Odd question about keys for original owners

G

Ghostrider

Registered User
I am guessing that original owners may have a quicker answer to this. I am the only owner of my 2001 and the original key finally broke at the top of the rubber grip. I went to my "key" drawer and pulled out all the original keys for the truck but none of the other keys had the rubber grip. I haven't lost any and I am the only driver so I am wondering if I really got two keys with the black rubber grip or just one. Anyone have a good answer?
 
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thanks for reminding me to check this out.

you mean you only have on factory key with the nice Toyota on it? sounds like a previous owner had some copies made.

I only have one key. I am going to look on eBay to see if I can find some blank OEM or OEM style keys.
 
I bought my truck from the original family who owned it since new and I got two Toyota "black logo OEM" keys. and a bunch of copies as well...
 
Neither one of my keys have rubber on them, and they are factory original from 1997.

The newer models had a rubber grip, but im not familiar with them and whether or not the spare was identical to the "main" key. All i know is the factory did make plain metal keys.
 
Ghostrider said:
I am guessing that original owners may have a quicker answer to this. I am the only owner of my 2001 and the original key finally broke at the top of the rubber grip. I went to my "key" drawer and pulled out all the original keys for the truck but none of the other keys had the rubber grip. I haven't lost any and I am the only driver so I am wondering if I really got two keys with the black rubber grip or just one. Anyone have a good answer?
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Original owner here. There were two regular keys in '99, one all metal and one with the rubber. Plus a valet key that was more rounded than the squarish metal normal key but also all metal.

This must be different for trucks with chips because the chip has to go somewhere. Mine is chipless.
 
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I have a 01 and I have 2 with the rubber on them, this rubber houses the ''smart chip'' for our keys. I guess the previous owner made copies but I dont think they will start the car I could be wrong though and if you get one from the dealership they cost about 75 dollars from what I have heard
 
Well I am totally confused. I am th original owner and I have one key with rubber, one valet key and one metal. All three start the truck so I doubt there is any chip in the key especially since the rubber in on the grip end. My second metal key is still on the second door lock fob
 
Ghostrider said:
Well I am totally confused. I am th original owner and I have one key with rubber, one valet key and one metal. All three start the truck so I doubt there is any chip in the key especially since the rubber in on the grip end. My second metal key is still on the second door lock fob
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I'm not sure what's going on then. maybe some are different than others? the link I posted first said 88-02 but the link said 88-98.
 
mikebontoft said:
hey are these like your third Gen keys?

I just ordered these. $7.98 shipped.

2 TOYOTA KEY BLANKS 1988-1998 | eBay

edit: well maybe not... if not I found a ton for your style on eBay with this search term. 2001 toyota 4runner blank key
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For what it's worth, I wanted a key with the rubber grip at the top after purchasing my '00 truck. Previous owner only had two full metal keys. I went in to the dealer, spoke with the parts desk and the guy cut me a new Strattec key (same as above) for free. It was the cheapest visit to the dealer I've ever had.

T
 
My dealer wanted 14 just for the blank. I can confirm that at least my 2001 SR5 does not have a chip in the key. I drove with the backup steel key and then with the valet key tonight with no issues. I have no idea what the valet key is for - usually the valet key does not work the trunk. My valet key locks and unlocks the door and drives the truck. I used some epoxy to fix the rubber part of the key that broke. If it works its a cheap fix. My steel backup key is still on a ring with an unused unlock fob and has the little plate with the key number also on the ring. I have a drawer that I keep all the extra keys in and there is not one with a rubber grip so I am guessing I only got one.
 
Research indicates that the smart chip (Engine immobilizer) was introduced in 1998 on the Limited models only and with the Highlander models, as an option, beginning in 2001. Not to be confused with the earlier truck framed 4Runners with the "Highlander" trim package.

If you have both a rubber key and a metal key and the metal one also starts your vehicle then you have a rubber "Grip" and not a rubber encased chip. Valet keys should not be able to unlock glove boxes.

FWIW I have 3 metal keys but only one does ANYTHING.

Hope this helps. :driving:
 
If you go down the the dealership you can get a nice key with soft rubber top that wont break for 30 bucks. I know its steep, but it is so much nicer
 
4R99JB said:
Research indicates that the smart chip (Engine immobilizer) was introduced in 1998 on the Limited models only and with the Highlander models, as an option, beginning in 2001. Not to be confused with the earlier truck framed 4Runners with the "Highlander" trim package.

If you have both a rubber key and a metal key and the metal one also starts your vehicle then you have a rubber "Grip" and not a rubber encased chip. Valet keys should not be able to unlock glove boxes.

FWIW I have 3 metal keys but only one does ANYTHING.

Hope this helps. :driving:
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It does help a lot and explains what the valet key is for. I didn;t try the glove box - just the doors
 
The valet key will open the doors and start the truck but not the glovebox, that's the answer I got from one of the locksmiths at work
 
Ghostrider said:
I am guessing that original owners may have a quicker answer to this. I am the only owner of my 2001 and the original key finally broke at the top of the rubber grip. I went to my "key" drawer and pulled out all the original keys for the truck but none of the other keys had the rubber grip. I haven't lost any and I am the only driver so I am wondering if I really got two keys with the black rubber grip or just one. Anyone have a good answer?
Click to expand...

Mine had 1 with the rubber top & one metal only, still have both original keys.
 
So I'm curious I've only got the grey valet key for my 99 with the immobilizer. Now if I get a black key blank with the chip and get it cut and programmed (cloned at lock smith) will it basically just be a black valet key? Is the only way to get another master key to get a whole new computer and everything?
 
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