How to Get a Key Replacement For Your Toyota
Toyota key fobs have a transponder chip to ensure your car is secure. They also have batteries that need to be periodically replaced.
It is costly to replace and reprogram a Toyota keyfob. To help alleviate this cost, TFS has launched one of its latest protection products, called Key Replacement Protection.
Keys damaged or lost
Toyota has been including a transponder in its car keys and remotes since 1998. This technology safeguards your vehicle from hot-wiring and other forms theft. But, if your key or fob is stolen or lost, you'll require contact with a professional locksmith or Toyota dealership. This is because the process to have a replacement key or fob created involves programming it with the immobilizer feature of your vehicle.
Replace the battery if your Toyota remote or key starts to malfunction. To do this, use your key (Newer models) or an object that is thin and strong to open the key fob. After the case is opened, gently lift the circuit board and reveal its battery. Next, remove the battery that was in place 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 works at all. If the chip is damaged in any way it will need to be reprogrammed. This is only done by a certified dealer or locksmith, and will require some specific tools only available to them.
In early models of Toyota cars the engine computer was in a position not to be updated with deleted or new keys using standard diagnostic tools. The only solution was to replace the engine control computer, or in technical terms "reflash" it with new data. This is the same method used to format your home hard drive on your computer.
Toyota's latest technology provides convenience and security but also raises the cost of replacing an item that has been damaged or lost. To help alleviate this financial burden, Toyota Financial Services is launching the brand new Key Replacement Protection. The plan will cover the cost of a replacement key or fob for up to $800 per event. The plan is able to be purchased as an independent product or added to an existing auto loan.
Lockout Situations
The locks on your car's power doors are meant to keep thieves and burglars from entering your vehicle If they stop working, it can be a major hassle. There are easy solutions to these issues to ensure that you don't get locked out of your car.
If your key fob isn't responding when you push the buttons to lock or unlock the doors and trunk it could be a sign the battery needs replacement. It's easy to replace the battery on a majority of Toyota models and is extremely affordable. Find a battery that is compatible with the model of the key fob. Also, take note of the type of case used and the way the circuit board is placed inside.
Utilizing a light but sturdy tool like your key (Newer Models), a coin or flat screwdriver, gently pop the case open. You should be able see a slot on the side of your key fob case in which you can insert the tool. After the case is opened, locate and remove the old batteries. Take a picture of the battery's model and its location prior to replacing it. Replace the battery cautiously.
When you lose a key or the keys have been damaged, it's usually an excellent idea to make a new key or give one to a trusted friend. In the event that you are locked out of your vehicle, they can bring you another set or help you get back in your car with a slim key.
While it is possible to reprogram a blank fob from home, there are numerous circumstances where you'll have to visit the dealership to have a Toyota key and fob replaced and programmed. The cost can range from $200 to 350, based on the Hilton Head Toyota dealer and specials. It is important to be aware of your options. If you don't have a spare key, or your vehicle is stolen and you can't get a replacement, the Key Replacement Protection offered by Toyota Financial Services can help with the cost of getting you back on the road.
Lost or Stolen Keys
The key fob in your Toyota vehicle contains not only the car key itself, but an embedded chip that emits signals to the cars electronics when you start or enter the engine. If you lose your keys, getting a replacement can be tricky and costly. Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid this scenario One of them is to keep an extra Toyota key in your pocket in all times.
If you don't own a spare key fob, the next best thing to do is visit an automotive locksmith who specializes in replacing them with different brands. If you have your car registration and title in hand, they can usually make the new key on site and then program it into the car. This is likely to be cheaper than going to an auto dealer, where you may require you to purchase the key, and then pair it with the car's electronic.
A third option for dealing with lost or stolen Toyota keys is to look up the warranty of your vehicle or insurance policy to see whether it covers the cost of a replacement key fob. You can also check if the auto service center in your local area offers Toyota key replacement and programming services.
A dead battery is the most common reason for the Toyota key fob not working. A new battery for a Toyota key fob is available through the internet or in many Freehold stores. It should cost less than $5. You should adjust the key fob prior to installing the new battery to ensure the connections are clean and that the battery is installed properly. If it doesn't work, contact your local Galaxy Toyota service department for assistance.
You should consider a new key protection 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 covers the cost of a replacement key fob for drivers who have lost or damaged theirs.
Transponder Chip Issues
Some car models made after 2000 use transponder chips to stop car thieves from hot-wiring the engine. This cool bit of technology is incorporated into a small plastic part of the key, which appears like a standard physical key. When you insert the key with the chip into the ignition barrel of your car it emits a radio frequency energy is captured by a coil that is wrapped around the transponder. The chip then sends an information signal to the car, which contains an unique serial number. The car's computer examines the number against the one it has stored in its memory and if the numbers are identical the car will begin.
Transponder chips can fail due to a number of reasons. The causes can be extreme cold or extreme heat or water damage, or an unrepaired key fob. Contact a professional auto locksmith immediately if you experience any of these problems.
lost car keys toyota equipped with a transponder chip is not as durable as a traditional mechanical key, which makes it susceptible to a lot more wear and tear. This can cause the buttons to wear out or cause the electronic components to fail. When this happens, you will likely need to replace the whole key fob instead of just one or two buttons.
In certain situations your key might require an entirely new battery. It's a simple and inexpensive solution, but it won't fix the issue. You can find the new battery at your local auto store or on the internet.
You can also clean the buttons on your key fob to see whether this resolves the issue. Beware of dropping the keyfob onto hard surfaces since this could cause damage to internal mechanisms. Submerging your car keys in the water can short-circuit its electronics, causing it to fail.
If you need an additional key fob for an automobile with a transponder, you should get an original key from an authorized Toyota dealership or an auto locksmith that is reputable. Keys purchased from hardware stores will not work with your model since they don't have the software necessary to operate it. Often, these keys won't activate your car and can even harm the chip inside the key. A reliable auto locksmith or dealer for cars will have the proper tools and know-how to properly program a transponder-equipped key.