Key Question?

[peter78]

I got my 04 2 1/2 months ago and the previous owner gave me two keys and two remotes. I always like to carry a spare in my wallet, in case I do a dumb thing.

Well, the keys have a electronic chip inside the rubber part and I have heard it cost $90 to $250 to make another key. I was looking at the key today and I was wondering, what if you made a copy of the key, one without the electronic chip and one without a rubber end, just a plain metal key from Lowes or Home Depot, could I possible use it to open the door? If it could do that it may be worth getting a spare for my wallet.

Anyone know?

If no ones knows, I may try it and see if it works.

 

[Nuke]

Even if it would open the door, it won't start the car so whats the point?

 

[peter78]

Even if it would open the door, it won't start the car so whats the point?

I thought that was obivious. In the last year I have driven to help out people at work. One person answered his cell and dropped his keys in the car and closed the door. The second person had the keys in the iginiton, but they were half way out and when the door was locked, it locked the doors.

So the answer is, if the keys are locked it the car, I have a way in and as can see from what I wrote, we all can do stupid things. Not that I would do that........

(By the way, the keys half in the iginition was a Toyota.)

 

[Nuke]

In that case, it would be worth the small price of a basic key to try. Let us know how/if it works.

 

[p nut]

Yes, I

 

[Annoyed]

Just don't make the mistake of trying to start the truck with the chipless key.

If I read the manual correctly, doing so will activate the anti-theft system, which can only be reset by the dealer...

 

[Nuke]

...I have one hidden under the truck, just in case.

Same here. Been doing that for years. Not just an ignition key but a house key, too. Nice thing about our 4Runners.. There's plenty of hard-to-get-to spots that a magnetic key box can be placed.

 

[peter78]

Yes, I

 

[MikesToy]

Even if it would open the door, it won't start the car so whats the point?

If you happen to lock your keys inside, then you have a key to open the door vs calling locksmith.

 

[p nut]

OK, good. Also, that is exactly what I was thinking about, when you said to hide the key under the truck. I figure is someone found it, they could get in, but not drive away.

Thanks for the info. I will keep the 01 4Runner key in my wallet and the 04 under the car, just in case I do a stupid thing.

RE: 3rd Gen Key

Peter, unless you live in a very shady area, I wouldn

 

[MikesToy]

I got my 04 2 1/2 months ago and the previous owner gave me two keys and two remotes. I always like to carry a spare in my wallet, in case I do a dumb thing.

I would ask the previous owner if he/she still has the valet key and the metal code to get keys cut.