Do I actually have a chip in my key?

Yes, back to the Key Fob thing again. As any who have run up on my Key Fob upgrade efforts knows. I have been putting together a couple of upgrades for my truck replacing the separate key and on the ring w/Fob with the newer flip-type all in one.

Well, the project kinda got delayed, until today when I found a little extra time with an extra day or two off this week. So I'm back at it hoping to complete the effort ASAP. So back in the saddle, I am researching what to do next.

With new Keys/Fob combos in hand, I learn that I now need to identify the Master Key. For those not familiar, it is the Key out of your factory keys that can be used to duplicate the G chip programming when making an additional or replacement key.

The way that a few YouTube vids gave to identify which key it is, is to pay attention to the flashing security icon in your dash when you actuate the key. Here one will stop the indicator instantly while the non-master key will not.

Well, here is where I have a problem. I don't see the little security flashing icon at all in my truck. So of course I can't use this method to identify the Master Key if there even is one.

What am I missing? My truck is a 2012 Prerunner SR5 w/2.7L. Is there a different procedure with this model? I have the new fobs and am ready to have my keys cut but I guess first need to know how to locate the Master Key if I even have one. Do they all have chips? Or could I have one that doesn't have this feature?

 

The chipped keys usually have a G or a dot stamped in them, they are also slightly larger than a non chipped key.
Since your truck a 4cyl and doesn't appear to have a security light most likely your truck doesn't have an immobilizer and thus doesn't require a chipped key to start.
Chipped key on top non chipped on bottom.

 

Well, this is actually good news for me, as I don't have to worry about the whole G-chip programming thing right?

Both of my keys are the smaller of the two you displayed. I know the truck has an alarm as I set it off by accident now and then while loading the bed without disengaging it. PROS & CONNS I should know about?

 

Correct, if you have no immobilizer then any key that will turn the ignition will start the truck.

The alarm must be aftermarket because the factory alarm system has no motion detection or glassbreak sensors.

 

I'm pretty sure that the alarm is factory, I do have reliable reference to the entire history of the truck since I know the person who bought it new. I will ask, though I'm all but sure it is factory. That's one of the things that I am enjoying, is the fact that it is stock as a clock as they say.

At this point, I'm getting a bit frustrated as to if my truck's keys have chips or not. The local locksmith is trying to scam me asking $150/$175 just to program the key that I'm not even sure has a chip. But we have only texted and spoken on the phone. Frankly, she did all the talking so I don't think she even understood what I was trying to do. It is amazing how hard some things are made to be simply due to assumptions.

I have got to just do this or not, it's being prolonged due to me being 35 miles from the hectic city and not being willing to spend the day there looking for someone who can provide the information I need or do the work.

 

It's probably the dealer installed VIP RS3200 alarm system that was sold with alot of Tacoma's usually noted by a pencil sized red security light installed in one of the switch blanks to the left of the steering column.

See if your truck has the transponder key coil around the ignition switch, if it doesn't then you don't have a chipped key and only have to program the remote.

 

Dude, you have no idea of how appreciated you are! This is exactly what my truck has. Is the transponder key code around the ignition obvious? Because everything else you theorized is what I have in my truck. Can you tell me more about this system? Is there reference as to its capability or features? I really appreciate your efforts, thank you!

 

I don't really know anything about them other than what I've read here and I see them in Toyota vehicles quite often, I found a thread here with some information about it. Also if you put rs3200 in the google search bar of Tacoma World you will get pages of threads related to it.
The Transponder Key Receiver is just a black ring around the Ignition Lock Cylinder with an electrical connector plugged in and a tag with a part number, it should be fairly obvious if it's there or not with the covers removed.

 

Why not just spend a couple of bucks and have a plain unchipped key cut. Try and start the truck with it. I'd be willing to bet it will work just fine based on what we know already ( looking at your key type above and the 2TR-FE Engine in the USA ).

Or you can remove the cowling around the steering column and look for the transponder coil as outlined by Dm93 above.

 

If you have the smaller key, it is not chipped. End of discussion, get it duplicated and move on.

You can also visit a dealer armed with your vin and working key, they will gladly look up your vehicle and tell what is for sure. I just went through this today. You are not obligated to buy anything, just tell them you are looking for a second key, they will quote a ridiculous price and when they do, politely move on...

 

The VIP does have motion detector and glass breakage. It also kills the starter. It won't go off if they lift the truck, pop the hood or take the tailgate.