've never heard of a chipped truck being able to start with a "valet" key ....when i got mine cut they said they couldn't make a master key but could make me a valet key just to get inside the truck....


for what it's worth texas instruments (like your calc) is the company that supplies the chips for our keys and such, so you need to find a place with their key programmer to program it for your truck, key companies can make you duplicate from the master if you have it with you if not your fubar'd , i'd really suggest dropping the $50 on another chipped key if that's the system you have...

 

[blizz86]

Almost all of these posts have been false information or incomplete facts.. :crazy:
This all depends on if you have a transponder chip in your key or not.


With my '00 limited, it does require the transponder in order to start the car.
In order to get one you can either go to the dealer and get one cut to your VIN or existing key, or you can order one online from some el cheapo chinese company for around 4-5 bucks and then get it cut.

If you do not have the transponder and only just the metal key, i am not exactly sure. It would seem you can go to the dealership give VIN, ID, and proof of ownership to get a new master key cut for you. Would be around 10 bucks as EMC said.

Programming:
You can go to the dealer and get keys programmed for around 90. It doesn't matter how many keys you have or want to get programmed but its a flat fee of ~90.
OR
You can do this yourself using this method, ONLY if you have a working master key.

1. Insert an already programmed master key into the ignition. Do not turn.
2. Press and release the gas pedal 5 times.
3. Press and release the brake pedal 6 times.
4. Remove the key from the ignition.
5. Insert the new key you want to program into the ignition.
6. Press and release the gas pedal one time.
7. Wait 1 minute. The security light will be blinking for this one minute. When it stops blinking your

key is programmed. To end programming step on brake one time.

NOTE: Look for your security light. This light will guide you during the programming procedure. The security light will go off at Step 1. It will remain off until Step 6. The security light will come on and start to blink after Step 6 until the key is programmed. If the security light comes on after Step 4 STOP the procedure and start over again.

If you perform this procedure too slowly your car will not go into programming mode. If you can not get your car to go into programming mode make sure you are using a master key and not a valet key. If you have a master key then you will probably need to perform this procedure more quickly.

 

[NathanOfSeattle]

Guys sorry for the added confusion! According to this site, the Limited version comes with the immobilizer. Since I have the SR5, I only need a key to start the truck. From the 3rd paragraph near the bottom:

"The 4Runner Limited adds still more features, providing a heightened sense of comfort and convenience. Leather-trimmed seating surfaces with driver and passenger seat heaters, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power driver's and passenger bucket seats, power door locks and windows with one-touch auto-up/down function and jam protection (front windows only), built-in projector fog lamps, a fully automatic air conditioner with a digital heater and control panel and floor mats are included as standard equipment. In addition, the Limited grade offers a keyless entry with a back window remote and an anti-theft system with an engine immobilizer. The Limited edition also offers superb sound quality with a standard Premium ETR/Cassette/CD radio with six speakers and a power and diversity antenna."

Toyota 4Runner History 2001

 

[theizzardking]

Almost all of these posts have been false information or incomplete facts.. :crazy:
This all depends on if you have a transponder chip in your key or not.


With my '00 limited, it does require the transponder in order to start the car.
In order to get one you can either go to the dealer and get one cut to your VIN or existing key, or you can order one online from some el cheapo chinese company for around 4-5 bucks and then get it cut.

If you do not have the transponder and only just the metal key, i am not exactly sure. It would seem you can go to the dealership give VIN, ID, and proof of ownership to get a new master key cut for you. Would be around 10 bucks as EMC said.

Programming:
You can go to the dealer and get keys programmed for around 90. It doesn't matter how many keys you have or want to get programmed but its a flat fee of ~90.
OR
You can do this yourself using this method, ONLY if you have a working master key.

nice one man, is this in the FAQ sticky, if not you should add it.

 

[blizz86]

nice one man, is this in the FAQ sticky, if not you should add it.

I feel spethal :thumb:

But i am unsure of how to edit stickies.. or if regular members even have that ability..

 

[BrianSD_42]

I have a 97 Limited and there is no immobilizer chip.

Have you called the dealership and given them your VIN#?


You can just call them, give them the VIN # and ask:
a) does it have an immobilizer chip?
b) how much for the new key?
c) when can I pick it up?
d) where are you located?


Once you have those details post here how it went.

Good luck. I'm fairly confident you don't have an immobilizer chip since it is very very very rare. :tea: