Lost the first key years ago, just lost the other fob yesterday. Local dealer quoted my ~$250 for a new fob and cut key that slides inside. Then another $250 for labor to completely program the new key. Does this sound accurate?? I was under the impression it would be $50 to program a new key, but they said they had to "kick the old keys out of the system and re-initiate a new key".
Lost all 2010 Limited Keys
- Thread starter VonMussa
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KingTaco
New member
That sucks hard. I wish I had something valuable to add, but without any key at all, I have the feeling you may be out of options. The only thing I can think of is calling multiple dealers to see if anyone is willing to take it easy on you.
Maybe I'm just showing my age, but it seems like $500 should buy a new freaking ignition. Obviously they are not as simple as they used to be, though. Those key cutting thieves can still get the hell off my lawn.
Good luck OP.
Maybe I'm just showing my age, but it seems like $500 should buy a new freaking ignition. Obviously they are not as simple as they used to be, though. Those key cutting thieves can still get the hell off my lawn.
Good luck OP.
You 4Runner should be able to take at least one more "key".
You could buy a used "virginized" fob from Ebay for about $85.00. Then buy a mini VCI cable with Techstream from Amazon for about $40.00
It is very easy to pair a new (or virginized) fob using the software.
If your vehicle has reached its quota of fobs, you would have to a total reset which would entail purchasing tokens from the web, and the process is a little more involved. If you purchase a used fob that has not been virginized, you would have to do the same thing.
You would have to get a locksmith to cut the emergency blade for you.
You could buy a used "virginized" fob from Ebay for about $85.00. Then buy a mini VCI cable with Techstream from Amazon for about $40.00
It is very easy to pair a new (or virginized) fob using the software.
If your vehicle has reached its quota of fobs, you would have to a total reset which would entail purchasing tokens from the web, and the process is a little more involved. If you purchase a used fob that has not been virginized, you would have to do the same thing.
You would have to get a locksmith to cut the emergency blade for you.
Toffees
Member
call an independent locksmith who can program your keys to see what a fair price is. of course, you also need one or two new fobs as well, so you'll have to buy those from somewhere and get them delivered.
nglayton
Senior Member
I think you can add up to 5 keys..at least thats how many I have programmed on my 2011. There is no need to "kick" the old key out of the system unless you suspect someone will find the key and try to steal your rig or the stuff inside. They sure as hell shouldn't charge you for clicking a button to remove the old key. That's for sure.
Techstream + cable can be purchased on Amazon for $35. Blank Keys and fobs can be found on ebay or amazon or number of places for $15-$100. I paid $15 for mine, but I don't have a limited. I doubt the limited fobs work a different frequency than a standard key, but I could be wrong. I'm pretty sure I remember at least one member programming a limited key for his SR5
There are plenty of how-to threads and youtube vids to show how this is done.
So best case doing it yourself you pay $50 - $135 and learn something in the process.
However......to use Techstream you have to be able to turn the rig on...that could be tough with no key!!
Even Lowes can program fobs now. If those idiots can figure it out, I'm sure most anyone can too.
The only advantage a dealership has is they can look up the vin and cut a key by the Vin number sight unseen. I think some locksmiths can do this as well but IDK.
It kinda sounds like to me you'll be stuck having the dealership do the first one. After you should be set to do them yourself cheaper. You'll have to tow it to them or have them come to you as well.
Techstream + cable can be purchased on Amazon for $35. Blank Keys and fobs can be found on ebay or amazon or number of places for $15-$100. I paid $15 for mine, but I don't have a limited. I doubt the limited fobs work a different frequency than a standard key, but I could be wrong. I'm pretty sure I remember at least one member programming a limited key for his SR5
There are plenty of how-to threads and youtube vids to show how this is done.
So best case doing it yourself you pay $50 - $135 and learn something in the process.
However......to use Techstream you have to be able to turn the rig on...that could be tough with no key!!
Even Lowes can program fobs now. If those idiots can figure it out, I'm sure most anyone can too.
The only advantage a dealership has is they can look up the vin and cut a key by the Vin number sight unseen. I think some locksmiths can do this as well but IDK.
It kinda sounds like to me you'll be stuck having the dealership do the first one. After you should be set to do them yourself cheaper. You'll have to tow it to them or have them come to you as well.
STX4Runner
New member
Definitely call every dealer you can. I lost one of the two keys a few years ago and was quoted from $300 to $600 to just reprogram one new key. Loosing both keys is a PITA from other threads I remember reading.
Called a local auto locksmith. He met me at my work parking where the truck was. Unlocked it, cut a new key in the back of his truck, programmed the new fob (a Toyota fob in black, not silver), and was done in 30 minutes. Charged me $203 with tax. Much easier than having to tow to the dealer and wait for them to special order a fob, and a least $400 cheaper.
I’d be happy to post his company contact to give him some business, but I don’t want to break any forum rules.
I’d be happy to post his company contact to give him some business, but I don’t want to break any forum rules.
Just talked with a service guy from the first dealership that quoted > $650 for a key. He was calling to set up the appointment.
I told him I already had a key made and then asked why their quote of over $650 was $450 more than what I paid. He informed me that whoever did mine, did it wrong and it wouldnt work (its been working flawlessly for 2 days now, complete functionality). He insisted over and over that he didnt misquote me and it was a standard price at all Toyota service centers. He said it was at least $250 in labor to "re-seed" the ECU with new keys. I told him it took the locksmith 16 minutes exactly by plugging his tablet into the OBD-II port, hitting start, and they sat back and drank a coffee until it was done. He kept insisting that it was done wrong and every dealership would charge that much.
I then asked him, why the other Toyota dealership in town quoted me $400, $90 of which was the labor charge. He was silent.
I told him that I bought our 4runner Limited new from them in 2010, we've had all our service and maintenance, and I was planning on trading it in for a 2020 TRD Pro and likely also the new Supra and that they lost our business.
Needless to say, Im furious with "our" dealership. Over-quoted by at least $250 from another local dealership and $450 over a local locksmith.
I told him I already had a key made and then asked why their quote of over $650 was $450 more than what I paid. He informed me that whoever did mine, did it wrong and it wouldnt work (its been working flawlessly for 2 days now, complete functionality). He insisted over and over that he didnt misquote me and it was a standard price at all Toyota service centers. He said it was at least $250 in labor to "re-seed" the ECU with new keys. I told him it took the locksmith 16 minutes exactly by plugging his tablet into the OBD-II port, hitting start, and they sat back and drank a coffee until it was done. He kept insisting that it was done wrong and every dealership would charge that much.
I then asked him, why the other Toyota dealership in town quoted me $400, $90 of which was the labor charge. He was silent.
I told him that I bought our 4runner Limited new from them in 2010, we've had all our service and maintenance, and I was planning on trading it in for a 2020 TRD Pro and likely also the new Supra and that they lost our business.
Needless to say, Im furious with "our" dealership. Over-quoted by at least $250 from another local dealership and $450 over a local locksmith.
Antman
Elite Member
I wish I would have known that when I dropped my "last" key overboard at the boat ramp a few years back. If I recall correctly it cost me almost $800- but I did get reimbursed from my insurance for the towing.
Nice job OP!
usdashworks
New member
the dealer is correct, the old keys need to be "unmated" from the bcm/ecu, however the pricing they quoted you is typical dealer b.s. the programming computer does all the work while the technician sits there and picks his nose...
daytonaviolet
New member
the limited's have the keyless entry/push start right? so if it's $250 per key, that's not a bad price. i know other cars are in the $500 - $1000 for a key replacement.
tristero
New member
Without a master key you are in an fword position. Essentially you need to figure out a hack to the EEPROM from the main ECM. Not sure how the locksmith was able to get around the RFID handshake, but that makes me wonder how affective the immobilizer tech is. Seems very vulnerable if someone was able to do it without the master key.
Not sure how much time you have or how handy you are, but check this out: YouTube
Edit: had this loaded earlier and didn't look at any of the replies aside from OP post
:behindsofa:
Not sure how much time you have or how handy you are, but check this out: YouTube
Edit: had this loaded earlier and didn't look at any of the replies aside from OP post
:behindsofa:
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