I have read other information but I am confused on one part. Are there two items that need to be programmed? The Key and the FOB? Dealer is charging me 200 for key and 145 for programming. They told me they have my key in stock but it needs to be programmed. So they cut it or they give me a blank key? Thanks.
Duplicate Key for 2017 SR5 Base
- Thread starter sunnah
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DAW89446
Member
It is my understanding that remotes have to be programmed for each vehicle. There are countless codes and frequencies, otherwise there is the chance that one person’s fob might open someone else’s vehicle even if the key wouldn’t. I believe that most modern keys also have a chip that the vehicle senses as well. I assume that each VIN has a unique code that must match if and when a replacement key is necessary.
Pavement Tested
Member
NOTE: what follows assumes you have a typical "dumb" key that is inserted in the ignition to start the car and NOT a smart key with push to start.
Short answer, yes two things must be programmed which have nothing to do with the metal portion of the key.
1: Programming of the car to recognize the fob unit (portion of the key with the buttons on it) for locking/unlocking the doors.
2: Programming the car to recognize the RFID chip that is also in the fob portion allowing the car to start.
The metal portion of the key then needs to be cut to physically operate the ignition cylinder lock and door/tailgate/glove box locks if you need to.
Watch this YouTube video from Tom's Key. It explains a lot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frn3ORUE3Kc
I am currently waiting on the delivery of Tom's Key programmer to program 2 fobs I purchased off of Amazon for $30. When I bought my T4R 2 weeks ago it only came with 1 buttonless key that has an RFID chip in it and that is all. I have to use the key in the door to unlock it. I had a spare key cut to be able to unlock the doors if me or my wife locks the key inside but it will not start the car.
The stealership pricing is absolutely ridiculous. My local stealership wants $260 per key and $175 to program them. They will not program any aftermarket keys obtained elsewhere, only genuine Toyota keys. They claim that they have not had success with aftermarket keys.
Your dealership telling you they have a key in stock that will work in your car only means they have a blank that needs to be programmed and cut.
Short answer, yes two things must be programmed which have nothing to do with the metal portion of the key.
1: Programming of the car to recognize the fob unit (portion of the key with the buttons on it) for locking/unlocking the doors.
2: Programming the car to recognize the RFID chip that is also in the fob portion allowing the car to start.
The metal portion of the key then needs to be cut to physically operate the ignition cylinder lock and door/tailgate/glove box locks if you need to.
Watch this YouTube video from Tom's Key. It explains a lot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frn3ORUE3Kc
I am currently waiting on the delivery of Tom's Key programmer to program 2 fobs I purchased off of Amazon for $30. When I bought my T4R 2 weeks ago it only came with 1 buttonless key that has an RFID chip in it and that is all. I have to use the key in the door to unlock it. I had a spare key cut to be able to unlock the doors if me or my wife locks the key inside but it will not start the car.
The stealership pricing is absolutely ridiculous. My local stealership wants $260 per key and $175 to program them. They will not program any aftermarket keys obtained elsewhere, only genuine Toyota keys. They claim that they have not had success with aftermarket keys.
Your dealership telling you they have a key in stock that will work in your car only means they have a blank that needs to be programmed and cut.
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Pavement Tested
Member
I don't disagree that the locksmith route will be less than the dealership however, a locksmith will have to have a tool like Tom's rents to program them and will charge whatever their labor rates are. Last time I got locked out of my truck it cost me almost $200 for them to use an air bladder to open the window frame enough to reach the lock with a reach rod. Total work time was like 3 mins. It took longer for me to pay them.
I'm currently into the project $30 for keys, $60 to rent the programmer from Tom's Keys and $120 refundable deposit for the programmer I'll get back when I return it. If the programming doesn't take, I get the full rental price refunded and I'll be able to return the keys to Amazon for a refund but I'll be back to square 1. If it goes well I'll be in it $90 for 2 keys plus whatever getting them cut will cost which can be done at Home Depot or Lowe's for a few bucks, if you want to risk that. I'll probably get them cut by a professional locksmith just to be cautious. HD and Lowe's has a "Miscut Key" can by the cutter for a reason...
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Pavement Tested
Member
As a follow up to this, I received the programmer from Tom's Key this afternoon. I was able to erase all the old keys that I am not in possession of and programmed 2 new keys purchased from Amazon. They are still uncut but they lock/unlock the vehicle remotely and the anti-theft light functions the same as the one working key I had. Well worth the money and wait to do this myself since the dealership would have been over $700 for 2 keys purchased and programmed.
EDIT: I risked getting the keys cut at my local Home Depot since all the local locksmiths are closed until Monday and their week day business hours conflict with my working hours. They cut them for free and everything works as designed.
EDIT: I risked getting the keys cut at my local Home Depot since all the local locksmiths are closed until Monday and their week day business hours conflict with my working hours. They cut them for free and everything works as designed.
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