2012 Highlander Base key

[dtown40]

I recently purchased a 2012 HL, and when I got home I noticed that one of the keys they gave me was broken where the rubber loop for the key ring goes. When I returned to the dealer and explained the problem of not being able to keep my key on the key ring, they told me that a new key was 200.00 + because the key has a chip that must be programmed to the car. They didn't want to swallow the cost, so they offered me a valet key. Only problem with that was that it wouldn't start the car. I returned to the dealer, and complained, and they made another key (without the chip) that works perfectly. I don't know what they did, but I don't seem to need the chip key anymore. Any thoughts?

[summerwind]

sounds fishy. I would call Toyota Customer Care and tell them your story.

If they cut a key without a chip and it works it sounds like they disabled a security feature.

[luck123]

Originally Posted by summerwind

sounds fishy. I would call toyota customer care and tell them your story.

If they cut a key without a chip and it works it sounds like they disabled a security feature.

+1.

[dtown40]

Well, the good thing is that I won"t have to spend a fortune on keys if that's the case.

[Ralph6410]

Try the valet key, if it starts your car they did disable something.. and that is likely NOT what a dealer should be doing to a new car.

[summerwind]

Originally Posted by Ralph6410

Try the valet key, if it starts your car they did disable something.. and that is likely NOT what a dealer should be doing to a new car.

The valet key has to have a chip in it so the attendant can park the car.

The difference is they can not open the glove box.

Still something is fishy here.
If the valet key they cut does not have a chip they disabled the security system.

[citysnaps]

>>> I recently purchased a 2012 HL, and when I got home I noticed that one of the keys they gave me was broken where the rubber loop for the key ring goes.

Since this is a brand new vehicle, I would insist they replace the key under warranty. No ifs, ands, or buts. How can they rightfully ask you to accept a valet key?

Don't accept anything less...

[Jamar.Stroud]

Originally Posted by dtown40

I recently purchased a 2012 HL, and when I got home I noticed that one of the keys they gave me was broken where the rubber loop for the key ring goes. When I returned to the dealer and explained the problem of not being able to keep my key on the key ring, they told me that a new key was 200.00 + because the key has a chip that must be programmed to the car. They didn't want to swallow the cost, so they offered me a valet key. Only problem with that was that it wouldn't start the car. I returned to the dealer, and complained, and they made another key (without the chip) that works perfectly. I don't know what they did, but I don't seem to need the chip key anymore. Any thoughts?

Hello! I'm not sure how relatable this is to you since I have a 2008 Highlander and you a 2012. My Highlander is the Base AWD version which was purchased used about a year ago. The dealer only had one key for it, and that key did not have a chip in it. I was able to go to a local hardware store and get a couple copies for $3/each that work perfectly starting the Highlander.