For 2000 and 1999, they were outside cut. I can't say for the other years.
Key issues solved!
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For 2000 and 1999, they were outside cut. I can't say for the other years.
bumping up an older forum because i had the same problem. car came with one key and i'm doing the reading/research now to determine that it's likely a valet key...no remotes. cruiser dan gave me a good quote for a remote key, far better than my local toyota dealer. My toyota dealer wanted like $400 for remote key+programming.
in the meantime, i had a local locksmith do a chip key and cut for $85 out the door, and like the OP it took less than 5 minutes.
when i have some extra cash i'll buy a couple remotes from dan, try the remote control kabuki dance and hope i can do it myself. that + the option of locksmith charlety for the ECM-issue and it might be a good fix.
in the meantime, i had a local locksmith do a chip key and cut for $85 out the door, and like the OP it took less than 5 minutes.
when i have some extra cash i'll buy a couple remotes from dan, try the remote control kabuki dance and hope i can do it myself. that + the option of locksmith charlety for the ECM-issue and it might be a good fix.
If you're transponder buttons/keys are broken, let me know. I'm working with a company that will be able to fix buttons that arne't working quite right.
The keys for my 2000 Landcruiser are outside-cut, double-sided.
The Lexus might use inside-cut keys. I'm not sure.
If the key is cut correctly, it should unlock the door and turn in the ignition, even without a chip.
The chip is needed to deliver fuel to the engine. If the ECU does not detect the correct radio frequency from the chip, it will not deliver fuel to the engine. Without the chip, the starter will turnover, but the truck will not start.
If you have a key that will start the truck, then any locksmith, or some ACE hardware stores, should be able to replicate that key by copying the cut and cloning the RF chip.
The locksmith will charge about $72 to replicate the key, but if the key does not work you will not have to pay.
You can get a $9 blank off eBay, but it sounds like the eBay blanks are hit-and-miss.
The Lexus might use inside-cut keys. I'm not sure.
If the key is cut correctly, it should unlock the door and turn in the ignition, even without a chip.
The chip is needed to deliver fuel to the engine. If the ECU does not detect the correct radio frequency from the chip, it will not deliver fuel to the engine. Without the chip, the starter will turnover, but the truck will not start.
If you have a key that will start the truck, then any locksmith, or some ACE hardware stores, should be able to replicate that key by copying the cut and cloning the RF chip.
The locksmith will charge about $72 to replicate the key, but if the key does not work you will not have to pay.
You can get a $9 blank off eBay, but it sounds like the eBay blanks are hit-and-miss.
I've ordered eBay key blanks twice, they were perfect OEM blanks from China both times. The first time I paid the dealership to cut them to VIN, and they didn't turn out, one barely worked and I kept it under the truck as a spare. This time a different employee recut that bad key and cut the four new ones, and they work perfectly. So the dealership has been more hit-or-miss.
Apparently the dealership can't get complete blanks, only the plastic cover (one side) or the whole key with electronics ($!).
Apparently the dealership can't get complete blanks, only the plastic cover (one side) or the whole key with electronics ($!).
