Transponder Key

[altos]

I am trying (without success) to find a transponder key for a 2004 Sequoia that will program in the vehicle. I tried Ebay, received a key that won't program and the seller says waaaaaaaaay down in the very fine print that it can only be programmed by a dealer.

I have tried "toyotaparts4U" but they don't appear to have keys. Is there anyone out there that is selling keys and programming instructions that actually work or is this a trip to the dealer for $75-100 ???

Insights appreciated.

Thanks !

 

[KliersLC]

I bought a transponder key off of ebay and it programmed for me just fine. Does it have to do with pushing the gas and brake and what not? If so, my problem was waiting long enough after all of the pushing to let the new key register. Try waiting longer until the sec light goes out.

98 99 00 01 02 03 TOYOTA KEY LAND CRUISER PRIUS SEQUOIA:eBay Motors (item 360153009493 end time Jun-04-09 17:19:46 PDT)

I bought from this guy. He currently doesn't have anything for your year, but try the instructions at the bottom of his ad, or contact him to see if he can get you the right key.

 

[altos]

I finally said "enough was enough", having tried 17 variations on theme for programming. I called 4 Toyota dealers and asked for their price. The range was $150-280 for 1 (one) key. I called a couple locksmiths and got similar quotes. I finally got ahold of a locksmith in Mountain View, CA (nearby) who said he would program the existing key for $62 and an additional key for $68. He was in front of my home as planned, took 15 minutes to cut the key and program, we tried all three keys (original and two new) and all work fine.

He made a profit on the new key selling it for $6 so you can figure out the profit margins on the key at the dealer and ebay. The cost of the key is probably around $2-3. So, now I have the original and two new keys , total cost of $130.

I am sure that others have had success with their vehicle/model/year, but for a 2004 Sequoia this seems to have ended as gracefully as it could. Two keys at the dealer would have run between $300-560, a rip off (IMHO). This guy made a nice profit and did a good job for $130 for two keys. Net/net: search for a good locksmith and forget dealers and (for many) ebay.