Why are these key fobs such crap?

[Tengu]

The metal should go all the way through the fob. If you've broken one you know how little key metal is in there. It is like it is designed to break. Step dad moves my 4runner while I was sleeping, broken key. Windshield repair guy, broken key. Forget to pinch low on non button side, broken key. F-ing ridiculous.

 

[salong53]

You must use one of these:

 

[Tengu]

THen so does the glass guy, my son (broke his key this weekend, actually his friend did), and my step father.

 

[Volnut]

Any luck programming the transponder on your new keys? I got the key cut and the fob works the lock/unlock but won't start it. I've tried a couple of the sequences I found online, inserting the key etc but to no avail.

 

[STX4Runner]

Wow, you're the first person I remember seeing on here with this problem. I guess I guess I need to be more careful. Is there some way the plastic in your keys is getting brittle? Do you leave it out in the sun all the time?

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

I have had the same two since I bought the truck new with no problems. You must be super strong, or I need to get in the gym.

 

[Antman]

I have had the same two since I bought the truck new with no problems. You must be super strong, or I need to get in the gym.

Yup- 5 years no problems.

 

[Jhalko]

What is this key thing you speak of? I just grab the handle, get in and push a button to start.

Mental note to never challenge OP to arm wrestle.

 

[mcarey86]

I actually ate shit this winter on some ice and bent my key landing on it. Took me two days to notice why it was so hard to get in and out of the ignition. Bent it back with a pliers, good as new. Just a few scratches in the metal from the sidewalk.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Honestly... I don't have many people breaking keys off. How hard are you guys cranking on the ignition to break the key out of the fob?

 

[mizzouxc]

I'm not much of a datapoint, but my 2016 SR5 Premium key is really sturdy. You must be very strong sir!

 

[manofsteele2003]

My ex had a Lexus with the same style key and hers broke. I try to use mine close to the base of the shank so there's less strain on the shank, not sure if it makes a difference but so far so good.

 

[jwatson]

I haven't experienced this, but could see where this could happen.

 

[Knight-Errant]

Photo of [MENTION=7957]Tengu[/MENTION] during his childhood.

 

[Tengu]

Any luck programming the transponder on your new keys? I got the key cut and the fob works the lock/unlock but won't start it. I've tried a couple of the sequences I found online, inserting the key etc but to no avail.

You have to pull the chip out of the old fob. It is a little block that fits in a slot where the key metal SHOULD be.

Wow, you're the first person I remember seeing on here with this problem. I guess I guess I need to be more careful. Is there some way the plastic in your keys is getting brittle? Do you leave it out in the sun all the time?

No. I should probably put pictures up.

I have had the same two since I bought the truck new with no problems. You must be super strong, or I need to get in the gym.

Honestly... I don't have many people breaking keys off. How hard are you guys cranking on the ignition to break the key out of the fob?

I'm not much of a datapoint, but my 2016 SR5 Premium key is really sturdy. You must be very strong sir!

My ex had a Lexus with the same style key and hers broke. I try to use mine close to the base of the shank so
there's less strain on the shank, not sure if it makes a difference but so far so good.

Like I said, it is mainly other people that aren’t accustomed to my vehicle. They try cranking not knowing you have to do the push toward the steering column maneuver. So it isn’t my super strength, just those apparently not used to starting a Toyota.

Man or steel, you are right. After seeing the first one apart, I always pinch low with my thumb on the non-button side. It does help, and it is the only way to use the key until I can replace it.

Photo of [MENTION=7957]Tengu[/MENTION] during his childhood.

Not so much. If that were the case I would have broken my pecker off long before my key fob.

 

[1engineer]

You have to pull the chip out of the old fob. It is a little block that fits in a slot where the key metal SHOULD be.



No. I should probably put pictures up.









Like I said, it is mainly other people that aren’t accustomed to my vehicle. They try cranking not knowing you have to do the push toward the steering column maneuver. So it isn’t my super strength, just those apparently not used to starting a Toyota.

Man or steel, you are right. After seeing the first one apart, I always pinch low with my thumb on the non-button side. It does help, and it is the only way to use the key until I can replace it.



Not so much. If that were the case I would have broken my pecker off long before my key fob.

Based on my own personal experiences and this thread, there is no problem with your experiences being the exception.
I even closely compared the Subaru, Honda and Toyota fobs that I have here and they are basically identical. Probably made by the same company! So if Toyota was having a problem then Honda and Subaru would have this problem too.

 

[Tengu]

Based on my own personal experiences and this thread, there is no problem with your experiences being the exception.
I even closely compared the Subaru, Honda and Toyota fobs that I have here and they are basically identical. Probably made by the same company! So if Toyota was having a problem then Honda and Subaru would have this problem too.

That depends, it it the same motion? You know how you fit the key in and keep pushing before you crank? Or do you just push it and turn? Was the steering column locked up or slightly turned. I mean there are other factors besides just the key.

 

[TOY2G]

Not so much. If that were the case I would have broken my pecker off long before my key fob.

Well played Sir.......:tea:

 

[1engineer]

That depends, it it the same motion? You know how you fit the key in and keep pushing before you crank? Or do you just push it and turn? Was the steering column locked up or slightly turned. I mean there are other factors besides just the key.

Man, I don't know. I put the key in the ignition and turn. It does not matter which side faces me. I don't press hard, I don't press in, I just turn the key. If the wheel is locked, the key does not turn and I have to move the steering wheel a bit. Seriously, I insert the key and turn and that's it. Nothing complex and no other factors.

 

[Tengu]

Man, I don't know. I put the key in the ignition and turn. It does not matter which side faces me. I don't press hard, I don't press in, I just turn the key. If the wheel is locked, the key does not turn and I have to move the steering wheel a bit. Seriously, I insert the key and turn and that's it. Nothing complex and no other factors.

Understood. I have no problem either, and since only one person has only fessed up to breaking one, I couldn't interrogate them. I forgot to interrogate the one that fessed up.