eBay key & remote (VW-Audi style)
- Thread starter TXRN1
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paraordnance
New member
TXRN1 said:
I dont know about this one but on my 97 Audi A8 I upgraded my original key to a switchblade keyfob. It was Audi OEM from e-bay, for 2000-up vechicle, and if I remember correct only a certain models work on certain cars. Reprogramming it was very easy.
4runnerfourplay
New member
I recently bought some newer mazda switchblade keys for my wife's 04 mazda3. Worked perfectly, ordered them from a mazda dealership so I had the keys cut by the VIN number and I just needed to get the electronic chip in the key programmed when the keys got to me. Overall I was very pleased, great mod in my opinion.
I guess I would feel better with these though if they were from toyota, they seem generic. But hey they would probably work.
I guess I would feel better with these though if they were from toyota, they seem generic. But hey they would probably work.
4runnerfourplay
New member
gqr1c3boi said:
The mazda keys I ordered through mazda dealership (keys were for some other mazda a minivan I think) gave them the VIN number and they cut the key to fit the ignition and doors. ALl I had to do when I got the keys was get the chips in them scanned or whatever to the car.
I have been looking online and it doesnt seem that toyota has switchblade keys for any of its models so maybe trying this key out would be the only choice.
I may take the dive and try it out....
gqr1c3boi
New member
yeah, i didn't think so. most of them are either the key w/ the remote or the key/remote in one, i.e. the camry key.
Like TXRN1, I found what he found on ebay, which is the retractable key. I also found the switchblade key, which is more like the VW style.
Retractable
Switchblade
the only thing I noticed about the switchblade is that it doesn't mention anything about a transponder in the fob like the retractable one has. I don't even know if our OEM keys have transponders. Nonetheless, i sent an email to that store and asked about it and am still waiting for a reply.
If you decide to pull the trigger on this before I do for your 4Runner, Let me know how it works out.
Like TXRN1, I found what he found on ebay, which is the retractable key. I also found the switchblade key, which is more like the VW style.
Retractable
Switchblade
the only thing I noticed about the switchblade is that it doesn't mention anything about a transponder in the fob like the retractable one has. I don't even know if our OEM keys have transponders. Nonetheless, i sent an email to that store and asked about it and am still waiting for a reply.
If you decide to pull the trigger on this before I do for your 4Runner, Let me know how it works out.
A/V1
New member
Whatever key you wind up getting, just remember the 4th gens require that the key get's programmed in by the the dealer. You can program the fob yourself, but unfortunately, the dealership is the only one able to program the key in.
Also, from what the dealership has told me in the past, do not even put the key in the ignition or you may put your ECM into lockdown. You would then need to have it towed to the dealer & will cost you much more.
The dealership may actually do it for free (unlikely), however you'll probably pay for between a half hour to an hour of work to have the key(s) programmed in. Be sure to take ALL keys with you when you have it done. Otherwise the keys you don't take with will no longer work.
Also, from what the dealership has told me in the past, do not even put the key in the ignition or you may put your ECM into lockdown. You would then need to have it towed to the dealer & will cost you much more.
The dealership may actually do it for free (unlikely), however you'll probably pay for between a half hour to an hour of work to have the key(s) programmed in. Be sure to take ALL keys with you when you have it done. Otherwise the keys you don't take with will no longer work.
gqr1c3boi
New member
TXRN1 said:
For future reference, how exactly did you know it was the wrong key? and please do let us know how it goes.
Did you end up getting the retractable or switchblade one?
A/V1 said:
Is it just the 4th gen that has to be programmed by a dealer? I saw another member on this site that bought the switchblade one and was able to program the transponder by himself using a series of steps.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showt...329&perpage=15&highlight=key fob&pagenumber=2
(about halfway down the page)
I called the dealership about programming the transponder for it, they quoted $45!! is it really that hard?
4runnerfourplay
New member
gqr1c3boi said:
The transponder and the key chip are two different things. The transponder is the part of the remote that are buttons for unlocking and unlocking and the chip inside the key is a theft detterent. Without the chip the car wont start even if the key is cut correctly. That is the part that must be done by the dealer. If you want to just do it the ghetto way you can put the normal key inside the steering column that way the chip is recognized.
A/V1
New member
gqr1c3boi said:
Well, I can't speak for the previous models as I've only had a 4th gen, but I do believe it all changed with the 4th gens. And it's not that it's a difficult job, it's simply that the dealerships are the only ones with the proprietary software/programmers. I've seen one on Ebay for around $4K. This is the first vehicle I've had that I couldn't program the damn key in. Fortunately, we (the users) can at least make some adjustments to the body ECU, etc.
I believe you either call things by different terminology in Germany, or have simply been misinformed. The keys are actually what have the transponder (or chip) in them. The theft deterrent remotes are not transponders, they are simply transmitters.
A transponder is a component or device which automatically responds to an input or action. When you put your key in the ignition, the ECM energizes the coil or circuit around the key and the key transmits a response by sending the correct code back to it, and the computer then "knows" it's ok to start the vehicle.
The remote (or fob) is a simple dumb transmitter. Push a button, it sends a signal. rf, ir, or whatever, the transmitter only sends a signal when you tell it to.
EDIT: I mistakenly said the ECM reads the key. That is incorrect. The key is read by the transponder key computer, which is mounted near the theft deterrent ECU. The transponder key computer reads the key and then sends the signal to the ECM if it should allow it to start.
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A/V1
New member
gqr1c3boi said:
Yes, the Toyota 4th gen 4Runners key is a transponder key. This means it has a chip in it which acts as a transponder, and also "knows" when to transmit the code back to the car (Transponder key computer/ECM).
Have you noticed on your climate controls the blinking red key symbol? When you put the key in, the light will either come on for a couple seconds then go out, or will go out instantly. This is the Transponder key computer reading the key, which sends the signal to the ECM. If it goes out instantly you are using a master key, if it stays on for a few seconds, then goes out, you are using a sub key.
This is what needs to be programmed in by the dealership. They use a device which plugs in, and allows them to mate the key codes to the transponder key computer. This needs to be done so the Transponder key computer will be able to read the key as being the correct key (by reading the replied code), and will then send the signal to the ECM to allow the vehicle to be started.
Also check out page 12 in your owner's manual. It explains the keys a little more.
The theft deterrent remote (also called alarm remote & key fob) can be programmed in by performing complete steps which have you open the driver's door and turn the ignition key at various times (in order of course).
The combo key thing that Ebay guy was selling looks like it has both incorporated into it. So you can either program the fob buttons in yourself, and take the key to the dealer for programming, or just have the dealer program both in. Either way, really, all you need to worry about is that the key can only be programmed in by the dealer.
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A/V1
New member
gqr1c3boi said:
Well, the tech guy I talked to when I did my keys said I needed to bring all the keys I have or the ones not brought with would no longer work. I didn't ask why and he didn't explain further.
I would have to assume though that the codes don't actually change, they get wiped off when they do the procedure. My guess is they flash it, then program the keys in all at once.
I do actually like that idea better as I bought my truck used. If there would happen to be any other spares floating around, at least they won't be able to drive the truck away. :nono:
And with an aftermarket alarm, they'll have a hell of a time getting into it too!
