How often people get Master Key VS Valet only with a used Vehicle purchase?

[mastee]

My immediate family has purchased a few used toyotas and it seems they always come with the valet key only, perhaps the first owner stashes away the Master for safe keeping and forgets to pass it on or they get lost b/w auctions and dealerships, would you pass on a good used vehicle that only came with the Valet Key?

My 04 only came with one key, a grey Valet type & no key code, so I finally paid Ace Hardware $70 for a clone, for just in case scenario..

I would still like to explore the possibility of getting a Master Key so I can program any additional ones myself..

I talked to the Dealership and the rep gave a general estimate of $500, I am not sure if she knew what she was talking about

Then yesterday a local locksmith tried to add unique keys through the OBD but failed, I had gotten the OEM keys off ebay and had them cut at Ace. The programming was going to be $60/2 keys but since that did not work he said he can make three master keys for $260, he would need to flash the immobilizer system, sounded risky so I held off...

I also read somewhere that keycode is engraved on passenger side door lock cylinder, any confirmation on this?

Any other possibilities?

 

[iBison]

My immediate family has purchased a few used toyotas and it seems they always come with the valet key only, perhaps the first owner stashes away the Master for safe keeping and forgets to pass it on or they get lost b/w auctions and dealerships, would you pass on a good used vehicle that only came with the Valet Key?

My 04 only came with one key, a grey Valet type & no key code, so I finally paid Ace Hardware $70 for a clone, for just in case scenario..

I would still like to explore the possibility of getting a Master Key so I can program any additional ones myself..

I talked to the Dealership and the rep gave a general estimate of $500, I am not sure if she knew what she was talking about

Then yesterday a local locksmith tried to add unique keys through the OBD but failed, I had gotten the OEM keys off ebay and had them cut at Ace. The programming was going to be $60/2 keys but since that did not work he said he can make three master keys for $260, but he would need to flashed the immobilizer system, sounded risky so I held off...

I also read somewhere that keycode is engraved on passenger side door lock cylinder, any confirmation on this?

Any other possibilities?

I bought two keys for my 04 on ebay for around 25 after I bought it. The local dealer cut them for free from the VIN, had to show proof of ownership, ie registration.

I programmed them myself with instructions found on here. It was super easy. I also bought a remote and programmed that myself. People will tell you that you have to have the dealer program them to the vehicle, but that is BS. I believe you can only have a certain number matched to the vehicle, so you may need to "tell it to forget" the previously programmed keys.

My 07 came with everything. There is a little metal tag with the key ID on it. If you can't find the instructions on here PM me your email address and I'll send you the PDF.

 

[iBison]

I'll save you some time, see post 4 in this thread.

 

[mastee]

I do not have any Master keys, only 1 valet key, I have tried the version listed here to program, you know insert key 4 times leave it in on the 5th, open close door 6 times within 30 seconds etc.....but no dice

If I erase all keys and do NOT have a master key, can I register my Valet key back?

I can program the fobs, actually purchased two for $23 on ebay to the door today.

I have two correct OEM ebay keys cut they crank the car but do not start, funny that you can insert an unprogrammed key in the ignition, hold a programmed key next to it, wait for security light to go off and then can start and drive the car with the unprogrammed key

 

[Trumpet]

My '09 came only with a valet key, and no remotes. My garage has a mobile locksmith that cut me two masters with 2 programmed remotes for ~$150 all inclusive.

Seemed worth the money vs my time.

YMMV.

My 'new' '07 came with two masters, one valet, two remotes and the key tag. But then again it never went through multiple hands before I bought it. Trade in>dealer>me 2nd owner [yay]

 

[iBison]

I do not have any Master keys, only 1 valet key, I have tried the version listed here to program, you know insert key 4 times leave it in on the 5th, open close door 6 times within 30 seconds etc.....but no dice

If I erase all keys and do NOT have a master key, can I register my Valet key back?

I can program the fobs, actually purchased two for $23 on ebay to the door today.

I have two correct OEM ebay keys cut they crank the car but do not start, funny that you can insert an unprogrammed key in the ignition, hold a programmed key next to it, wait for security light to go off and then can start and drive the car with the unprogrammed key

Follow the directions in the link I posted.

The programmed key is close enough for the truck to read the RFID chip inside of it.

 

[mastee]

directions in Post 4 in the posted link seems to be for key fob not ignition key but I tried it anyways, sorry I am not following?

 

[AuSeeker]

I bought two keys for my 04 on ebay for around 25 after I bought it. The local dealer cut them for free from the VIN, had to show proof of ownership, ie registration.

I programmed them myself with instructions found on here. It was super easy. I also bought a remote and programmed that myself. People will tell you that you have to have the dealer program them to the vehicle, but that is BS. I believe you can only have a certain number matched to the vehicle, so you may need to "tell it to forget" the previously programmed keys.

My 07 came with everything. There is a little metal tag with the key ID on it. If you can't find the instructions on here PM me your email address and I'll send you the PDF.

Follow the directions in the link I posted.


The programmed key is close enough for the truck to read the RFID chip inside of it.

Ibison,

You CANNOT program a key without having a Master key, you CANNOT use a Valet key to program a new key!!

You can however get a dealer or a properly equipped locksmith to make you a new Master Key and program it without having a Master key.

directions in Post 4 in the posted link seems to be for key fob not ignition key but I tried it anyways, sorry I am not following?

The only way you will get a Master key is from a dealer or a locksmith with the correct programming tool/scanner.

The dealer that is quoting you $500 to make you a Master key is way out of line, shop around at other dealers for a better price, or go with the deal from the locksmith, the dealer will have to do the very same as the locksmith told you he would do and flash the CPU to program the new Master key.


When I bought my used 4Runner it only came with one Master key and one key fob, when new all came with two Master keys, one Valet key, two key fobs and a metal tag with the key code.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

So what it sounds like you need is:

1.) 1 or more VIN Cut (meaning the parts department runs your VIN for the key code to cut a factory fresh key) Master Keys

2.) A Re-Seed to reset the Immobilizer, clear all existing keys, and add new Master Keys & Valet to your vehicle. (Re-Seeding means that the technician will use a scantool to get the Immobilizer ECU code from the module, send it to Toyota, wait for a response with a one-use code that "unlocks" the immobilizer and puts it into "learning mode" which will let it pair with the ECU again and accept new Master Keys. This is different than programming because with programming all you need is at least 1 registered master key to add/remove keys; unfortunately you don't have one of those...)

The 1st isn't super expensive, but it's subject to dealership pricing on what they charge per key, ect. But you will need the 2nd to make the keys work beyond unlocking the doors and turning the ignition. Unfortunately Re-Seeding vs. programming costs more as the process is a bit more complicated.

$500 seems a bit on the high side for 1 Master Key & Re-Seeding the vehicle, I would expect it to be around $300 maybe a smidge higher depending on the rates.

 

[mastee]

I guess I will just use my Ace key as a regular use key and keep the Valet in a safe place until I can find a lock smith.

I had a g35, dealership quoted $280/key, posted an add on CL for a Locksmith with a SDD programmer, got a response and had 3 keys made for $80, I am not going to pay $300...I know it should be doable for less..I just need to find a better lock smith

I will also call a few dealerships and report back if anything interesting comesup

 

[AuSeeker]

I guess I will just use my Ace key as a regular use key and keep the Valet in a safe place until I can find a lock smith.

I had a g35, dealership quoted $280/key, posted an add on CL for a Locksmith with a SDD programmer, got a response and had 3 keys made for $80, I am not going to pay $300...I know it should be doable for less..I just need to find a better lock smith

I will also call a few dealerships and report back if anything interesting comesup

If the Ace key hasn't been programmed it will not start the 4Runner unless you have the Valet key close enough for it's chip to activate the immobilizer.

 

[mastee]

I already paid $70 and got my valet cloned/programmed at ACE and drive with it exclusively, I have put the Valet key in the house for now.

At some point I would like to have one more key made that can start the truck and leave it hidden inside, so if I loose one when I go for backpacking/mountain biking/kayaking I have a way to get home from the backcountry. I will leave a metal one that only operates the doors hidden somewhere outside to handle the elements..

At the absolute worst I will have one more programmed for $70, much better than paying north of $300 to a dealership, that should last the life of the truck and who cares if they are cloned or unique keys as long as they start the truck

 

[wadle5]

Yes after the fiasco I encountered with my 4runner only being sold with a valet key, now whenever helping friends purchase vehicles I tell him to always get all the keys thrown into the deal. With mine I couldn't program my own cut key, because the computers spots(4 i think) were already full and programmed. So Toyota had to clear my computer, and cut me 2 new master keys. All in was around $350 i think. So yes if every buying a used car and only giving you one key I argue well most cars don't just come with one key so you can either cut me some or cut my price.

Good luck man