Lost one set of 4Runner keys - Advice needed!!!

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Hey all,

Can't think of a better place to ask this question...

A few weeks ago, I lost one set of my 4Runner keys (transmitter and key). Long story there, but it's not relevant.

I'm annoyed becuase I'm usually very careful about those things. I've NEVER lost keys, wallet, or anything like that... up until now, that is. I was even more annoyed when I finally made it to the dealership yesterday to price out getting another set. The dealership wanted $299.00 to order a new key, transmitter, and for the programming. The key alone was $104.00!!! I wouldn't have thought that the key by itself would be that expensive, because I didn't think it had any kind of computer chip in it. The guy at the dealership said that it was that much because it had to be "computer cut" or some nonsense along those lines. Sounds like a crock to me.

Anyway - back on track. I've looked on eBay and found the transmitter for about 20 or 30 bucks. Of course, then it needs to be programmed. Is this possible, or something the dealer HAS to do?

Obviously the best solution is not to lose your keys. Another option is just to depend on the one set I have now. But I'd really really like to have a back-up set, just in case.

Any suggestions? Anyone been in this situation before?

Any and all help is appreciated.

Cheers,
Alex
 
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does your 4R equipped with engine immobilize system? i know at one time, i was pricing my Accord's key and it was about the same price cuz my accord has the chip built-in the key.
 
They are chipped and they are expensive as hell....that figure doesn't surprise me

Good news is, you can go swimming with the whole setup at least twice and it still work LOL :D
 
The keys are expensive - a master key is about $75 or so. Then it has to be programmed into the onboard computer.

You can get a transmitted on eBay, but you have to make sure it's the right one and then program it yourself. Do a search and you'll find the programming instructions. And the FCC ID will have to match the one you still have.

Just be glad you still have a master key -- if you lose both master keys, then the computer has to be replaced, and you'd be out about $2,000.
 
jharris2 said:
Just be glad you still have a master key -- if you lose both master keys, then the computer has to be replaced, and you'd be out about $2,000.
Click to expand...

When I picked up my 4Runner after I purchased it my salesman warned me about this.
The dealership, as a matter of policy, gives the same warning to all new vehicle owners.
IIRC the sales person said the new computer and 2 new master keys was closer to $2,500-$2,700.

Most keys with the chip regardless of auto makers are in about the same price range when it comes to replacements.
If the orignal poster is smart he will get another master key made immediately before he loses the only master he has left.
 
The key may feel like a piece of rubber and metal, but there is a computer chip embedded in the top for the immobilizer. My dealer also warned me about the price of losing keys. Gotta love this advanced technology! :bash:
 
The owner's manual also warns against losing both master keys and mentions computer replacement.
 
Did you lose it somewhere where you go a lot? Maybe somewhere that someone knows what your truck looks like, where you usually park, etc.?

if so, you may want to look at getting all keys reprogrammed for a new code, that way they wouldn't be able to drive your truck away. they could still get into it, but at least they wouldn't be able to drive it.
 
You can get a repacement key from 1stToyota parts for about $60.00. I got a Genuine Toyota Key Fob for $30.00 online.
 
I also lost a set, had to go to toyota and have a set made.

The key and programming cost me 50.00, I didn't need to replace the remote since I have a after market alarm remote now.
 
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There are at least several threads on the whole replacement key/programing issue.

To the best of my knowledge, the key system on the '03 and above 4Runners all use a transmitting chip in the keys to allow the vehicle to start. You can have a 'plain jane' type key cut that will open the door lock, but will NOT start the vehicle. The control "ECU" system will only allow a total of 4 keys to be programed to the system. If you loose a key, it can be replaced by the dealer, but it must be programed into the system, or it will not work. I purchased an additional master key for my '03 shortly after I bought it, and it cost me $56.00 plus $25.00 to program it at the dealer. It is my understanding that from '03 on, you can't do the programing yourself unless you have the programing adapter the dealer uses. As I understand it, the programing instructions often found online only work with the '02 and older models. I have heard that you can sometimes find one of the programing adapters on eBay, but I haven't actually seen one listed. I would suspect that the cost to acquire one would be much more than just paying the dealer to do it.

As long as you have one of the master keys left, the dealer can 'remove' the missing key from the system program so it can no longer be used to start the vehicle, but they will need all the remaining keys in order to determine correct system ID of the missing one to be removed. Unless you locate the missing key soon, I would have it removed from the system for peace of mind alone.

I stand corrected; The info I posted was acquired from other posts I have read, and I mistakenly assumed correct.

I just checked my shop manual, and it appears there is a procedure to add additional door control transmitters to the system without using the Hand-held tester. In the shop manual, section 73, pgs 15-29 go through both processes. If I am reading it correctly, you are limited to a maximum of 4 door control transmitters on one system. If you add a fifth, it automatically removes (erases) the first one registered.

But, it does appear that you can't add or remove transponder keys to the system without the hand-held programmer, according to the manual. It also appears that you can have a maximum of 5 master key codes and 3 sub-key codes registered. According to page 73-26, it is possible to remove the transmitter module from a master key, and transplant it to a new key if you have to replace the ignition switch or door lock cylinders. But, looking at my keys, I don't see how you would do this without destroying the key?
 
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similar thing happened to me....I bought it used, had only one key. Went to go get a spare made, one Toyota dealership wanted to charge me like $150 for the key and programming. I went to another TOYOTA dealership and they charged me $90 for the key and the programming. :) Shop around. All the dealerships prices things different. Sometimes you can cut a deal. All in all, I just got lucky on that deal . $299 for another key sounds unreasonable though. Then again, you have newer 4runner, ECU must run off of a Window Vista or something :p

Correction: Never mind...I see that you have the same year model. Then they are ripping you off with that $299 price. Looks like I got ripped off too!! :cannon:
 
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I also had the keys to my mustang stolen a couple years back along with my wallet in a very shady neighborhood. Ford charged me something like $120 to get a replacement key and reprogram the chip in the key. Expensive, but well worth it to have that peace of mind again.
 
Thanks for all the replies. It is definitely expensive, but I certainly don't want the worry of losing the other key set and not having a backup (and being out the $2,000+!).

I will shop around at a few other dealerships and see what I can do price wise. It sounds like $299 is much more than I need to pay to get a backup set of keys made.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Alex
 
I have an '06 and have added two fobs to my truck. EBay ia a good source for the fob.

Here is how to do the programing:

Start with the key out of the ignition. Open the driver door (all other doors are closed). Driver door is unlocked (other doors don
 
steve germany said:
I have an '06 and have added two fobs to my truck. EBay ia a good source for the fob.

Here is how to do the programing:

Start with the key out of the ignition. Open the driver door (all other doors are closed). Driver door is unlocked (other doors don
Click to expand...
 
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