Hidden Key

[batex]

Forgive me for what may be a dumb question, but I'm coming from a 2005 Tundra Double Cab that used old fashion keys without any chip or security feature. I could go to any key shop and get a key cut for abut 5 dollars.

I now have a 2020 T4R Off Road Premium with push button start. It came with two key fobs that also contain a small metal cut key hidden in the fob...I'm not even sure what it is for since there's no key slot for the ignition with push button start.

Questions:
1. What part of the key fob unlocks the door? Is it the fob part with the buttons, or the metal key insert?

2. What is the metal key insert for? I see no real purpose....

2. If I want to hid a key on the truck frame, is this even possible with this setup? Note that I don't plan to use one of those magnetic hide-a-key things, but rather bolt a small, sealed waterproof container that is well hidden underneath the vehicle, that might take a little bit of work to access and open, but would be there for emergencies. Is this even possible with the push button start setup? I could even go so far as to line the hidden key container with lead foil should I need to prevent a signal from always allowing the doors to unlock and vehicle to start. Sorry if this doesn't make sense as I'll admit I don't understand how I might keep a spare key in or hidden on the vehicle on a 2020 model.....it was so easy in 2005!

Thanks

 

[WRTR5]

The actual key fob piece unlocks and starts the car. The small metal key stored inside the fob is for unlocking the doors manually if your fob/car runs out of battery. I guess you can hide the small emergency key if you like but personally i'd be annoyed by the absence of it on the fob itself and it wouldn't serve any purpose besides unlocking the doors as it can't start the car..

 

[BobsTrail]

Welcome to the new world. The small metal thing will unlock the door, but that's all. You need an expensive $200+ key fob with a chip to start the vehicle. Be very careful with the 2 key fobs that come with it or buy an expensive backup fob. The only good part of this is if the battery in the fob dies, it will still work if you hold it over the push button start area.

You could leave one fob in the vehicle and get a copy of the little metal key to hide somewhere. After 10 minutes with a fob inside, the vehicle goes into battery save mode and won't kill the fob battery.

:mmph:

 

[Saker]

Forgive me for what may be a dumb question, but I'm coming from a 2005 Tundra Double Cab that used old fashion keys without any chip or security feature. I could go to any key shop and get a key cut for abut 5 dollars.

I now have a 2020 T4R Off Road Premium with push button start. It came with two key fobs that also contain a small metal cut key hidden in the fob...I'm not even sure what it is for since there's no key slot for the ignition with push button start.

Questions:
1. What part of the key fob unlocks the door? Is it the fob part with the buttons, or the metal key insert?

2. What is the metal key insert for? I see no real purpose....

2. If I want to hid a key on the truck frame, is this even possible with this setup? Note that I don't plan to use one of those magnetic hide-a-key things, but rather bolt a small, sealed waterproof container that is well hidden underneath the vehicle, that might take a little bit of work to access and open, but would be there for emergencies. Is this even possible with the push button start setup? I could even go so far as to line the hidden key container with lead foil should I need to prevent a signal from always allowing the doors to unlock and vehicle to start. Sorry if this doesn't make sense as I'll admit I don't understand how I might keep a spare key in or hidden on the vehicle on a 2020 model.....it was so easy in 2005!

Thanks

1) The key fob unlock the door via radio signal. (if you want to call it that, it has a proximity security chip in it)

2)The metal key will also unlock the drivers door.
It will lock/unlock your glovebox. (example: when you bring your vehicle to shop, valet park or whenever you deem necessary, lock your glovebox, take the key off the fob and only give the fob to the valet.)

Your salesman should have informed you of these small items when purchasing the vehicle.


BTW... I wouldnt leave my key in a hidden place.

 

[fkheath]

FYI: Toyota key fobs for some reason use up batteries faster than some others, especially the smart key (push button start) fobs, so it is best to keep a spare fob battery in the center console.

 

[4runninDrew]

You could leave one fob in the vehicle and get a copy of the little metal key to hide somewhere. After 10 minutes with a fob inside, the vehicle goes into battery save mode and won't kill the fob battery.

:mmph:

If you leave a fob inside the car, you will not be able to lock it with your other fob, it will beep at you to remind that there is a fob inside.

You could take the metal key and hide it on the frame. It would let you in the driver's door, as others have said, but will not be able to start the car. If you do that, it's either gonna leave you with an empty slot in your fob and no key ring to attach anything else. Or you order a spare metal key only, but it is laser cut, and not a super cheap option either.

I recommend just being mindful of where your keys are.

 

[Stephenwreck]

Have you considered adding the Toyota touch keypad? If you don’t want to carry your keys during an activity, then you can lock the keys inside using the touchpad.

 

[SilverFox2020]

How did your 2020 ORP have remote start when mine doesn’t?

 

[Pirateghost]

Have you considered adding the Toyota touch keypad? If you don’t want to carry your keys during an activity, then you can lock the keys inside using the touchpad.

How does one do that?

 

[BobsTrail]

My T4 is too old, we have a 2018 Sienna and it works like this:

If you hit the lock button and it will lock with another fob inside.

If you kill the battery in the fob, hold it close to the push button and it will start.

I had the small key made for $15 on eBay. They laser cut it from a photo.

The door handle touch point will not let it lock, it beeps for a long time, use the key.

 

[FullTime4]

Forgive me for what may be a dumb question, but I'm coming from a 2005 Tundra Double Cab that used old fashion keys without any chip or security feature. I could go to any key shop and get a key cut for abut 5 dollars.

I now have a 2020 T4R Off Road Premium with push button start. It came with two key fobs that also contain a small metal cut key hidden in the fob...I'm not even sure what it is for since there's no key slot for the ignition with push button start.

Questions:
1. What part of the key fob unlocks the door? Is it the fob part with the buttons, or the metal key insert?

2. What is the metal key insert for? I see no real purpose....

2. If I want to hid a key on the truck frame, is this even possible with this setup? Note that I don't plan to use one of those magnetic hide-a-key things, but rather bolt a small, sealed waterproof container that is well hidden underneath the vehicle, that might take a little bit of work to access and open, but would be there for emergencies. Is this even possible with the push button start setup? I could even go so far as to line the hidden key container with lead foil should I need to prevent a signal from always allowing the doors to unlock and vehicle to start. Sorry if this doesn't make sense as I'll admit I don't understand how I might keep a spare key in or hidden on the vehicle on a 2020 model.....it was so easy in 2005!

Thanks

I have not done this on my T4R Limited yet because I want to purchase an additional smart key instead of using my spare, but my plan is to wrap the smart key in foil (or remove the battery) and hide it inside car. Then hide the metal key on the exterior of vehicle.

I think this will work... In the event of a lost key you'll have to get the metal key from the exterior to unlock the driver's door, then retrieve the smart key to start the vehicle (if the battery is dead, hold it against the start button). I like this approach better than hiding the entire smart key on the exterior because it adds another step to actually steal the vehicle vs. just finding the spare key.

 

[00Sebby]

2. What is the metal key insert for? I see no real purpose....

It's great for when you get out of the vehicle and realize that you left your windows down or the moonroof open. Just take out the metal key, insert it in driver door and turn left to close everything and lock it.

 

[00Sebby]

I have not done this on my T4R Limited yet because I want to purchase an additional smart key instead of using my spare, but my plan is to wrap the smart key in foil and hide it inside car. Then hide the metal key on the exterior of vehicle.

I think this will work... In the event of a lost key you'll have to get the metal key from the exterior to unlock the driver's door, then retrieve the smart key to start the vehicle (if the battery is dead, hold it against the start button). I like this approach better than hiding the entire smart key on the exterior because it adds another step to actually steal the vehicle vs. just finding the spare key.

Is your Limited a 2020 or 2021 model? If so, you also have the phone option to unlock and remote start.

 

[FullTime4]

Is your Limited a 2020 or 2021 model? If so, you also have the phone option to unlock and remote start.

It is not, but good to know that's an option in the later years, thanks.
I'm also going to check out the keypad someone posted - I had no idea Toyota made that accessory.

 

[Stephenwreck]

Check with the Toyota dealer since it’s listed as an accessory. Here’s a link to the description. Touch Keypad Entry System - Details
There are Keypads for sale on eBay, as well. Mine was already installed when I purchased my 4R, but it comes in handy when I go fishing or don’t want to have to worry about losing my keys.
Does your new 4R come with the Toyota Remote Services (1 year trial), where you can also lock/unlock the vehicle or even remote start the vehicle? It runs using the Toyota App.

 

[Sgt. Rock]

I have not done this on my T4R Limited yet because I want to purchase an additional smart key instead of using my spare, but my plan is to wrap the smart key in foil (or remove the battery) and hide it inside car. Then hide the metal key on the exterior of vehicle.

I think this will work... In the event of a lost key you'll have to get the metal key from the exterior to unlock the driver's door, then retrieve the smart key to start the vehicle (if the battery is dead, hold it against the start button). I like this approach better than hiding the entire smart key on the exterior because it adds another step to actually steal the vehicle vs. just finding the spare key.

I tried the foil trick and it does work. The fob isn't detected, so no beep and the doors lock. I haven't had a chance (only have the 2021 for a week), but I will try to get a spare emergency key cut locally and hide it somewhere on the frame. I got a plain key cut for my 2011, just to open the door. I hid a spare chip key inside.

If I can't get an emergency key cut, I'll hide the one from the foil wrapped fob.

I was happy with the keyed ignition in the 2011-2 chipped keys and a valet key. Maybe there is a way to cut an aftermarket key with a programmable chip to replace the fob.

 

[LandCruiser]

I thought if your key died, you can use the metal key to open the driver’s door, and then hold the smart key fob, with the dead battery, against the start button and it will start…

 

[Chrisb009]

Do not leave a key fob on your vehicle anywhere unless you place the key fob in sleep mode. More and more vehicles are being stolen due to intercepting RF frequencies between the key fob and vehicle. For safety I always place my key fob in sleep mode every time I leave the vehicle.

 

[Saker]

Do not leave a key fob on your vehicle anywhere unless you place the key fob in sleep mode. More and more vehicles are being stolen due to intercepting RF frequencies between the key fob and vehicle. For safety I always place my key fob in sleep mode every time I leave the vehicle.

I must confess, I have not seen this in the manual, so I’ll ask. How does on place a 2021 T4R key fob in sleep mode?

 

[Sgt. Rock]

I must confess, I have not seen this in the manual, so I’ll ask. How does on place a 2021 T4R key fob in sleep mode?

PAGE 121 IN THE 2021 MANUAL.

"ELECTRONIC KEY --Battery Saving Function" in the index.

I found it on my second read of the manual. Only noticed it because of your post. Tks!