New Guy Questions - Keys & Leather

[White Rock T4R]

I've been browsing the site a few days now and figured I would go ahead and ask a couple questions that I couldn't find direct answers on in the search.

I recently bought a 2000 SR5 and have two questions:

1) Keys - the owner gave me two very lame looking keys and I was going to order replacement keys online and then I became perplexed. Did the 2000 keys not have the chip in them? If they did, how are these plane jane silver keys working?

2) Leather Seat - There's a small 1" tear on the side of the driver's seat. Any recommendations on remedies? I've seen leather patch kits before but didn't want to experiment if the community already has an opinion.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ron Helmuth]

welcome aboard

1/ My 99 is just plain old keys-they work fine. Not sure if 2000s have the chip in them.Don't think so.

2/ That rip is quite common-when you slide out of the seat it takes a lot of abuse. That is a vinyl side insert. I just had mine replaced at an auto upholstery shop, they could not sew vinyl and make it look decent. You could go with a leather piece there and perhaps it would be a bit more durable.

 

[downpour11]

my 2000 never had a chip in the key... they work by putting it in the ignition and turning (sarcasm lol) what do you mean by how do they work?

 

[White Rock T4R]

After a bit more searching, I found this thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/15117-spare-key.html


Looks like there's some debate on this site and others over whether or not the 2000 model has a chip but the consensus seems to be that for whatever reason, replacement keys for the 2000 model works without a chip.


Thanks for the help.

 

[USMC_Spike]

Kellan's Lock Smith on Walnut Hill lane is set back
from the SE corner of of Audilia & Walnut Hill.

There is a Wendy's, Taco Bell, then keep going, it is in the next building
about two doors down.

Hope that helps