Hardware Store Ruined My Blank G Key

He was doing me a “favor” by cutting the key for me. I just wish he knew what he was doing.

Update: New key from eBay has been shipped. I’ll let everyone know how I make out once it arrives.

 

Well I'm sure that in wide-open-ville, TX, you can always decide where to park your car, but in more dense locations, you don't always get that choice. Valet parking is often done because there simply isn't enough space to keep all of those vehicles arranged in a way where they can each be taken out without moving several others first. Double, triple, quadruple parked.... so you don't always have a choice in the matter. At certain restaurants, for instance, they park vehicles in the order corresponding to the expected order that people will be leaving the restaurant. Want to take it out out of order, and they need to first move 5 other vehicles out of the way. At hotels, they may park cars in the order of check-out date under the assumption that they will be remaining until check-out.

 

Got a freshy in the mail today.. gonna bring to a Lowes or HD tomorrow. This key says “L” on it though. Hope that isn’t a problem but we’ll see

 

According to this, that part number is not a transponder key. Going to be interesting to see how this goes.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Toyota...on-Transponder-Genuine-Part-OEM-/401057940164

 

If all you have is your grey valet key, yea, you’re gonna have a bad time. You cannot use it to program the others. You need the “G” key and you’re going to need to pony up for a “lost all keys” procedure. Basically, your ECU has to be reset to accept new keys. On the plus side, none of the others floating out there will be able to start your truck. They can open the door, but nothing else. Mine was sold to me with only one regular key. I bought a set of two OEM keys off Amazon along with one of those China key coders. Never could make the coder work, and it seems they will not work with the Gen 2 Taco. Found a local locksmith who used a computerized key cutter and professional coder. Charged me $45 for everything, so I’m happy. I asked him about the lost key procedure. Said it took 30 minutes to complete and would cost considerable more. For comparison, local dealer wanted $110 per key to cut and program.

 

Ah I see. Well looks like I’ll be using this one as an emergency key if I lock the keys in it by mistake

 

Alright boys.. did a little more researching and found I actually need the “dot” key as mine is a 2005. So technically the “G” key wouldn’t have worked anyway. Just ordered these on Amazon.

2 NEW TOYOTA REPLACEMENT UNCUT TRANSPONDER 4D CHIP CAR IGNITION KEY - WITH LOGO

TOYOTA 2 New Replacement Uncut TRANSPONDER 4D CHIP CAR Ignition Key - with Logo

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GBT9OSW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_egVQBbZV37RRM

I am pretty sure I’m SOL with copying the valet key myself. But I’m going to still try for fun. Worst case I’ll have to go to the locksmith or dealer

 

Ok the two new “OEM” keys came in the mail. I’m not sure they exactly OEM but they look almost identical and were $16 for 2 on Amazon so who cares.

 

I ended up returning the second key I ordered from eBay because it wasn’t the correct transponder key. Thanks to Muddinfun for pointing that out.

Went to Home Depot tonight and bought a cheapo key for $5 just to open the doors and he cut one of the blanks in the process. He was using one of those machine rigs and was worried about messing up the transponder blanks so he recommended I keep the second one for a backup which I did. Got out to the car and both keys cut only turned the door lock to the lock position which was a bummer. They did however both turn the ignition which was the important part. I checked my original key in the door and it also wouldn’t turn the door.. hmm it worked last week just fine. I will have to troubleshoot that later.

I get home and bust out my keymaker and highly well written instructions...



I decided to go with this write up for instructions instead..

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-key-programming.238286/



It worked first time! At least I think it’s working. It started the truck and ran for a few minutes no problem a couple of times. I’m pretty sure the transponder has to be in the actual ignition and it isn’t just pinging the original in my front seat. Pretty happy and only about $50 bucks in including the first key getting jacked up. Plus now I can copy friends if needed.


Now to just cut and copy the second key. I’ll update this thread if I get stranded down the road somewhere tomorrow haha.

 

The reason you are having issues with the door lock is the key duplicator at the hardware store copied your old key, including the wear. A digital key machine cuts the key to the original specs, but is an expensive bit of kit used by locksmiths.


I’m sure the key jiggle method will make it work in your door if ever needed.

 

Ah that makes sense

 

As an update: I haven’t had any problem with my homemade copied key

Except for it still not working in the doors

 

Hardware stores are infamous for messing up simple house keys let alone a key for an ignition. Keep in mind a key not cut correctly can eventually damage your ignition.

 

Is there a special lube or just lithium grease spray?

 

This is what the locksmiths recommend. It's also great for ATV and motorcycle chain lube in the dunes.

 

Triflow is also great for sewing machines, and sewing machine oil is great for locks!

You can mechanically copy keys yourself at home if you are patient and have steady hands. I start with a dremel for a rough cut and refine with a set of mini files. The good thing about this method is you can actually undo some of the key wear by imagining the key whole (leaving extra meat on it) and only taking off material veeery slowly as needed towards the end, just enough to let the key turn smoothly.

Full disclosure though, I've done this with 40+ year old VW keys and house/shed keys only. I am sure it should be done with the Toyota keys too.