Lost 2008 Avalon Smart Key

[Schofim]

I have a 2008 Avalon Limited and have lost one of the Smart Key FOBs. My understanding is that an used FOB, bought online, cannot be reprogrammed. Questions:

1) Does anyone have knowledge or experience in buying a blank FOB online?

2) Is there a method of programming a 2008 FOB without going to the dealer if one has another FOB?

The dealer wants $250 for the FOB and $100 to program it and cut the emergency key.

[98CamryLE]

The dealer is the only one who can program and cut a new smartkey for you. You can buy a replacement smartkey online (ebay), but once the key is cut it can not be recut. You'll also have to take it to the dealer to program.

If you can find a NEW smartkey online, the dealer can reprogram it for you. (Just be careful to match it to your existing smartkey, as the Avalon uses a different fob than other Toyota models.

The $350 the dealer wants actually doesn't sound all that expensive (relatively speaking). I've seen dealers who charge $400-500 for that service. I would call the other dealers around and see if they'll beat the other dealer's prices. Go with the lowest bid.

Again, you can pick up a used one on ebay, but usually the key will already be cut, so you'll lose the use of the physical key. Most dealers will program a used key from the internet for $80-100.


Good Luck!

[Schofim]

Originally Posted by 98CamryLE

The dealer is the only one who can program and cut a new smartkey for you. You can buy a replacement smartkey online (ebay), but once the key is cut it can not be recut. You'll also have to take it to the dealer to program.

If you can find a NEW smartkey online, the dealer can reprogram it for you. (Just be careful to match it to your existing smartkey, as the Avalon uses a different fob than other Toyota models.

The $350 the dealer wants actually doesn't sound all that expensive (relatively speaking). I've seen dealers who charge $400-500 for that service. I would call the other dealers around and see if they'll beat the other dealer's prices. Go with the lowest bid.

Again, you can pick up a used one on ebay, but usually the key will already be cut, so you'll lose the use of the physical key. Most dealers will program a used key from the internet for $80-100.


Good Luck!

So are you saying that you believe the dealer will reprogram a 20008 smart key and I will only lose the use of the emrgency key