100 series keys

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pdimarco65

10 Year
Joined
May 10, 2013
Threads
4
Messages
23
Location
Londonderry, NH
Hello everyone and greetings from New Hampshire. This is my first post.

I am in the process of upgrading my '08 FJ Cruiser to a 2004 LC. I picked up a beautiful example with 88k miles a few weeks ago. I am in the process of fixing the front brakes (new pads, rotors and calipers). I'm also replacing the right steering knuckle because I'm an idiot and broke both caliper bolts off - long story :-(

Anyway, my question is about keys. When I got my LC, there was only one key (not a remote either). I will obviously need some spares. How much of a pain is it going to be to get replacements made? I would like to get remotes too, but not if it is prohibitively expensive.

I've done done searching on this site but could not find much.

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That's pretty strange it didn't come with a remote since the remote is built into the key. I think the previous owner gave you a valet key.

If you go to the dealership it will cost you about $650 to get a new remote key programmed. If you have a remote key, and want a second as a backup it will run about $400 at a dealership.

The solution as stated above is to try and find an OEM blank key on Ebay for much less and program it yourself. There are a series of steps as stated above to follow. Some have had success, others a tougher time.

My ordeal is different than yours because I had a remote, but here it is:
My remote case was cracked and the dealer wanted $400 to replace it. I purchased an empty shell on Ebay for $10. I swapped out the innards from the cracked remote into the new shell then took the key to be grinded at a locksmith for $2. Works perfectly, the dealership wanted $400 for a $12 fix.
 
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A proper locksmith (not Lowe's or Home Depot) should be able to clone your existing valet key for about $100.

As you know, the key contains an RF chip which is needed to start the car. The locksmith can make a key that replicates the RF signal from your existing key, precluding the need to program a new key into the system.

This is just one option of several- but you should get a spare key... if you lose your only key you will be up a creek.
 
Thanks for the replies so far. I believe they 1 key i have is the valet key. It is gray, does not unlock the rear hatch, and is consistent with my FJ Cruiser key in looks.

I did find a local reputable locksmith and will probably try that route before going to the dealer.
 
Bummer you don't have a remote. Without an original remote you will not be able to code a new master key.

What I would suggest is do the one time ecu replacement that Toyota offers one time per truck. Chances are the previous owner did not do this. It's usually about $1600, but since this is considered a good will gesture from Toyota I believe you only pay for the master key with remote (which I believe is $350)
 
I got this addressed today. I do not care about a remote key. My FJ Cruiser did not have one so for the last 6 years, I've grown accustomed to not using them.

I took my LC to a local reputable Toyota/Lexus mechanic and he recommended a locksmith in the next town over. I went there today and they had me out the door in about 15 minutes with 2 new keys. He made masters out of them so they open the rear hatch and glove box too. $100 total.
 
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