Transponder keys?

[goro]

Forgive me if I'm beating a dead horse here, but search didn't reveal much in the way of a solid answer. I just picked up a 99 Limited with a few bells and whistles on Saturday, and the previous owner only had one key with it. After a little poking around, I decided I'm pretty sure this specimen has keyless, so I ordered a fob up on ebay.

Anyways, I went to Wally World and got a spare cut, then my old man brought up whether or not it had a transponder key and if using the spare would cause a lockout an trip about 90 miles to the nearest Toyota dealer. So therein lies the question: do I have a transponder key or am I good to use a 2 dollar special in the event of dire need?

 

[blizz86]

Since you have the 99 Limited I am fairly certain you have a transponder key. So you ordered the 4 button fob (lock, unlock, window, panic) correct?

And you got a key cut to match your current key? Using that non-transponder key will unlock your car and even turn the ignition to ON but it just will not turn over. You need to get a transponder key cut and program that, there were a few threads about programming a key not too long ago if you search for "3rd gen transponder programming".

 

[goro]

Alrighty, that does help. I figure as long as I have something to unlock the doors, I'll be good, at least in the event of locking the keys in.

But if it is a transponder ignition with a non-transponder key, it just won't fire off, not lock out everything like some other vehicles?

 

[blizz86]

Alrighty, that does help. I figure as long as I have something to unlock the doors, I'll be good, at least in the event of locking the keys in.

But if it is a transponder ignition with a non-transponder key, it just won't fire off, not lock out everything like some other vehicles?

Well im pretty sure it will not lock out everything else. When i bought my truck the two keys from the PO were worn out and not making good contacts in the cylinder, so i had two new transponders cut out and programmed (by myself per posted instructions: thank god my old keys decided to work when i did so). But before i properly programmed the second one (so it was a non-programmed transponder key cut to my truck) it would try to start and not turn over. Im 99% sure its the same with just a metal copy. You can even go to AAA and get a plastic key cut so you can open the doors, etc and tape it somewhere hidden.

edit: i would highly recommend having a spare key with transponder though, never know when you will lose it or get it stolen.