More questions on key fobs and part numbers

[Ghostrider]

I have read numerous articles on programming but am not clear which fob to order. As background I am getting back my 2001 that I purchased new from a family member. Not sure if they still have the original fobs so planning ahead. The truck is an SR5 (not limited) and does not have any factory or dealer installed alarm system. There seems to be two different FCC codes but I can't tell if one is for alarm or limited or whether my truck could have one of the two. Is there any way to determine which fob to order if you have none to look at?

 

[BoomerBob]

I have read numerous articles on programming but am not clear which fob to order. As background I am getting back my 2001 that I purchased new from a family member. Not sure if they still have the original fobs so planning ahead. The truck is an SR5 (not limited) and does not have any factory or dealer installed alarm system. There seems to be two different FCC codes but I can't tell if one is for alarm or limited or whether my truck could have one of the two. Is there any way to determine which fob to order if you have none to look at?

I would think a dealer could look up your VIN and tell you. Not sure though.

 

[Brian.]

The truck is an SR5 (not limited) and does not have any factory or dealer installed alarm system.

Well, then you wouldn't have a key fob, would you? Key fob for disarming and unlocking doors is, at least on the factory side of things, directly linked to the "alarm". It's not an alarm in the traditional sense, doesn't beep and whoop when bumped, or if the door is opened without disarming. Seems to only alarm if it senses "forced entry" (I haven't seen any definition of that though).

The route I'd take is to visit a dealer with the VIN and ask them. Most are clueless though, so don't really expect any help there. I'd then try to put the vehicle into programming mode ~ if you get into that you at least know you have One of the systems. There's supposed to be a visual indicator under the hood, but what I have doesn't match what people claim (I have the factory keyless system) so I don't trust that route.

Finally, if it's important, you can install (have installed) and aftermarket system. You get to decide HOW important as it might be more than you're willing to spend.

 

[Greaser]

Funny....I sold my first gen 3 4Runner to a family member years ago....and 20 years later they still refuse to sell it back to me. Glad you got yours.

I'd imagine you need to take yours to the dealer and they can sell/program new fobs for you for $100 bucks or so. Modern cars with BLE fobs are even more expensive.

On another note: anyone know if they keys themselves are 'chipped' on 2000 SR5's or if you can just get extras made at the hardware store?

 

[Brian.]

On another note: anyone know if they keys themselves are 'chipped' on 2000 SR5's or if you can just get extras made at the hardware store?

With over 700,000 3rd gen 4runners sold in the US, there are bound to be exceptions, but generally speaking, if the key has a plastic handle (isn't all metal), it's got a chip. Of course someone could have just bought a plastic-handle key because that was what was available.

If you have a Security light that blinks and goes off when you start the vehicle, it has the immobilizer (chipped key).

If you don't mind just spending whatever it costs to have a basic metal key cut, it'll be easy enough to test. If the car starts, you don't need one. If it doesn't start, you need a chipped key. I bought 2 replacement OEM chipped keys on ebay for $30 (about half what the dealer wanted), you can get some chineesium stuff for a little cheaper but having both in hand, the OEM is Easily worth the extra few dollars from the quality/feel standpoint though (IMHO). You can absolutely program the keys yourself *IF* your chipped key is a "Master" (the security light goes off IMMEDIATELY when you put the key in the ignition). No Master key and the best you can do is the ~$100/key "clone" through a locksmith as not even a dealer will be able to make you new keys.

 

[Greaser]

With over 700,000 3rd gen 4runners sold in the US, there are bound to be exceptions, but generally speaking, if the key has a plastic handle (isn't all metal), it's got a chip. Of course someone could have just bought a plastic-handle key because that was what was available.

If you have a Security light that blinks and goes off when you start the vehicle, it has the immobilizer (chipped key).

If you don't mind just spending whatever it costs to have a basic metal key cut, it'll be easy enough to test. If the car starts, you don't need one. If it doesn't start, you need a chipped key. I bought 2 replacement OEM chipped keys on ebay for $30 (about half what the dealer wanted), you can get some chineesium stuff for a little cheaper but having both in hand, the OEM is Easily worth the extra few dollars from the quality/feel standpoint though (IMHO). You can absolutely program the keys yourself *IF* your chipped key is a "Master" (the security light goes off IMMEDIATELY when you put the key in the ignition). No Master key and the best you can do is the ~$100/key "clone" through a locksmith as not even a dealer will be able to make you new keys.

Thanks, that all seems logical to me. I missed your response and headed down to the hardware store and had another key made, and it works fine. For anyone else's future reference this is on a 2000 SR5 and while the key I had did have a black plastic handle, it wasn't a genuine Toyota key either.

I'm not 100% sure of this but I recall from prior vehicles (including my '96 Limited) with chipped keys that you'd have a little green symbol that would light up when you inserted a chipped key.

 

[Ghostrider]

Well, then you wouldn't have a key fob, would you? Key fob for disarming and unlocking doors is, at least on the factory side of things, directly linked to the "alarm". It's not an alarm in the traditional sense, doesn't beep and whoop when bumped, or if the door is opened without disarming. Seems to only alarm if it senses "forced entry" (I haven't seen any definition of that though).

The route I'd take is to visit a dealer with the VIN and ask them. Most are clueless though, so don't really expect any help there. I'd then try to put the vehicle into programming mode ~ if you get into that you at least know you have One of the systems. There's supposed to be a visual indicator under the hood, but what I have doesn't match what people claim (I have the factory keyless system) so I don't trust that route.

Finally, if it's important, you can install (have installed) and aftermarket system. You get to decide HOW important as it might be more than you're willing to spend.

Yes it absolutely came from the factory with a fob. No alarm but I used the fob for 15 years to unlock doors and roll down windows. I actually still have the window sticker - Option Package 3 - including keyless entry and rear window remote. No mention of alarm - however IIRC it does have a panic button feature. your comment on breakage sensor does ring a bell - if that is what you meant by alarm it may have it. it does not have anything that goes off if you bump it while locked. It does not have a chipped key. It came with the valet key which was bare bones metal and used for times you did not want someone to unlock glove box. IIRC the 2001 only had chipped key on Limited

 

[Brian.]

Yes it absolutely came from the factory with a fob. No alarm but I used the fob for 15 years to unlock doors and roll down windows. I actually still have the window sticker - Option Package 3 - including keyless entry and rear window remote.

Well *ding, ding, ding* you have your answer... only the factory installed keyless system had the rear window roll down option. I'm pretty sure you want HYQ1512Y.