Keys with/without transpondes?

[english44]

Just picked up a very clean 2000 Solara and tried to make a key at Lowes. Of course it didn't work. I called Toyota and they said they could make duplicates for $4/each. Fine. The manual for this car (and my 2006 Tacoma) talked about a "master" key. I have no idea what that is. The Solara key had a separate metal tab with a number stamped on it, which I assume is a code for duplicate keys. My Tacoma set of keys has no such metal tab, nor do I ever see in either car the symbol for the "Engine Immobilizer System" (who thought up that one!) As far as I can tell, my Tacoma keys have no transponder and I have no idea what the hell a master and valet key are. Is it possible the Solara and the Tacoma just have plain vanilla keys? Can someone enlighten me on all this?

[ThatVietGuy]

Master key = Enables the key to be use with any lock on the car.

Valet key = Key can only be used on door locks and ignition.

The Solara definitely has a transponder key, as each member here will tell you.

[aleki2424]

^^ not really. depends on the model. I believe thats an option that comes with the sle for yrs below 2003. My se dosent have a transponder as ive made two copies to date with no ignition problems. same goes with the tacoma even though i am not sure about the years. point is not all of them come with the transponder standard.

[Jakecallun20]

Not ALL solaras have chips in the keys, Gen 1's specifically. Gen 2's I believe ALL have chips. Do you have 4cyl or the SLE. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the SE has a regular key, where the SLE has the huge chipped key.

[english44]

The Solara is a 4 cyl, as is the Tacoma. The 'extra' key we were given with the Solara opens the doors and turns the car on, but doesn't open the trunk. Perhaps the clue is no symbol for the Engine immobilizer system. Neither shows the symbol so I suspect neither car has it. Given what I've seen on this site, I am now a little puzzled why the dealer told me over the phone that I can get duplicates made for the Solara for $4 each. No questions about transponder, masters or valet key. Thanks for the information.

[EMBSikorsky]

When I bought my Solara (2002, 4-cyl), the rubber part at the top of the 'master' key was all cracked and fugly.

I just rode over to my local Toyota dealer and they made me a brand new 'master' key lickety split, so I don't think you should have a problem with any transponder/programming non-sense - as has been said, I'm pretty sure that stuff only applies to SLE models for Gen 1/1.5s like ours (years 99-03).

[Dawgz]

^^ not really. depends on the model. I believe thats an option that comes with the sle for yrs below 2003. My se dosent have a transponder as ive made two copies to date with no ignition problems. same goes with the tacoma even though i am not sure about the years. point is not all of them come with the transponder standard.

Mine's an SE, and is a 2000, and its got a transponder

[youngblood]

On Gen 2s, the master key will have black plastic on the 'head' of the key, whereas the valet key has grey plastic.
Can anyone say for sure that Gen 2s have a transponder? I've never needed to replace a key. I was fortunate enough to get both master keys, both fobs, and the valet key when I purchased my 04 last year.

[kingkakyle]

On Gen 2s, the master key will have black plastic on the 'head' of the key, whereas the valet key has grey plastic.
Can anyone say for sure that Gen 2s have a transponder? I've never needed to replace a key. I was fortunate enough to get both master keys, both fobs, and the valet key when I purchased my 04 last year.

it for sure is a transponder key (gen 2 all)

[english44]

Toyota dealer ran the VIN on both cars and neither has the immobilizer system. I can make keys for the Tacoma at Lowes/Home Depot, wherever. I'm still not sure about the Solara as Toyota said it needed the key number to make a key for it, but I'll try the local stores as well. Toyota dealer also said that if the Solara had a transponder key it would cost about $50 to program the car and about $45 for the key. When I told then that was outrageous they agreed and said wait until you see what a new 'laser key' will cost. Hey, thanks for your help.

[youngblood]

Toyota dealer ran the VIN on both cars and neither has the immobilizer system. I can make keys for the Tacoma at Lowes/Home Depot, wherever. I'm still not sure about the Solara as Toyota said it needed the key number to make a key for it, but I'll try the local stores as well. Toyota dealer also said that if the Solara had a transponder key it would cost about $50 to program the car and about $45 for the key. When I told then that was outrageous they agreed and said wait until you see what a new 'laser key' will cost. Hey, thanks for your help.

BMW has used laser keys for at least 12 years now. Replacement keys are strictly special-order (from New Jersey or something). I'm surprised Toyota is still using a key at all considering the practicality of the radio-frequency style 'keyless' keys. I guess Lexus has to have it exclusively for a little longer before we get it.

[hari-bhari]

ok few things. i have a 2000 SE and it does have a transponder system. if the head on your key is thick then its probably a transponder key. one way you can find out for sure is to get a duplicate metal key made at at home depot and see if it will start your car (leave your main key in the house). if it does start the car, then you don't need a transponder key obviously. if it cranks but does not actually start, that means you need a transponder key.

as far as purchasing the key, buy a blank key off ebay, they are around 15 dollars. the dealership will cut it for you for free (at least mine did) and tell you that you will need to have it programmed by them, but just politely say no and leave. you can find instructions online for programming the key, it takes about 5 minutes and involves a series of depressing the brake pedal, locks, and switching the ignition on and off (and you have to do a little dance too ). i did mine this way so i KNOW that it works.

best of luck.

this is what a transponder key looks like by the way, its noticeably thicker at the top:




edit: by the way, there is no code or stamp that they need. they can cut the new key using the old one. if your dealership says no, go to a different one. these salesmen and service techs are often very uninformed.

[zukowep]

Hari bhari, can you send the web site for the online instructions on how to program the key as per your comments/ Thanks.

[yaddadaimsayin]

wtff.. I didn't know you could program a transponder key by yourself. The dealership only gave me one key so I took it to Toyota and it cost me $110 to get another set! 50 for the key and 60 to program. shieeeeetttt

[hari-bhari]

a quick google search:

For 1998+ Toyota, Lexus
Add Duplicate Key
1. Simultaneously depress and release brake and accelerator pedals 1 time.
2. Insert existing master key into ignition.
3. Within 15 seconds depress and release accelerator pedal 5 times.
4. Within 20 seconds depress and release the brake pedal 6 times and
remove key.
5. Within 10 seconds insert new key into ignition.
6. Within 10 seconds depress and release the accelerator pedal 1 time.
7. After 80 seconds new key is registered and security light goes off.
8. Remove new key and depress and release brake pedal 1 time.

For 2002+ Toyota, Lexus
Add Duplicate Key
Requires one working Toyota/Lexus Master Key.
1. Make sure all doors and windows are closed.
2. Insert Master key into the ignition cylinder.
3. Cycle the ignition cylinder from On to OFF five times.
4. Open and close the “driver side” door 6 times.
5. Remove the Master Key and insert the new duplicates key.
6. TURN THE IGNITION CYLINDER ON.
7. The new key will be registered after 60 seconds. The THEFT light on the dashboard will go out, indicating that programming has been completed.