Lost all keys - how screwed am i?

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Futrewoods

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I just purchased my 4runner (2006 SR5) not too long ago and the previous owner only had one set of keys. I have been meaning to get another made but kept putting it of. Now I lost my keys!

Everything is closed today - what are my options?
 
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Find them, and hope that the key the prior owner provided is a master key.

You must have a master key to program additional keys -- without it, you need to replace the computer for a couple of thousand bucks.
 
I am not sure but I think the dealer can make a key with the VIN number and proof of ownership. I had this done once on a old ford but never with newer cars with chips in the key.
 
03_4x4Runner said:
I am not sure but I think the dealer can make a key with the VIN number and proof of ownership. I had this done once on a old ford but never with newer cars with chips in the key.
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They can make a key, but they can't program it into the system without a master key.
 
Alright here is the deal - I got a really good locksmith out and he was able to reset the system, make a new key, and program it into the system.

This was all done without me having any kind of key. You need to make sure you have a good locksmith and he will be able to help.
 
Reprogram w/o a master key

You would need to call your dealer as it depends on which year you have. I lost all my keys (well, turns out the significant other had it in her laundry, but for all intense purposes..) and the dealer was able to reprogram a new master key for $300. They said some they can do that, some they need to replace the computer, but they should be able to look that up by VIN. Don't get the keyless entry/alarm key fob though, it's way cheaper to get those on Ebay and reprogram them yourself.
 
I agree the key fobs on ebay are a lower price but doesn't the dealer still have to program those for the 4th gens ?
 
Programming Key Fobs

Atlanta_man said:
I agree the key fobs on ebay are a lower price but doesn't the dealer still have to program those for the 4th gens ?
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That's what they'd like you to pay to believe :)

You can do it yourself. Most of the ebay auctions that sell key fobs will also give you directions on how to program them yourselves. If they don't (sorry, don't have it off hand and am at work so I can't spend time searching), you should be able to find a link to some web sites that have the instructions on this forum.

It involves a series of open/closing the doors, cycling the power locks, and key in the on/off position. It takes about 2 minutes if you can get the timing the first time :). Took me about 3 tries to get it done, but it is definitely do able.
 
Another case of lost keys

anyone that can elaborate on whether locksmith will be able to reset my computer (2003 4runner SR5) and cut my programmed key on site ?! ?! ?!
any input is apprecaited!
 
you'll have to go to the dealership with your VIN and proof of ownership. so if you have a locksmith there get him to unlock your vehicle so you can grab you rownership and a picture of your VIN
 
if you can go to the dealer with your title or registration you can have a key cut based off the vin. a good locksmith can program it for you and erase all the old keys
 
Had a third key made by the dealer and purchased a FOB off ebay. Programmed all myself using the door/open/close method. There are 2 processes, one for the key and one for the FOB. I did have a master and don't remember if I needed a master or not. Certainly not for the FOB.
 
I need to get another key for mine too. I have an 06 SR5 and it just came with one key. I thought I read somewhere that the master keys are black and the others are grey, is that true? I hope not because my key is grey.
 
SeriousZebra said:
I need to get another key for mine too. I have an 06 SR5 and it just came with one key. I thought I read somewhere that the master keys are black and the others are grey, is that true? I hope not because my key is grey.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately the gray keys are valet keys and aren't a master key, a master key is needed to program another key, the valet key is the one you would give the parking attendant for valet parking, the valet keys should not be able to unlock the glove box so the attendant can't get to any valuables you may have locked in the glovebox, these keys are cut in such a way it will work in the door and ignition only.

That being said I have heard of some people that say they have a valet key that will unlock the glovebox if that is true then it was cut to match the master key but I doubt it can be programed as a master key because I think it has a different type of chip inbedded in it compared to a true (black) master key blank.

If you don't have a master key from what I understand is you may only be able to get a new one at a dealer and cut via the VIN number and then programmed with the proper programing equipment but it's costly to do so, BUT I have also heard that if you get a master key blank and can find a very good locksmith who has the proper equipment to cut via the VIN or otherwise (but not from your valet key) and the programming equipment the cost will be much less but still costly and not anywhere as cheap as doing this yourself when you have a master key.
 
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i have an '07. i thought, looking at my key, that they are "dumb" keys; no micro chips etc. can't these just be simply reproduced?
 
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