I did the same thing. Ours did not work, though, so I had my wife disassemble it and set it out to dry. A week later it worked perfect. The funny part is that I had my key and it was her's that was washed. So, I took my key apart at work while instructing her over the phone. She said it was kind of fun, haha.
Spare Key Cost $$$
- Thread starter westwind77
- Start date
I did the same thing. Ours did not work, though, so I had my wife disassemble it and set it out to dry. A week later it worked perfect. The funny part is that I had my key and it was her's that was washed. So, I took my key apart at work while instructing her over the phone. She said it was kind of fun, haha.
LakeRunr
Member
OP, this is simple. Have a plain key cut (by anyone...my dealer gave me 2 for free, cut from the VIN) so that you can unlock the door if you lock your keys in the car. On Toyotas with factory alarms, unlocking any door with a key (any properly cut key, including plain metal ones) disarms the alarm. The only thing you need the immobilizer chip for is to start the truck.
For what it is worth I was speaking with a local place that installs electric starter kits into vehicles and the installer there told me the easiest way they get around the chip key immobilizer issue is just to permanently leave the chipped valet key inside the steering column. Then you can use any cut key to start your vehicle as you wish.
Uneek
Super Moderator
Some hardware stores refuse to cut a regular key if it is an immobilizer key. Don't know the reasoning behind it. I went down to Home Depot and had it cut, no problem.
The plain metal keys work great too. Thin enough to fit in a wallet.
TOYSTRY
New member
Huh, how did they do that?:hatsoff:
Snowfox
New member
It is in your owner's manual, its do-able options, but only by dealer. IMO I think they should let the user that option to change it to fit each individual's preference.
TOYSTRY
New member
I had those features on my Mercedes.......shocked it doesn't come standard that way. Guess I'll be making a trip to the dealership sooner than I thought.
TTown
New member
If you have the Limited, you don't have to go to the dealership. I forgot what buttons you have to press, can anyone else chime in?
hiker_jon
New member
Wrong: The RFID chip in the key doesn't get programmed. It just replies with a number when the car asks it who it is. The car must be programmed to recognize the key number as OK.
This is not expensive technology, they are thinking of putting RFID's in many products you buy. It is gouging for Toyota and other car manufacturers to charge so much.
My dealer told me that it is necessary bring in all your keys to add a spare. That is poorly designed computer software by Toyota.
I can't understand why the manufacturers behave so badly towards their customers. Maybe it is because we are helpless to prevent it.
LakeRunr
Member
Not true...doesn't work...I tried it. The antenna for the RFID reader is a loop around the ignition switch. If the RFID chip isn't right there, inside the loop, it won't be read.
The easiest way to get around the immobilizer is to buy an XPressKit Data Transponder Override Interface (XK05 model with PKT1 interface software works on my 4th gen). Simple hookup...just 5 wires. $32 at Amazon. :banana: Hook up the trigger wire to something secret/hidden that no thief will ever find, and you can store your fancy RFID keys in your closet and just use a skinny metal key to start the truck.:driving:
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Wow, anyone tried this? My viper is using the valet key hidden in the steering column, so in theory any key I cut should start the car. You may just have saved me some $$$. Thanks.
SilverBack4Jack
New member
Does anyone know if you have to have some model specific option to be able to have the key programmed to roll down the window. I think it would be helpful to be able to roll down the back window with the key while walking up to the vehicle instead of actually using the key or the hatch. Then again i may just be lazy!
Snowfox
New member
From my understand, all 5th Gen T4R come with this option, but only the dealer can turn this feature on or off.
LakeRunr
Member
Yes, I've tried it, and I can report that you can't just hide a key in the steering column. The antenna around the ignition switch will only reliably read the key's chip if inside the "circle" of the antenna.
But, the good news is that there is an inexpensive way to do this without sacrificing a key. Read my post (#30) which is just two posts before yours. Here's the important part:
XPressKit Data Transponder Override Interface (XK05 model with PKT1 interface software).
VaBeach4Runner
New member
I did the same thing, I got a plain key blank for my 2011 4runner and my 2010 Tundra, had them cut at Home Depot because the dealers key cutter was down, put it in my magnetic key box hidden underneath than I hid a spare set of keys in the vehicle. In an emergency, I can open the door and get a key that will start the vehicle, pretty simple stuff. This was suggested by the Parts Department Man at my Toyota Dealership because I could not find a big enough key box to fit the keys.
Scuba6
Member
I have a Limited w/ the push button start and the dealer is quoting me around $100 for a spare key that will only open the door (same inset grooves as the small metal key that slides out of the Limited key fob). Although there is no programming required, I'm not sure that Home Depot can cut this type of key, as my dealer said they have to have Big Toyota mail it to them.
If anyone has had one of these made, is this a competitive price? Is there an easier solution?
I prefer to lock my key fob inside the truck when I go running, but I worry that by pulling the small "hidden" key out of the fob on a regular basis, it will eventually not stay inside anymore - wear the plastic catch out etc.
Thanks!
If anyone has had one of these made, is this a competitive price? Is there an easier solution?
I prefer to lock my key fob inside the truck when I go running, but I worry that by pulling the small "hidden" key out of the fob on a regular basis, it will eventually not stay inside anymore - wear the plastic catch out etc.
Thanks!
hiker_jon
New member
Hi,
I had one made for my SR5. Used a standard Toyota key blank and had it made at a hardware store, about $4. However it can be hard to get them to make it and your key blank may be a different style. The technology is however the same, i.e. it's just a key that can be carved into the right shape. So $100 seems a little on the high side.
Jon
I had one made for my SR5. Used a standard Toyota key blank and had it made at a hardware store, about $4. However it can be hard to get them to make it and your key blank may be a different style. The technology is however the same, i.e. it's just a key that can be carved into the right shape. So $100 seems a little on the high side.
Jon
Scuba6
Member
Jon - thanks for the reply. To better explain, the added challenge (cost??) for those of us with a limited is that our metal keys are flat on the outer edges and have the teeth down the middle. I don't think a regular machine can cut these or that they use standard blanks. But I'm guessing....and hoping someone with a LT can tell me for sure.
Johnny Utah
New member
i read this entire thread. I'm more confused than ever! Thank god, I don't need any spare keys right now...
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