Does your key unlock the doors?

[Bigpeekay41]

I bought my 1997 4runner last August and noticed that the key does not unlock the doors(sometimes passenger door), but thankfully i have a keyless entry. so my question is would the installation of the keyless entry screw up the door locks so the key wouldn't work? or do most 4runners have this problem?

I did a search for this and was surprised i didn't find anything because i have noticed the same thing on a few family friends 3rd gen. 4runners.

Any info would help thanks

 

[K.C.]

I read some Threads on 3rd Generation 4Runner keys that just wear out.

Do later 3rd Generations have the key immobilizer?

If your year doesn't have it, just have the key made.

You can go to the dealer, give them your ID, Vin #, proof of registration & insurance...they will provide you w/ a cut key identical to the one that came w/ your truck when it came right off the assembly line.

 

[RR90]

I read some Threads on 3rd Generation 4Runner keys that just wear out.

Do later 3rd Generations have the key immobilizer?

I bought mine new in '00 and don't recall the key immobilzer being any type of option then (it possibly was on the Limited or Lexus then) but I'd find it really hard to believe for a 97. It could be something with the lock electronics though. I rarely ever use the key, but if you do insert it into the lock, you can control "all doors locked" or "all doors unlocked" (like the keyless) but turning & holding the key to the left or right for a few secs. So the key might be physically cut or worn, but it also might be some sort of short with electronic portion of the lock you could look at.

 

[Bigpeekay41]

It could be worn out, but when i bought the car he gave me 2 sets and both sets don't work. I'm guessing it has something to do with the keyless entry installation and/or the electronics, who knows.

Anybody else have this problem?

 

[Sunnyd1277]

I just bought a 97 (140k) with keyless and it works fine whether I use my button or my key. Maybe it has something to do with the central locking system?

 

[XJeepguy]

You need to check the lock relay because like mentioned , they are electronic. One turn does the drivers door and two turns of the key unlocks all doors including the rear hatch. I ditched my key fob for unlocking , I always use the key now . A cop buddy of mine was saying they are starting to see to many 'bad' people sitting in malls with scanners now , apparently with older , simple types , they can easily grab the code and unlock your doors and get into your vehicle.

 

[miniracer]

Frequently this is caused because the lock cylinders are stuck from not being used at all over many years. Shoot some penetrating oil into the locks and gently work the key in the lock. When I bought my 4 Runner the lock cylinder in the rear door was stuck. I ended up having to disassemble the cylinder to free the tumblers, but it works good as new now.

 

[JohnsD90]

I bought mine new in '00 and don't recall the key immobilzer being any type of option then (it possibly was on the Limited or Lexus then) but I'd find it really hard to believe for a 97. It could be something with the lock electronics though. I rarely ever use the key, but if you do insert it into the lock, you can control "all doors locked" or "all doors unlocked" (like the keyless) but turning & holding the key to the left or right for a few secs. So the key might be physically cut or worn, but it also might be some sort of short with electronic portion of the lock you could look at.

i have too turn it 2 times to unlock and just hold it to lock

 

[Bigpeekay41]

went into the dealership and he made me a new key based on my VIN to see if the old keys were worn down and they were and also some locks were stuck. so he gave me the new key for free and i just put some lock loosener type liquid in it and now it works fine

 

[kingwilliam]

Rear door handle busted

The rear door handle on my 99 works sporadically. Sometimes, you pull up on the handle, but nothing happens. The key cylinder has also broken off and flops around inside the licence plate bracket.

I talked to my mechanic and he says it's a common problem. He'll have to remove and replace the whole unit. I need a working rear door for when I load in my drums!
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