We have lost both 'regular' keys to our 2000 Sienna, only have the grey valet key. Toyota tells us to replace the keys we need $1400 to reprogram or replace ignition computer security and $159 each for new keys. Is there way to simply disable system, reconfigure so it does not need the chip in key for ignition?
Car theives would REALLY like that option. :)
Where the hell do you live? Is that price in Yen or Lire?
My local Toyota dealer would charge no more than $400-500 US to replace both keys, remote fobs, and reprogram. I had to do it with my Tacoma, so I know...
If you take your inner door panel off and look at back of the door lock there is a series of numbers on it, these numbers coenside with the profile of the key. Write the numbers down and toyota can cut the keys from it.
Last time I checked it was about $100 at my Toyota dealer. Private locksmith shops (some), now have the capability to dup the special interrogate keys.
I have done it this way and it is a lot cheaper(only costs the amount to cut a key)
This method does not work with keys that have embedded chips.
There is no way to simply disable the system and configure it so it does not need the chip in the key for the ignition. It can probably be done with extensive re-wiring, but the system will probably be unreliable and cost as much or more than replacing the keys.
The price quoted by the dealer sounds a little high- call other dealers for their prices.
Do some web searching - There was a locksmith in the Midwest we discussed a year or two ago on this very problem.
You would take the security computer and all the lock cylinders out of the car, box them up, and ship to his shop. He'd send it all back in a few days with the locks rebuilt, new chipped keys cut (punched?) and the security computer reprogrammed to the new key chips - for about half what the dealers wanted.
And after you get it back, you take one of the chipped Master keys and literally put it in a bank safe-deposit box, so you don't ever have to go through this again.
-->--
The newer vehicles use what is called an RFID integrated circut imbedded into the head of the key. Very clever and is undefeatable unless you rip apart the dash and rewire a few things, but you have to know what you're doing and I'd say impossible for anyone other than the people who repair or design such systems. If you happend to break off the head of your key you might be able to fool the system by using a standard key and taping the broken off head to the standard key. It most likely would start the car providing the IC chip is not damaged.
There are two ways that theves get the cars they want today. They take if from you in a paking lot or at a traffic light or pull it up onto a flatbed truck. ;)
mike hunt
It will not work. Even with a perfectly cut new key, you need the proper RFID chip to start the car. That is where the $ come in. I paid $50.- for a new chip key and reprogramming, at a Toyota dealer. Your asronomical $Quote suggests that you should see another dealer.
Morton
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.