Toyota Dealership really tried to screw me on a set of new keys

[effowe]

I went on vacation last week after leaving my '06 Corolla parked at the airport, only to find that I somehow lost the keys while on the trip. After calling all over trying to find them without luck, I called the dealership and asked what it would take to get a new key made.

They said that I would first have to tow the car to them to get the keys made. I would need two of them at $60 dollars a piece, and programming of them would be 3 hours labor at $330. So, the minimum cost at the dealer was $450, plus however much the towing would cost. I thought this was ridiculous, so I called around some locksmiths to see what they could do.

I found the top rated locksmith on Yelp who met me at my car, cut me a key on the spot, and programmed it. This took him about a half hour, and came in at $235. It was still an expensive lesson, but I'm glad I was able to avoid paying the exorbitant fees at the dealer.

 

[phucheneh]

Three hours for keys? LOL.

IIRC Toyotas have to be put into some kind of programming mode that requires like a ten minute wait. Then the key pretty much programs instantly with a couple mouse clicks. You can do all the keys and remotes without an addition wait. So basically, it's a <30min job that I would expect someone to charge an hour for. Three is a joke.

 

[PottedMeat]

i would put this stuff into whatever local review sites you use.

 

[effowe]

Three hours for keys? LOL.

IIRC Toyotas have to be put into some kind of programming mode that requires like a ten minute wait. Then the key pretty much programs instantly with a couple mouse clicks. You can do all the keys and remotes without an addition wait. So basically, it's a <30min job that I would expect someone to charge an hour for. Three is a joke.

Yep, and the two local dealerships I called both quoted that time.

i would put this stuff into whatever local review sites you use.

The dealership I purchased it from already has terrible reviews on Yelp for similar practices. On the other hand, the locksmith has 5 stars and I added another.

 

[Ferzerp]

One thing you need to always be sure of is having at least 3 keys for a modern vehicle since they all require at least 2 working keys to program new ones without outside intervention.

You can typically find the blanks pretty cheap online, and most normal key cutters can cut them. I know it's too late for you, but for the future, just keep 2 good ones, that way you always have a way to make more yourself.

 

[halik]

No immobilizer on that car? Cutting keys and programming keyless entry is trivial for the most part; it's the immobilizer stuff that will get you. On most cars you won't be able to recode it yourself unless you know the private key that originally came with the car.

 

[phucheneh]

One thing you need to always be sure of is having at least 3 keys for a modern vehicle since they all require at least 2 working keys to program new ones without outside intervention.

You can typically find the blanks pretty cheap online, and most normal key cutters can cut them. I know it's too late for you, but for the future, just keep 2 good ones, that way you always have a way to make more yourself.

This stuff is all make/model-specific. Some cars can only be programmed with a computer (or scan tool), independent of how many keys you have. Others can have no keys and be programmed by the customer (GM's are the big one).

One important thing is that in some cases you need to bring ALL keys and/or remotes to the person who is programming a new one, or else your old stuff may stop working. In these situations it's because programming is basically all/nothing- no adding a key here...a remote there. You program everything at once. I remember Nissan being shitty about this...you program a new key...old one quits working...reprogram that...new one doesn't work. Took a little trial and error to get good at it.

 

[Ferzerp]

Yes, they're typically make specific, but *most* seem to have processes that an individual can perform without any extra equipment if 2 good keys are present. Some only need 1 though.

Check your manual. What makes have *no* process at all?

 

[jaha2000]

I have a toyota with the smart key system. Pretty sure there is not one thing i can do to reprogram besides the dealer.

 

[LTC8K6]

Tried to figure out how to program our own keys for a 2012 Grand Cherokee. Doesn't seem to be any way to do it. It has the proximity system/push button start.

If the system fails, you can remove the push button assembly, and behind that there is the regular place to insert the fob and turn it like a key to start the engine.

That is, when you remove the push button, which is designed to come out, it works just like a Jeep that doesn't have push button start.

Normally you can insert fobs and program them, but it doesn't seem to do anything on the 2011 and up models.

 

[mvbighead]

What kind of new-fangled key does it have?

I recently had an ignition cylinder replaced on my 2000 Silverado and I believe the cost all said and done was under $200 with a new key. I picked up a new keyless fob as well for $69, I believe. They programmed everything, and, far as I know, charged an hour of labor for the whole thing (which was mostly the ignition cylinder replacement).

Old key still works fine, but the new key is "preferred."

 

[xapo99]

Toyota dealers are a rip off in the UK too. Back box for a 2ZZGE powered Corolla (190bhp) is 800 quid. Brake seal kit for same car, each side on the front £49.

These parts, OEM from a distributor are £188 and £11 respectively.

 

[Raizinman]

i would put this stuff into whatever local review sites you use.

Yes, let everyone know that Toyota charges more than a locksmith company. Hmmm..... Let's see, Toyota has factory trained technicians and must use factory OEM parts.

Last time I had to assist with a lost key, the original selling dealer of the car had the records and after showing proper identification to the dealership, they were able to cut a vallet key for $50 to get the person going until they could get back to the dealership.

 

[phucheneh]

Yes, let everyone know that Toyota charges more than a locksmith company. Hmmm..... Let's see, Toyota has factory trained technicians and must use factory OEM parts.

Last time I had to assist with a lost key, the original selling dealer of the car had the records and after showing proper identification to the dealership, they were able to cut a vallet key for $50 to get the person going until they could get back to the dealership.

The person with that 1998 Corolla must've been very happy that it only cost $50 for a steel key blank...

What kind of new-fangled key does it have?

I recently had an ignition cylinder replaced on my 2000 Silverado and I believe the cost all said and done was under $200 with a new key. I picked up a new keyless fob as well for $69, I believe. They programmed everything, and, far as I know, charged an hour of labor for the whole thing (which was mostly the ignition cylinder replacement).

Old key still works fine, but the new key is "preferred."

...you may have gotten raped. One, GM ignition cylinders come disassembled and will accept the keys you already have (if properly assembled). Two, changing the ignition cylinder doesn't mean keys have to be reprogrammed. And three, a key can be reprogrammed by you with no tools and no functional keys present.

 

[Corporate Thug]

Call around. One ford dealership quoted me $250...a second quoted me $110.

 

[mvbighead]

The person with that 1998 Corolla must've been very happy that it only cost $50 for a steel key blank...



...you may have gotten raped. One, GM ignition cylinders come disassembled and will accept the keys you already have (if properly assembled). Two, changing the ignition cylinder doesn't mean keys have to be reprogrammed. And three, a key can be reprogrammed by you with no tools and no functional keys present.

I need the cylinder replaced. The old keys and key fob were quite worn. I believe the key came with cylinder, and the fob was additional. All in all, their quote was a small amount higher than a recommended locksmith. I don't feel like the price on anything that was done was unfair.

 

[phucheneh]

I need the cylinder replaced. The old keys and key fob were quite worn. I believe the key came with cylinder, and the fob was additional. All in all, their quote was a small amount higher than a recommended locksmith. I don't feel like the price on anything that was done was unfair.

200 isn't too bad for an ignition cylinder replacement plus an additional key...I scanned your post too quick. Thought you were just talking about getting keys for the new cylinder.

 

[jstern01]

Must of been 2006 Corolla lose a key week. Had the same issue with my corolla. Lost the keys, had a locksmith come out and cut a new key (actually 2 of them) for around $250. He also had to reprogram the immobilizer because the key(s) would not program correctly. But all is good now.

Jim

 

[effowe]

Must of been 2006 Corolla lose a key week. Had the same issue with my corolla. Lost the keys, had a locksmith come out and cut a new key (actually 2 of them) for around $250. He also had to reprogram the immobilizer because the key(s) would not program correctly. But all is good now.

Jim

In case you need another.. I ordered an uncut key from here..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400346896408?item=400346896408

And I am going to follow these instructions to program it myself..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkTEgCXSJVk

 

[phucheneh]

Does that only do a valet key? As in, is there a difference in the 'transponders' or just the typical lock cylinder difference? The valet key is cut the same but I believe it usually lacks an additional groove in the blank so that it won't fit the glovebox or trunk.

Transponder in quotes because I don't know if it actually is; not all keys that require programming are technically transponder. I know GM used a lot of 'resistive' keys. It is what it sounds like, IIRC: a resistor of a certain value in the plastic part. Just your basic anti-screwdriver (or pick gun or whatever else can turn the cylinder) countermeasure.

 

[CraigRT]

Crazy.. I had a new key cut at the old Saturn dealer for my 96 SL2 at the time, and I think it was like $50 ish, and all I had to do was show my proof of ownership and I.D. Was a really easy and pleasant experience.

 

[effowe]

Does that only do a valet key? As in, is there a difference in the 'transponders' or just the typical lock cylinder difference? The valet key is cut the same but I believe it usually lacks an additional groove in the blank so that it won't fit the glovebox or trunk.

Transponder in quotes because I don't know if it actually is; not all keys that require programming are technically transponder. I know GM used a lot of 'resistive' keys. It is what it sounds like, IIRC: a resistor of a certain value in the plastic part. Just your basic anti-screwdriver (or pick gun or whatever else can turn the cylinder) countermeasure.

You know, I'm not sure. The reprogramming instructions say that I need a master key to program the additional key, so I'm hoping the key I got from the locksmith is a master. When I get the key next week I will let you know how it worked out.

 

[phucheneh]

You know, I'm not sure. The reprogramming instructions say that I need a master key to program the additional key, so I'm hoping the key I got from the locksmith is a master. When I get the key next week I will let you know how it worked out.

I would assume the locksmith gave you a master. Just check to see if it opens all the doors and lids on the car. The valet key shouldn't fit in anything but the door and ignition.

I was wondering about the other end of it- if that programming provision shown on Youtube was only for valet keys or if you could make additional masters. I would doubt the car would know the difference, but was just curious since the video specified valet.

 

[effowe]

I would assume the locksmith gave you a master. Just check to see if it opens all the doors and lids on the car. The valet key shouldn't fit in anything but the door and ignition.

I was wondering about the other end of it- if that programming provision shown on Youtube was only for valet keys or if you could make additional masters. I would doubt the car would know the difference, but was just curious since the video specified valet.

Well I got my key from eBay and headed over to Home Depot to get it copied. The guy there told me I had to take it to the dealership to get it cut. Headed to Ace Hardware and $1.50 later I had a copy of the key. This copy works in the doors / trunk but needs programming to start the car.

I followed the instructions in the video I posted and they didn't work. I tracked down different instructions which also didn't work. This leads me to believe that I didn't receive a master key from the locksmith, as you need a master to program additional keys. I don't know where I'm going to take it from here. I'll probably call the locksmith and see if I can meet him somewhere to program it to avoid a service call, but we'll see.

As far as whether this method could create other masters, the video states that it can only create valet keys.

 

[Orlean]

I will have to agree 3 hour's sound's kinda high. I'm a Lexus technician and the most we charge to reseed keys is 1.5 hours(more if the ECM has to be replaced) this is if you loose all your keys and the immobilizer has to be completely erased and new key's programmed to the computer at least for some of the newer cars, but there are some models and depending on year that if you loose all your keys including the master key you have to buy a new ECM(Engine Control Computer) that comes with new keys and that gets very pricey. Just to clarify on the process that need's to be performed in order to reseed keys. If a customer lost all there keys I would have to pick the option to delete all SMART keys codes, then I would be prompted for a RESEED code now I need to log into TIS- Toyotas Technical Information System and request a key Reseed, I have to put the customer's name, VIN Number after that's done I get a Reseed code that I input into the Key reset window hook up a battery charger(Very important, if the battery voltage drops below a certain amount the reprogramming could fail and or cook a computer)in which I then then hit next and the process begins and takes around 15-20 minutes. I also get customer's that buy Ebay keys and have the vehicle programmed else were then end up coming in with wireless keyfob issues when I write an estimate for new OEM keys they get disgruntled and tell me well they worked for awhile so something else has to be wrong with the car, but in the end it's always the aftermarket china made key that was being used.