How to Get a Key Replacement For Your Toyota
Key fobs from Toyota are fitted with transponder chips to help keep your car secure. Batteries will need to be changed periodically.
Reprogramming and replacing a Toyota key fob can be expensive. TFS's Key Replacement Protection is one of the latest products it has created to help reduce this cost.
Keys lost or damaged
Since 1998, Toyota has made it an effort to include a transponder chips in their car keys and remote fobs. This technology helps protect your vehicle from hot-wiring as well as other forms of theft. But, if your key or fob gets stolen or lost, you'll require contact with an expert locksmith or Toyota dealership. This is because the replacement fob or key requires programming using the immobilizer on your vehicle.
Replace the battery if your Toyota remote or key starts to fail. To do this, simply open the fob of your key using your key (Newer models) or a thin and strong object in the designated notch or slot on the inside of the case. After the case is opened then gently lift the circuit board until you can see its battery. Then, take out the old battery and insert a new one, then close and test the key fob.
The transponder chip could be faulty if the key does not start the engine, or even work in any way. If the chip is damaged in any way it must be reprogrammed. This is only possible at an authorized locksmith or dealer, and they'll need some special tools.
In the first models of Toyota automobiles, the engine computer was not able to be updated with new or deleted keys by using standard diagnostic machinery. The only solution was to replace the engine control computer, or, in technical terms, to "reflash" it with fresh data. This is the same procedure employed when formatting your home computer's hard drive.
The most advanced technology available from Toyota offers additional convenience and security, however it can also increase the cost of replacing a lost or damaged key fob. Toyota Financial Services has launched the Key Replacement Protection to help ease this financial burden. This plan will cover up to $800 of the cost of replacing a fob or key per event. The plan is able to be purchased as an independent product or added to an existing auto loan.
Lockout Situations
If your car's power door locks stop working, you can have a big headache. They are designed to keep thieves out of your vehicle. However, there are some easy steps you can follow to resolve these issues, so you don't need to worry about locking yourself out of your vehicle.
If your key fob isn't responding when you push the buttons on it to lock or unlock the doors and trunk it could be an indication that the battery is in need of replacement. It's fairly simple to do on most Toyota models, and extremely inexpensive. Choose a battery that matches the model of the key fob. Also, note the type of case and the manner in which the circuit board is positioned inside.
With a small but strong tool like your key (Newer Models), a coin, or a flat screwdriver, gently pop the case open. You should see an opening or notch on the back of the key fob case in which you can place your tool. Once the case has been opened, you can locate and take out the old batteries. Take a picture of the battery's type and the location before replacing it. Replace the battery carefully.
It's a good idea, if you lose your key or it's damaged, to duplicate it or to give one to someone else. If you're locked out of your vehicle, they'll assist you by providing a slim-jim or provide you with a new set.
Although it is possible to reprogram a blank fob from home, there are many scenarios where you'll need to go to the dealership to have a Toyota key and fob programmed and replaced. The cost can range from $200-350, depending on the Hilton Head Toyota dealer and specials. It is important to be aware of the options available. If you don't have an extra car key or if your vehicle has been stolen and you cannot get a replacement, the Key Replacement Coverage from Toyota Financial Services will help pay for the cost of getting you back on the road.
Keys that have been stolen or lost are
The key fob in your Toyota car is not just an actual car key, but also an embedded chip that sends an electronic signal to the car's electronics when you start or enter the engine. If you lose your keys, obtaining a replacement can be tricky -- not to mention expensive. Keep an extra Toyota car key in your pocket.
If you don't have a spare key fob, the best thing to do is to visit an automotive locksmith who is skilled in replacing them for different brands. If you have the registration and title of your car they will usually make a key for your and program it into the car. This will likely be less expensive than going to an auto dealer, where you may have to order the key before integrating it with the car's electronic system.
Examine G28CarKeys or insurance policy to see if it covers the cost of replacing a key fob if you've lost or stolen Toyota keys. You can also determine if the auto service center in your area offers Toyota key replacements and programming services.
A dead battery is the most frequent reason for a Toyota key fob that isn't working. A new battery for a Toyota key fob is available on the internet or at most Freehold stores. It should cost less than $5. It is recommended to adjust your key fob before installing the new battery to make sure that the connections are clean and that the battery is installed properly. If it still doesn't work, contact your local Galaxy Toyota service department for assistance.
Think about a new key protector product from TFS/LFS or Safe-Guard Products International to prevent the need for your Toyota key fob to be replaced in the future. Toyota Key Replacement Protection will help drivers who have lost, damaged or had their key fobs stolen by covering the cost of replacing the fob.
Transponder Chip Issues
Some car models made after 2000 use transponder chips to prevent car thieves from hot-wiring the engine. This amazing piece of technology is incorporated into the tiny plastic component of the key, and it appears like a regular physical key. When you insert a chipped key into the ignition barrel of your car, a pulse radio frequency energy is absorbed by a coil around the transponder. The chip transmits a unique serial number to the car. The computer inside the car then compares this number to the one in its memory and if they match, the car will begin to drive.
Unfortunately, transponder chips may fail due to a variety of causes. The causes can be extreme cold or extreme heat, water damage, or a damaged key fob. If you're experiencing any of these issues it is important to call a professional auto locksmith immediately.
A key fob with a transponder is less durable than mechanical keys. It's more vulnerable to wear and tear. The buttons could begin to become worn out or the electronic components to fail. When this happens, you'll likely need to replace your entire key fob instead of only a few buttons.
In some cases the replacement of a battery could be all that is needed. This is a simple and inexpensive solution, but it won't resolve the problem. You can usually get a replacement battery from your local automotive store or online.
You can also clean the buttons on your key fob to see whether this helps solve the issue. It's also a good idea to avoid dropping the key fob onto hard surfaces as this can damage the internal mechanisms. Submerging your car keys in the water could short-circuit its electronics and cause it to fail.
If you need to replace a key fob with transponder, be sure you purchase a genuine one from your Toyota dealership or an reputable automotive locksmith. Duplicate keys purchased from hardware stores won't work with your model since they don't have the software necessary to operate it. The keys could harm the chip inside the key and not activate your vehicle. A reputable auto-locksmith or your car dealer has the tools and knowledge required to program a key with transponder.