Do I only have a valet key? (how screwed am I?)

[scottm]

I'm having an "oh crap" moment with my new-to-me '03. I'm googling around about programming the two keys I have on order at the dealer, and reading that you need to have a master key or replace the ECU. My key is darkish grey, definitely not black. I just tried it in the glovebox, it doesn't even go in the keyhole. This car will spend many days in the O'Hare employee lot, not a good place to realize I dropped my key somewhere in the last 5000 miles, so I need spare keys.

oh crap? Help me verify this is a master or valet key?

If it is a valet key, how screwed am I?

 

[MikesToy]

You should have 3 keys (2 Masters and 1 Valet). The valet key can only open the doors and ignition. The masters are black and the valet is grey.

 

[scottm]

Thanks, it sounds like I only have a valet. Is it true that I cannot get more keys programmed to my truck without a master key? Is it true that I have to replace the ECU or ECM or some such horribly expensive thing to be able to add keys to my truck?

Is it possible to add some remote start system, that uses my one key to satisfy the system, so a non-programmed key will start it?

 

[jharris2]

Your answers are here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/55653-lost-my-key-help-please.html

 

[scottm]

Your answers are here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/55653-lost-my-key-help-please.html

Thanks for the link. Still, nothing is exactly clear here.

For a non-Toyota source to program it you must have one working key.

That seems to imply that a Toyota source will be able to program new keys without a working master key.

The immobilizer key is indeed costly - to buy and have programmed. Loos the master and you'll need a loan! You can have a regular key cut but it will just open doors and not start vehicle - unless you hid an immobilizer key up under the dash.

This sounds less promising. Keys programmed at the dealer are maybe $100, needing a loan sounds like more than $100.

Hiding an immobilizer key under the dash? My '03 Land Cruiser needs the chip to be right at the keyhole, I have a broken one I played with to see. Maybe if I wire-tie the valet key to the tumbler, I can use un-programmed keys. I have an appointment Wednesday with the dealer to get two keys cut and programmed. I'll call them to make sure they'll be able to do it without a master key, but I'm frustrated by the lack of info.

 

[jharris2]

Still, nothing is exactly clear here. That seems to imply that a Toyota source will be able to program new keys without a working master key.

I'm not following as to what's not clear. Post #4 in the link says "According to TSB S003-02, you can have up to 5 master keys and 3 sub keys registered. However, you must use a master key to perform new registrations."

 

[scottm]

Rats. Perhaps my brain doesn't want to believe this. I may have to get creative to make this work, really might zip-tie the valet key against the tumbler and go with unprogrammed keys.

 

[jharris2]

Rats. Perhaps my brain doesn't want to believe this. I may have to get creative to make this work, really might zip-tie the valet key against the tumbler and go with unprogrammed keys.

Or, maybe you'll get lucky and find out something has changed since the TSB was published. Let us know what happens.

 

[simple]

When I got my truck I was handed 3 keys as well. The valet key came with a small silver key chain on it with a code on it. I think the guy told me that if I loose the keys the dealer can cut me new ones using that code. Did you get anything like that?

 

[glock56534]

If the 2 dealers I spoke with were correct, you must have an existing master key to be able to program a new master key. Having only the valet key will not allow you to program a new key. When I spoke with them, we were talking about '05 and later models. I'm not sure if the '03 and '04s are different.

 

[scottm]

When I got my truck I was handed 3 keys as well. The valet key came with a small silver key chain on it with a code on it. I think the guy told me that if I loose the keys the dealer can cut me new ones using that code. Did you get anything like that?

No, this truck has been through multiple owners, dealer auctions, who knows. Not a lot of miles on it, 52k, but it's been owned in three states.

I'll call the dealer in the morning, but they are a typical hard to deal with service dept. I usually find my answers on the 'net before I talk to them. In fact, I may just call the dealer in the next town.

 

[wombie]

My newsed truck (hey, sounds better that way) came with two masters, a valet, two remotes, and a little silver tag with numbers on. Stealer told us that we need the code on the tag to program a new set of keys (well, really the chip inside the key) in the event they get lost, and that loosing all of that is a real PITA (and expensive too).
I seem to recall there being instructions about it in the manual - if you don't have a copy you can look at a pdf version at toyotaownersonline.com

How long have you had the truck? Was it certified? If it was certified then they should have given you all the keys etc. for it.

 

[scottm]

Not certified, bought at auction a couple weeks ago to save money (or not).

I stopped at the dealer this morning, they assured me they can program a key without the master. I guess I'll find out on Wednesday.

 

[SurfToy]

My newsed truck (hey, sounds better that way) came with two masters, a valet, two remotes, and a little silver tag with numbers on. Stealer told us that we need the code on the tag to program a new set of keys (well, really the chip inside the key) in the event they get lost, and that loosing all of that is a real PITA (and expensive too).
I seem to recall there being instructions about it in the manual - if you don't have a copy you can look at a pdf version at toyotaownersonline.com

How long have you had the truck? Was it certified? If it was certified then they should have given you all the keys etc. for it.

Is this true? I bought mine Certified, and it came with only one master key and one remote. If Certified implies a full complement of keys, I'm going back to demand they make it right.

Anyone else have insight on this? Thanks.

 

[JAC]

My newsed truck (hey, sounds better that way) came with two masters, a valet, two remotes, and a little silver tag with numbers on. Stealer told us that we need the code on the tag to program a new set of keys (well, really the chip inside the key) in the event they get lost, and that loosing all of that is a real PITA (and expensive too).
I seem to recall there being instructions about it in the manual - if you don't have a copy you can look at a pdf version at toyotaownersonline.com

.

Same here...

 

[wombie]

Is this true? I bought mine Certified, and it came with only one master key and one remote. If Certified implies a full complement of keys, I'm going back to demand they make it right.

Anyone else have insight on this? Thanks.

My feeling on the matter was that it originally came with 3 keys and 2 remotes, so it should still have them. I asked for all three, and when one of the remotes didn't work and needed reprogramming after I drove off with the truck ( I should have checked, but...details y'know?) I went back and demanded they take care of it, and they did.

Is there a piece of paper that speaks to it? No idea. But at a minimum I would expect to have a master, a valet and a remote.

 

[AKABlig]

My experience

I only had one key and one remote when I bought my /08. Went on line and bought a remote ($35) with programing instructions, worked great. Next called about extra keys, dealers wanted ~$50 plus $100 programing.

Called a number of locksmiths and found one that said they could program these keys. Got 2 keys cut and programmed for $80 plus tax, took about 20 nin to erase and reprogram.

He said he erased ALL programed keys and put in the original and two new ones. He told me with the programmer there is no need for a master, The master is only required to ADD additional keys.

 

[SurfToy]

My feeling on the matter was that it originally came with 3 keys and 2 remotes, so it should still have them. I asked for all three, and when one of the remotes didn't work and needed reprogramming after I drove off with the truck ( I should have checked, but...details y'know?) I went back and demanded they take care of it, and they did.

Is there a piece of paper that speaks to it? No idea. But at a minimum I would expect to have a master, a valet and a remote.

Thanks. When I was handed my key, I asked about the fact there was only one, and the salesrep said sorry that's all they had. I thought 'no big deal, a new key shouldn't cost more than $5 - 10'. Little did I know.

I'm still going to go back and see if I can work them into setting me up with at least one more key. I would think a smart manager would see the cost-benefit of one free/discounted key vs. one dissatisfied customer.

 

[scottm]

I paid $225 for two master keys from my local dealer. That included $90 for programming, because they couldn't remember how to do it. I don't think they're concerned about dissatisfied customers.

 

[Breaze]

I just purchased a 2008 4runner and was given only 1 gray rubber key - does have the dimple. It works on everything (including the tailgate) except the glovebox - so I assumed it was a valet key and thought I was screwed.

Called a local locksmith who said he could make me another valet key for $50.00 in a couple of minutes or another master for $75.00 but it would take 30 minutes to re-set the immobilizer and re-program the keys. He said he does not need a master key to do those things.

When I got there, he said he thought the gray key was a master based on how it was cut and that the glovebox lock had something jammed in it because the key would not go all the way in. He suggested I just get another valet key made which I did. Took 2 mins and $50.00 - also got him to cut another flat metal key to put in my wallet for when I lock my keys in the car. - $3.00

I now wonder if the gray key was actually a master as he said or if he was able to make a valet key from a valet key.

Is the valet key supposed to work in the tailgate?