After Market Ignition Keys Tip

August 17, 2014

One of the few weaknesses of Toyota is their ignition Keys with the remote feature is the casing cracks around the shaft screw after a period if time.

I went to a main agent about 3 years ago to get a replacement, only to be told the vehicle would need to be in for a day while a completely new key was programmed in.

I asked can i not simply buy a blank. have it cut at a locksmiths and transfer the module. point blank i was told the shaft has the required signature. Well i'm no lemon, i work with proximity items, respectfully declined and for a while i had the remote on the same ring as the spare key, not good if you drop the while lot down a drain.

Anyway, i spot the blanks on eBay, which had the flick knife style cases, i bough a couple for £10 and presented them ti a local locksmith. Now he was not so confident he could successfully cut, coming up with all sorts if technical boo hah., i'm very persistent and single minded, he took some persuading but eventually did them totally at my own risk - free of charge no less - and successful having transferred the module over.

i won't bore you with the main agents quoted price, lets say the whole gig was just south of 1k if you add in loss of earnings, travelling to and returning etc.

just hope the above truth info of the matter helps others, the bonus is the fold away shaft no longer injures my family jewels or make holes in my pockets :).

Alan