Flashing Key Light, What does it mean?

[vn_aviator]

Hello,
I am new here and I need to ask someone about the annoying flashing light in my 4-Runner. See photo below:

See the red light that has the shape of a car and a key inside it? It keeps flashing and I don't know what it is. Can someone tell me what it means and how to turn it off? Thanks a bunch and God bless this forum

 

[tkr128]

That's a theft deterrent/engine immobilizer light. It flashes whenever the key is not in the ignition. It goes off whenever you stick a master key in the ignition. As far as I know, you can't turn it off.

 

[greasefingers]

It means that there is a chip in the keys, if you lose both keys at the same time then you are F

 

[qballjr13]

It means that there is a chip in the keys, if you lose both keys at the same time then you are F

 

[greasefingers]

No actually not, but it was mentioned here once and if my memory is correct it was closer to $ 200 and several days to receive?

 

[vn_aviator]

Thanks ya'll.
I bought this car used so I guess I don't have the master key and that's why it's flashing all the time and I take it that there is no harm whatsoever right? Just a little annoying. You guys are great...thanks again.

 

[AnewToy?]

in this instance, a small piece of black electrical tape is your friend..

 

[Uneek]

The light will go off once you put your key in the ignition. The light is an indicator that the immobilizer is functioning when the key is removed. If you have the alarm, it will be solid for 30 seconds or so and then start blinking after locking the doors.

 

[jharris2]

Thanks ya'll.
I bought this car used so I guess I don't have the master key and that's why it's flashing all the time and I take it that there is no harm whatsoever right? Just a little annoying. You guys are great...thanks again.

The master key should have a dark gray top on it. If you don't have the master, you can't have additional keys programmed.

 

[vn_aviator]

Well, my key doesn't have a dard gray top on it but I went to the dealer and ask for another key and they were able to program for me another key.

 

[Spider5]

The if Runner is working fine while this light is flashing what the heck is the point of this feature?:bash:

 

[vn_aviator]

The if Runner is working fine while this light is flashing what the heck is the point of this feature?:bash:

Beats me...I think it's useless. It's just flashing the whole time the engine is running, I wanna smash it so bad.

 

[Spider5]

Beats me...I think it's useless. It's just flashing the whole time the engine is running, I wanna smash it so bad.

I had the same feeling about the tire presure system and after 4 dealer trips and 3 new sensors I ended up just disabling the light by cutting the connection in the back.

 

[tkr128]

Beats me...I think it's useless. It's just flashing the whole time the engine is running, I wanna smash it so bad.

Wait, it flashes even when the engine is running? That's not normal, I'd get it checked out.

 

[vn_aviator]

Yes, it flashes from the time I insert the key until I take it out. I wouldn't have asked if it didn't do that. I have been driving it like that for 2 years but there is nothing wrong with it. So I just ignore it until I found this forum and I thought I'd ask to see if anyone have the same problem I am having.

 

[TechWrench]

Thanks ya'll.
I bought this car used so I guess I don't have the master key and that's why it's flashing all the time and I take it that there is no harm whatsoever right? Just a little annoying. You guys are great...thanks again.

Do you have an aftermarket alarm system? If so, maybe that has something to do with it.

 

[Fro-Runner]

Yes, it flashes from the time I insert the key until I take it out. I wouldn't have asked if it didn't do that. I have been driving it like that for 2 years but there is nothing wrong with it. So I just ignore it until I found this forum and I thought I'd ask to see if anyone have the same problem I am having.

Hmmm, the continous flashing is NOT suppose to be happening. Your used truck may have had an aftermarket alarm installed on it by the previous owner and then removed.
Anyways, there is something you could try to see if it resolves the issue. It is a very simple procedure that resets most electrical memory glitches when they occur on the 4th generation Runner. Try disconnecting your negative battery cable under the hood for about 15 mins or so; then reconnect and lock your door with the door fob while peering through your truck window.
This red key light should remain a steady on from the time you lock your doors with the fob for approximately 10 seconds; then flash until you unlock the door and place the key into the ingition.

You can also tell if you have the factory alarm installed by rolling down your driver/passenger side window, locking your doors with the fob, wait for about 15 seconds (until the key light starts to flash) and then reach in to open the door by the inside handle. The horn should beep, the headlights/ tail lights will flash, and all doors will continously try to lock themselves until able to do so. The factory alarm will eventually automatically reset itself if everything is ok and when you return to your truck; the key light will blink the number of times that your truck alarm was set off/tapered with. This explanation is a little long but may help you to trace the problem since I believe you are out of the factory warranty. You did NOT mention the year of your truck to the forum. Good luck and I hope this info helps.

 

[vn_aviator]

Thanks for the info Fro-Runner. I will give it a try. BTW, my 4-Runner is a 2003 V8.
$50 to fill this baby up...ouch!

 

[Fro-Runner]

Thanks for the info Fro-Runner. I will give it a try. BTW, my 4-Runner is a 2003 V8.
$50 to fill this baby up...ouch!

Not a problem vn_aviator and welcome to the forum. You will find yourself hanging out a lot in this forum.

It costs me $50 to fill u[ my V6 truck as both trucks have the same size fuel tanks. I get about one mpg better than your V8 so I only get approximately 20-24 miles more per tankful.

 

[USMCDuck7523]

YAY!! My 4Runner is starting to have the blinking key thing.. I never noticed it till today.. after i parked i noticed it.. and i did get mine from the dealership..
So it can't be turned off?