no master key!

by **Jackass-Jeff** » Mon Nov 17, 2003 11:37 am

My aunt has the chip in her Camry. The guy told us it's about 1000-1500 to change it if she were to lose the key or the code.

HOWEVER

It should be possible to get the code from the VIN number. You can search online for how to program keys but buying one is the problem. =x eBay has a few but they usually aren't actual Toyota keys. Good luck

by **HKSV6SLE** » Mon Nov 17, 2003 12:53 pm

toyota is stupid....i still need to get an extra key with the chip in it to get my remote start working....

by **Yanks0114** » Mon Nov 17, 2003 12:57 pm

HKSV6SLE wrote:toyota is stupid....i still need to get an extra key with the chip in it to get my remote start working....

How dumb are you? The chip in the key is there for your protection. It makes the car a lot harder to steal.

Its not very hard to get an extra key, and you don't have to pay the dealer premium.

As for making a new key, theres no reason it should ever cost $1000 or above. Thats absolutely rediculous. The computer DOES NOT need to be replaced. Find a store or a locksmith that knows what they are doing and you will be fine.

Worse case scenario is adam can help you get a key made via your vin number. Also do you still have the metal plate with a 5 digit(?) number on it. Toyota can make a key from that too

Website · by **DavPak** » Tue Nov 18, 2003 9:03 am

ok, lets dispel some rumors.

in order to program a new transponder key, you need to have an EXISTING MASTER KEY. if you do not have an existing master key, in order to make a new one, the transponder ECU would have to be replaced. although i'm not sure what it s solara ECU would cost, last week one of my customers with a 4runner needed one, the total for the ECU, new keys and labor was $1375.00.
however, i instructed her to call toyota customer service, tell them she lost all her keys (which she did). they responded by sending us the ECU, AT NO CHARGE! she paid for labor and the keys which came to ~$200.00. toyota is really cool like that, i wanna see KIA do something like that for someone. BTW, this had nothing to do with warranty since she was at 102K miles!
at any rate, i don't think the dealer is trying to rip you off, but that's what'll have to happen if they can't get the original master key from the original owner. besides, the dealer should pay for that if it needs to be done, not you.

by **HKSV6SLE** » Tue Nov 18, 2003 11:23 am

thank you davpak, see i knew that no matter what it would cost a few bills to get another key made, if you have the reansponde. and seriously, if someone really wanted to steal your car it eouldn't matter how good the alarm is cuz it's gone, if someone really wants it. and the reason i'm mad is i don't want to put my only other key in my ignition and not have a extra one...so yes i think i have good reason to say toyota is stupid for doing this....and why so jumpy?

Website · by **DavPak** » Tue Nov 18, 2003 12:10 pm

HKSV6SLE wrote:thank you davpak, see i knew that no matter what it would cost a few bills to get another key made, if you have the reansponde. and seriously, if someone really wanted to steal your car it eouldn't matter how good the alarm is cuz it's gone, if someone really wants it. and the reason i'm mad is i don't want to put my only other key in my ignition and not have a extra one...so yes i think i have good reason to say toyota is stupid for doing this....and why so jumpy?

sorry, ya lost me bro.

by **Ragnarok** » Tue Nov 18, 2003 12:21 pm

nuts! this sucks - so how do you think I should go about trying to get Toyota to just 'send' me one? just say I lost all my keys? anybody have any connections in the LA/San Fernando Valley area? :-?

if worst comes to worst I'll try and go through the dealership I bought the car from, but it's gonna be hell to get that Mexicano Chevy dealership to pay, especially since they're over an hour away from me.

Website · by **DavPak** » Tue Nov 18, 2003 2:41 pm

call them, ask to speak with their customer relations manager. tell him your plight. worse comes to worse, call toyota (1-800-331-4331) and tell them you lost all your keys and you can't afford to purchase a new ECU. they should send one to your local toyota dealer. keep in mind that you'll still have to pay for labor to install (maybe the Chevy dealer will pay for that?) and new keys.
good luck to ya.

by **Yanks0114** » Tue Nov 18, 2003 4:53 pm

Dave, are you sure that you need another key. Can't you make the transponder key from the computer. Also doesn't the computer retain the program on the key?

We have a machine in my dads store made by ILCO which will read the program off a key and program another key.

Website · by **DavPak** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 7:45 am

Yanks0114 wrote:Dave, are you sure that you need another key. Can't you make the transponder key from the computer. Also doesn't the computer retain the program on the key?

We have a machine in my dads store made by ILCO which will read the program off a key and program another key.

the car's computer knows if you insert a master key or a valet key, the keys are programmed as master or valet. in order to get another master programmed, you'd need an existing master.
i think the situation in question he's only got a valet key. you can make another transponder from a valet (sub) key, but you can't use it to make another master.

by **hari-bhari** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 8:52 am

but i thought the only reason the valet key doesnt open the trunk is because the key is cut differently (it wont even turn in the trunk keyhole). so whatever code the transponder has doesnt really matter for opening the trunk. so in theory, shouldnt you be able to get the codes from the valet key, and then create a 'master' key with those codes, but cut it with the ability to open the trunk....hope that makes sense :drinking:

by **Ragnarok** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 9:21 am

i was told you can't make any copies with a valet key - you need the master to make copies (even just another valet). if i could make another valet i would probably just do that - i don't really need to open the trunk manually. i'm just worried about what happens when i lose my one and only key...

Website · by **DavPak** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 2:56 pm

hari_trivedi wrote:but i thought the only reason the valet key doesnt open the trunk is because the key is cut differently (it wont even turn in the trunk keyhole). so whatever code the transponder has doesnt really matter for opening the trunk. so in theory, shouldnt you be able to get the codes from the valet key, and then create a 'master' key with those codes, but cut it with the ability to open the trunk....hope that makes sense

yes that works in theory, but after programming at least a dozen keys in the last 3 weeks, i know it will only work with a master key.
do you really want some kid valet who is parking your car to be able to go out and get your key copied and make off with your car?? i think not.

by **hari-bhari** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 3:29 pm

do you really want some kid valet who is parking your car to be able to go out and get your key copied and make off with your car?? i think not.

well if he really wanted to jack the car, he could just use the original valet key you gave him. it still cranks the car :lol:

hehe sorry, just playin the devil's advocate for a second.
so basically, the restriction on making a master key out of a valet key isnt really technically impossible (because it could be done). instead, it must be illegal or something, and hence they dont have the equipment for it? just a hunch

by **adam2562** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 3:54 pm

umm.. lets see, i'm a beginner mechanic... and i live bout 800 miles away... id ont why people acnt just trust someone... i said i'd look into it.. y would i try to steal someones car?? pointless especially since i would have just made a key... i think he'dkno who did it.. so stfu

no master key!

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