Lost Key - options? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

rhwimmers · 08-02-2010, 08:35 AM

Well my wife flushed the keyfob down the toilet so its long gone (I wonder how many the septic treatment plant gets!).

What are my options for a new one? I also have a Lexus as my car which we lost a key fob/key a while back. I think at one point I saw there was a way to buy a programmer to do it yourself?
Since they are both Toyota i'm wondering if I could get both replaced or reprogrammed.
Not sure all the options, if its just order online then pay a dealer to program then im just stuck paying a few hundred bucks! It would be really cool to program both vehicles on one fob, but that's probably unrealistic.

Also, this is an 08 hihy, my particular keyfob has lock/unlock/alarm buttons - but there is also a button on the side of the fob i never noticed until I actually examined it - is that a programming button or what is it used for? I do NOT have the trunk release button on my current fob (but if that is an option to upgrade then its worth it).
Thanks so much!

peterk9 · 08-02-2010, 05:13 PM

I've read a few posts that say that the key fobs can be bought online but in all cases it has to be brought back to the dealer for programming. If yours has keyless entry, then the button on the side of the fob is likely the release for the 'key' to the door. It is to be used when your battery in the fob is too weak to open the door. Your owner's manual should explain all the buttons.

Peter

Harley0711 · 08-05-2010, 03:26 PM

Your screwed - We have an 08 with the smart key option - wife got robbed and lost the smart key fob - Toyoto really is the only place to go, I have 'heard' of online ways but none panned out...

IF you have the smart key option - be seated when you call for the price and activation... $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Toyota should be ashamed.....

rhwimmers · 09-10-2010, 10:54 AM

For what its worth - I WAS able to get someone to program it locally - it was "American Lock and Key" automotive specialists in Indianapolis area. It took him a couple tries but eventually got it. It was cheaper than dealer, he made me a keyfob for Hihy and I needed new key for my lexus gs300 which was also about $100 off of dealer - both were done for $415.
Still a lot of damn money for a frickin key!