Spare Key 4th Generation

[blackie2]

My 2004 4Runner ignition key is getting so worn on the edges that I can turn off the car and remove the key without completely turning the key to the lock position. Anyway, to get to the point of my question, I called the dealer where I bought the 4Runner to find out what I needed to do to get a spare key for it. Turns out because it's a programmable key that they wanted about $45 dollars for the key and another $45 dollars plus to program the key and the vehicle. I decided to screw it and just use the valet key and keep the Master key in my desk drawer so I won't lose it. Does anyone have any similar experience and if so can just a regular spare key from Autozone or even WalMart work on the 4Runner? Thanks

 

[li_runner]

You could do this:

Keep the worn key in the car, and get another regular key made to use in the ignition. The transponder located in the key just needs to be in the vincinity of the car not in the actual ignition.

That would be about $1 vs $90 or so.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

You could do this:

Keep the worn key in the car, and get another regular key made to use in the ignition. The transponder located in the key just needs to be in the vincinity of the car not in the actual ignition.

That would be about $1 vs $90 or so.

Be careful. I don't know specifically about the T4R. I do know there's a wire coil antenna that runs around the key opening and the signal from the key is weak. It has to be really close. If you make more than attempt or two to start the vehicle with a no transponder signal to the security system it'll "lock down". Once that occurs it's a very expensive fix at the dealer. Like I said I don't know exactly what will happen with the T4R. Lil_runner's idea does work on some vehicles but not others.

Try it of you like. If it doesn't start on the first try stop. Insert a 'real' key and start it.

$90 is cheap compared to it locking down.

:cheers:

 

[NDRYDEN123]

When I bought my T4R, I only revieved one key and one key fob. I went to the dealer and they actually quoted me a lot more for extra keys. But I did get them to cut me a metal key that will only open doors. It will try to turn the engine over but it will not start. so in order to actually start the vehicle you would need a key with the electronic chip that is actually built inside the key somewhere. Most of the newer cars have these chips in them and hardware stores like Lowes or Home Depot will not even attempt to make copies of these keys for fear it would damage the original.

 

[K.C.]

blackie2,

There's no way around it when your key has an immobilzer.

CJ3Flyr is right...not worth the chance.

I had to replace a key & remote once - $200

Not fun...but I was so happy afterwards.

And for forward preventative maintenance...I have a vinyl tube over my key when it's in my pocket. (It's the clear vinyl tubing that you get at a Hardware store) Not only does it keep it from chipping or putting a hole in my pants, it always prevents any dirt sticking onto the key.

 

[DaveyBoy]

My 2004 4Runner ignition key is getting so worn on the edges that I can turn off the car and remove the key without completely turning the key to the lock position. Anyway, to get to the point of my question, I called the dealer where I bought the 4Runner to find out what I needed to do to get a spare key for it. Turns out because it's a programmable key that they wanted about $45 dollars for the key and another $45 dollars plus to program the key and the vehicle. I decided to screw it and just use the valet key and keep the Master key in my desk drawer so I won't lose it. Does anyone have any similar experience and if so can just a regular spare key from Autozone or even WalMart work on the 4Runner? Thanks

I used these guys and paid $29.00 each for blanks.
http://www.amazingkeys.com/product_p/20064runnerkey.htm

I think the dealer wanted $55.00 each and then another $75.00 to program

I bought 2 keys and found 2 used remotes and had the dealer program/cut everything for $100

My total for 2 complete sets of keys/remotes was $194.00

 

[Uneek]

Most of the newer cars have these chips in them and hardware stores like Lowes or Home Depot will not even attempt to make copies of these keys for fear it would damage the original.

I think it depends on the person. OSH wouldn't cut mine, the stuck my key in some box and it a light came on indicating it was an immobilizer key and told me "sorry, can't copy it." I went to HD and they made a copy without any issues. HD was a little cheaper too.

 

[Atlanta_man]

Does the immobilizer scheme really deter theft, or just inconvenience us ? Car theft is pretty common still.

How do the professional thieves do it ?
No more hot-wire, strictly tow it away ?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Does the immobilizer scheme really deter theft, or just inconvenience us ? Car theft is pretty common still.

How do the professional thieves do it ?
No more hot-wire, strictly tow it away ?

Dark clothes- $90
Lock pick kit- $150
Special Immobilizer Defeat tool- $1000

Selling a stolen 4Runner to the Russian mob- Priceless:lmao:


I think they just tow/truck them out...


:cheers:

 

[VoytekNT]

I just got my new key made today, no remote. 30 minutes and $120.00 otd.

 

[A/V1]

Re: Re: Spare Key 4th Generation

I used these guys and paid $29.00 each for blanks.
http://www.amazingkeys.com/product_p/20064runnerkey.htm

I think the dealer wanted $55.00 each and then another $75.00 to program

I bought 2 keys and found 2 used remotes and had the dealer program/cut everything for $100

My total for 2 complete sets of keys/remotes was $194.00

I think I got my replacements from Amazingkeys too. I got two for about $50 on Ebay. I took them to Lowes, & Home Depot, & for some reason, their machine wouldn't cut it & stated that only the dealer would be able to do it.

I then took them to the stealership, and they cut them free of charge (to my surprise). And told me that to have them programmed in it would cost me 1/2 hr of maintenance. Not too bad considering...