Ignition key doesn't match door key

[white_n_slow]

So I tried a search and didn't really come up with anything.

The previous owner of my truck replaced the ignition at some point and tossed they keys to the doors I guess. I have a key fob remote that will operate the doors, but the only key I have is the ignition key. What I used to do with my old truck is just carry the key and leave the fob at home--less junk in my pockets. That is not an option with my current setup.

My key fob has recently started malfunctioning. It will now only unlock, but it wont lock the doors (better than the other way around!). It's always bothered me that the key doesn't work for the doors, but now I feel like I might actually end up locked out for good. Really I don't care if the fob craps out all together... what I want is just one key that does everything I need.

I want the ignition and doors keyed the same. I'm just not sure of the most affordable way to go about doing that. I imagine I could replace the locks in the doors and liftgate, but I'm not sure if it's possible to get a set of locks that matches my ignition key? Or would I have to replace the door locks and ignition all at once? I don't really know where to start.

Any experience with this? Any suggestions?

 

[Bama_Runner]

If you go to the dealer with your VIN #, I think they can cut you a door key. I know they can on newer ones. I did this with my daughters 2002 Nissan Altima. My 4Runner is the same as yours. I have a key chain with the remote fob and the ignition key on it. Then, I have a door key in a hide-a-key under the truck.

 

[MyHigh]

I'm assuming this is on your 3gen, right?

If so, here is what you do. Start by taking either your glovebox lock cylinder out, or your passanger door lock out. Take it to a locksmith and they can read the code on the lock and cut a new key. Or take vin and proof of ownership to dealer and they can make a new key. Personally I like to give my money to the small business when I can, but it's your choice. Now if you want all locks to match then remove your ignition ( very simple) there is a write up on the forum somewhere, once removed take it to the locksmith ( not dealer) and have them rekey the cylinder to match the existing keyway so that one key operates all locks once again. The dealer in most cases will charge way more to rekey the cylinder and they end up taking it to a locksmith anyways. To rekey a ignition should only be about 20-30 bucks. When there have them leave out the split wafers, they only cause problems, and let's face it picking locks isn't as easy as good ol' Rockford files makes it look.

Good luck!

 

[MyHigh]

Now I forgot to mention that if your worried about previous owner having a key that runs your vehicle, then keying the doors to match your ignition is the way to go.

Another thing to think about is if your vehicle has the rfi chip in the key, those are about $70 so you might just want to keep the ignition key the same and pull both door locks and have them keyed to match the ignition key. Then only your rear door lock is different. You could pull that one as well, but I believe it's a pita!. So having two door locks rekeyed should be around 15-20 per lock. Pulling the door locks is not bad if your competent working with little space and hardly no visual on the install location, it can be done though.

 

[white_n_slow]

I'm assuming this is on your 3gen, right?

If so, here is what you do. Start by taking either your glovebox lock cylinder out, or your passanger door lock out. Take it to a locksmith and they can read the code on the lock and cut a new key. Or take vin and proof of ownership to dealer and they can make a new key. Personally I like to give my money to the small business when I can, but it's your choice. Now if you want all locks to match then remove your ignition ( very simple) there is a write up on the forum somewhere, once removed take it to the locksmith ( not dealer) and have them rekey the cylinder to match the existing keyway so that one key operates all locks once again. The dealer in most cases will charge way more to rekey the cylinder and they end up taking it to a locksmith anyways. To rekey a ignition should only be about 20-30 bucks. When there have them leave out the split wafers, they only cause problems, and let's face it picking locks isn't as easy as good ol' Rockford files makes it look.

Good luck!

Wow, thanks for the info. That doesn't sound too bad. I was preparing myself for something much more complicated and expensive than that.

How do I know if I have an RFI chip? :edit: I just have a plain metal ignition key, so am I correct to assume I don't have RFI?

 

[ryanbt]

The transponder keys (chip) were in the later 3rd gens and only on Limited I believe, so you should be good. When Toyota started using transponder keys, both master keys were black plastic (chip inside the plastic) and the sub key was gray. These transponder keys also have a dot on the key blade at the base of the key. (2010+ up they have a "G" on the blade instead). The non chipped keys had two Masters, one with black plastic and one metal one. A sub key was a slightly different shape at the tip of the blade as well as the key base itself.

If I were you I'd have a new one cut by VIN at the dealer (it's really not expensive. They charged me like $12 for a OEM key) and just live with two keys.. Or just have the ignition cylinder pulled and rekeyed to match the other locks in the doors, glove box and rear hatch.

 

[JohnsD90]

Now I forgot to mention that if your worried about previous owner having a key that runs your vehicle, then keying the doors to match your ignition is the way to go.

This is not something you can waste time worrying about as this could be an issue for everyone, the previous owner of every car could keep a key, this isn't just related to him, but again you can't spend time concerned about this.

To the OP, as previously stated, go to your dealer with a copy of your license and registration and they will cut you a key for the doors, ask them to "wear it down" a little as brand new key may not open the door as the locks may be too worn.