Got robbed.. Getting 4Runner Rekeyed?

gaterose

gaterose

Senior Member
Sorry if there is a thread for this, I did a search but couldn't find anything. Does anyone know about how much it would cost to get new key cylinders for my 4runner?

Over the Thanksgiving vacation my power door lock actuator went out causing the locking mechanism to become unreliable. Unfortunately last night the mechanism failed and I assumed it was locked (because it has been locking electronically with the remote or button, but the inside mechanical lever is useless). I went out to get some stuff this morning and noticed my center console was open and someone had taken my pistol, garmin, back pack and a camel-bak. Fortunately that's basically all that was missing as far as I know. Obviously they were just cheap thieves because they didn't attempt to take my system or even the DVD player in the center console which they could've just snatched without any screws. They also left a $300 marmot jacket untouched.

BUT the most important thing they got was my switchblade remote/key that I keep in there so I don't have to carry a huge bundle of keys around in public. So now someone out there has a key & remote for my car so I think the only thing I can do is get everything rekeyed (and not leave a key inside anymore) I'm VERY lucky they didn't take the whole 4Runner, and don't want them coming back for more!

Anyone have any other ideas? I thought about having the chip reprogrammed or installing a ravelco plug but they will still have access whatever is inside.

So does anyone have any clue how much full rekeying will cost? I'm going to the dealership tomorrow but didn't have time today.
 
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simple said:
I'm pretty sure I remember a thread around here of a guy needing new keys and it was prohibitively expensive. And that does suck, sorry to hear that.
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I think I remember that thread as well but am not certain and couldn't find it when I searched. Yes it does suck, thanks for the condolences, overall I'm still upbeat that they didn't get anything more expensive or tear anything up or take the whole car. I just really hope I can get the cylinders and programming for a non-prohibitively expensive price, I can do the install myself.

If not I guess I will have to go with the ravelco or some other aftermarket alarm that disables the engine and not leave valuables in it for the rest of my time in this city. For now I am having to manually disable the engine while I'm at home.
 
This is the thread I was thinking of... Not overly helpful, but the guy paid $225 for 2 new keys including programming.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/58167-do-i-only-have-valet-key-how-screwed-am-i-2.html

And this may be way over the top simplifying things, but if the locks are cheap enough to buy, you can circumvent the immobilizer issue by keeping you're old key on your chain and maybe actually dremeling off the actual key part. Would probably be PITA though.

here as well
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100617143050AAgVd1G
 
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Two other things you can do would be have the dealer delete the key from the immobilizer and remote from the keyless entry systems. This will prevent your 4Runner from being driven away, but without it being rekeyed, they'll still be able to get inside your 4Runner.
 
So I called everyone in town (about 5 places) and a few out of town; they all said there's no way I'm gonna find a matching set in any junk yard.

The dealer wanted $1300 to fix it.
$410 + tax for the lockset
$241 + tax for the actuator
$93 to reprogram the remote system
$80 to program the ignition cylinder
The rest is labor I guess

I could've done it myself but still would have to tow the vehicle to the dealership to program the ignition and to reprogram the remote system. And I would've had to wait until friday to do the install, leaving my vehicle susceptible for 2 more days. Considering that was the very first night the lock failed I don't want to risk 2 more days.

So I went to a local car audio place and decided to get their high end system for $600 installed. It would've been $350 but I wanted to get the remote start since I was already buying the rest and have been thinking about getting remote start for a while anyway.

The system will only deactivate with the remote. If the guy unlocks the door with the key or factory remote the system will go crazy (and its LOUD) and also completely disable the ignition.

The way I see it, if this guy (or probably kid) spots my car it is going to be at my apt which has a security officer who lives right next to where I park (I'm sure he would've responded if the factory alarm had gone off as well) or somewhere with a lot of people around. Otherwise I'll be back home where the guy would never think to look.

Maybe down the line I'll find the parts online for cheaper and replace it all myself and have the cylinder reprogrammed. But for now this will work since I still have to buy the lock actuator (which I think will be cheaper than $241 online) now, but I'm more willing to risk that door not locking for a few days if I have a crazy loud alarm blaring in his ear while he's trying to rip my stereo out.
 
gaterose said:
The dealer wanted $1300 to fix it.
$410 + tax for the lockset
$241 + tax for the actuator
$93 to reprogram the remote system
$80 to program the ignition cylinder
The rest is labor I guess
.
Click to expand...

Hate to say it but that's about right, this is the second price for keys above 1k I've heard, sorry man.
 
zon said:
:wow: You left your gun in the car???
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Yes, I always leave my .22 in there, I'm not carrying it in and out of the house every time I go somewhere. I know a TON of people who keep a handgun in their car. I don't think it's a big deal. It wasn't just sitting out on the seat.
 
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