Question about CE key and engine immobilizer on 07 camry

[Eyekutr]

Folks, can you guys tell me what the CE key looks like, perhaps post a pic. I have an LE for my dad, it has the door unlock remote built in the head of the key, what does the CE have??? is it one of those keys with the engine immobilizer chip built in ??? I am curious, if one makes a copy of the key, will it start the CE vehicle??? I know it sounds dumb, but you guys know what I mean, I hope. I ask becasue I am thinking of picking up a CE and will add a remote starter myself (i have done this before), but that was on a MX6....i am sure it is easily doable, i just wonder about the engine immobilizer, how do you get around it, perhaps tape a key in the steering column??? thanks...

[mcdawgg]

I have a CE. The key has the engine immobilizer chip built in. It looks like a regular key, except the part that you hold is larger than normal. The engine would not start without this key, according to the owner's manual.

[Eyekutr]

So what this means is that if you have a replacement key made, it wont work, unless the original is near the key column for the computer to detect it.....so in essence you can simply tape the key in to the plastic housing somewhere and simply use any key, down side is someone can easily shove a screwdriver in the key slot and turn it.....Thanks for the answer, I appreciate it

[MAR]

Originally Posted by Eyekutr

So what this means is that if you have a replacement key made, it wont work, unless the original is near the key column for the computer to detect it.....so in essence you can simply tape the key in to the plastic housing somewhere and simply use any key, down side is someone can easily shove a screwdriver in the key slot and turn it.....Thanks for the answer, I appreciate it

I'm pretty sure this is how it works: The key from the dealer has an immobilizer chip in it.If a replacement key is made and doesn't have the chip in it, the car won't start.

Why?

Because when you use the correct key, the chip forms a circuit with the rest of the car. A small electrical current passes through the metal base of the key, then through the chip. If the chip has the correct code programmed in it, the electric current will leave the key and run back to the car's computer and start the engine. This all happens in a fraction of a second.

I doubt it's a radio signal, but I could be wrong...

[Daffunda]

You're thinking of the old skool GM PASS-KEY II. That one has a "resistor chip" at the base of the key, which the current is passed through.

Nowadays there are loop coils around the ignition key hole, and the loop detects the chip inside the key, so there is no direct conection.

[w203]

Originally Posted by Daffunda

You're thinking of the old skool GM PASS-KEY II. That one has a "resistor chip" at the base of the key, which the current is passed through.

Nowadays there are loop coils around the ignition key hole, and the loop detects the chip inside the key, so there is no direct conection.

That reminds me of a project I did with my professor on bypassing those.