no master key!

[Guest]

hello everyone - I bought my 2002 SE V6 5sp about a week ago, and I've loved every minute of it. well today I went to the dealership to get a copy of my key, but they said that I have the valet key and they need the master key to make copies because it has a chip in it. this is the only key I got from the Chevy dealership I bought the car from, and they said that's all they were given. I called today again and they said call back on monday when the sales manager is there so he can check to see if there might be another key they still have. my question to you guys is, if I call on monday and they don't have the extra key, what do I do? the dealership said it would be $2500 to change the computer in the car so I can get a new master key help!

[Ragnarok]

^ me (forgot to login)

[MGLax13]

$2500.....sounds like another dealer making up rediculous prices so they don't have to go through the trouble of doing something, like when I inquired about installing an after market sunroof and I got quoted $3000 for one that just flips up manually. It doesn't seem like it would be all that difficult to re-program a computer with some new codes.

[Ragnarok]

that's what i thought - so i called a couple other dealerships, and they said it would just be $50 for the key and $80 for programing; the only thing that bothered me was they didn't seem confident in what they were talking about. so i called one last place, and they gave me the same quote as the first one (~$2500) can anyone verify this?

[hari-bhari]

if you are able to turn on your car using a regular-all-metal valet key, then there is no reason that you need a new 'master' key and a new computer. just get a key that has the black rubber toyota logo up top but no transponder chip if u want one that looks like a master key. oh and some place like a walmart will make copies for really cheap, so go visit them first.

[Ragnarok]

but that's just it - my valet key DOES have a transponder in it! it has a grey top and doesn't open the trunk, as opposed to the master key which has a black top and does open the trunk (and supposedly has the code to make copies)

[MGLax13]

But the codes in the valet key and master key should be the same since they both start the car. You don't need the chip to open the trunk and glove box, they should be able to get the code from that. Also, I think if you give your vin number, they should be able to get your key code and crap, at least thats what I was led to understand.

[Ragnarok]

true - tomorrow i'll try going to one of the dealerships that said they could do it :::crosses fingers:::

[hari-bhari]

but that's just it - my valet key DOES have a transponder in it! it has a grey top and doesn't open the trunk, as opposed to the master key which has a black top and does open the trunk (and supposedly has the code to make copies)

ohh ok, i thought valet keys didnt have transponder chips at all. my car only came with all-metal keys, so my engine's ecu doesnt even use codes at all i guess. but based on what you say, they should be able to make duplicates off the valet key. make sure u dont get ripped off tho!!

[Ragnarok]

well looks like all dealership service centers are closed on sundays - i'll have to go next weekend. damn transponder!

[Yanks0114]

LOL Thats absolutely rediculous.

Find a good local hardware store and have them make you a copy of the key. It should cost around $25.

The key actually gets programmed from the car if you follow the proper procedure, that the hardware store has.

Good luck. Also toyota can make you a copy of your key for like $150 if they lookup your vin number

[adam2562]

ragnarok.... let me help you.. i feel bad for you.. i dont like going out of my way but let me see what i can do... i need your full VIN# and i'll have a chat with my boss at toyota and see if i can work around having to get you a new computer.. and even if it leads to that i'll see if i can get it for you on my discount

[Ragnarok]

that would be awesome Adam! i probably won't be able to take my car in until the weekend, so if you do know a manager at a dealership and could give me a definate answer on if there is a way around the whole new computer thing or not i would appreciate it greatly! i have a 2002 Toyota Solara SE w/a greytop transponder key

[adam2562]

4 or 6cyl... and i need your VIN#

[Ragnarok]

Adam - check your PMs