Avensis Key Trouble Solved

[eightpans]

Hi

I bought my Avensis 2004 D4D T2 from the auctions with only one black master key. In my quest to obtain a spare key at a lower cost to the £124 plus vat quoted by my local Toyota garage. I read the posts of the trailblazers who have had the same problem.

To this end

I have managed to get myself a transponder from a write off donor vehicle

I am in the process of obtaining (trying my best no luck yet) a blank key case for the transponder to get cut.

In the mean time I got a key cut from Timpsons. It is however not the kind of key that holds the transponder. It opens the door and works the ignition though.

In my haste to try and use the programming instructions I taped the transponder to the key from Timpsons and went through the key in key out, turn on turn off, open and close door stuff and hey presto success a programmed immobiliser and remote. And only a few raised eyebrows from the neighbours. Ok it looks a bit odd masking tape and all, it is the ugly duckling of keys. I was just itching to have a go I couldn’t stop myself.

I would like to thank all the people who posted the instructions. Once I get a blank key case I should be I will be in business.

So I called into the same garage, which had given me the quote (over the phone) for the key. My mission was to get a touch up stick to dot the one or two chips on the bumper. A young lad came from the parts department to give me the touch up stick. Just to make conversation I mentioned the quote for the key

He said “they are much cheaper now we get them from a different suppler”

“How much?”

“£65 plus vat” came the reply

“Is that programmed up?” (not that this would have mattered to me :) )

“Yes it only takes 2 minutes”.

“Order me one would you and write that price down please”

Now if this is just a mistake of a young fella (he did sound very confident though) or some kind of price shift by Toyota I don’t know, I shall keep you posted.

Every man has his price, mine evidently is £75 inclusive. It's still a bit steep true but we could do with 3 keys for the odd occasion I am brave enough to let my son drive.

Regards Chris