Keys - dealer only?

[Jevid]

I stopped at my local hardware store to get a key made for my '04 Matrix the other day. They told me it was a dealer only key. Do these keys contain some kind of chip or something, or is it just a special blank? The keys for my neighbors Ford F150, with a security chip, are $75 each. I'm hoping that's not the case for my Matrix.

Thanks - Jevid

[Paseo_Foshezee]

i would say maybe not as high as 75 but could be in that ball park. i know the 2005 has a chip in it and i would believe the 04 do too.

[coquelicot]

My '05 has the chip inside the key, too. I think it's supposed to be a theft deterrent thing.

You should have received a 5-digit code for your keychain when you bought your car. If you take that to any Toyota dealership, they can make a new key for you based on that number. I don't know the cost of that, though, sorry.

[Frank@toronto]

Yes, they contain an ID chip.

Dealer then programs your ECU (i.e. computer inside your car), to identify the digital signature of the new key.

Sad, but expensive

[Jevid]

Ok, I called the dealer. They will sell me the key for $40, charge $6 to cut it, then $60 to program it! That's $106 before tax. I poked around on the web some, and found these instructions for programming a key "onboard," meaning, just using the car & the master key:

FOR 2002+
1.Make sure all doors and windows are closed.
2.Insert master key into the ignition cylinder.
3.Cycle the ignition cylinder from ON to OFF 5 times.
4.Open and close the driver side door 6 times.
5.Remove the master key and insert the new duplicate key.
6.DO NOT TURN THE IGNITION CYLINDER ON
7.The new key will be registered after 60 seconds.The THEFT light on the
dashboard will go out,indicating that programming has been completed.
"some 2002 will work using the 1998+ programming."

I don't think my car has a "theft" light though. I've never looked at least. There were instructions for pre-2002 cars also. This is the link I found:

http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic177789.htm You'll have to scroll down a bit to find it.

These instructions were for a Sienna or Avalon - not sure if they are the same for the Matrix? I have the black master key. I'm tempted to buy the blank from the dealer, have it cut elsewhere, then try this programming myself before paying them the $60 to do so.

Does anybody have any experience with this to know if it works? I looked on Ebay for an '04 key but didn't find one. Could only find '03 keys.

Thanks

[Cyorke]

you need to determine if your car is equipped withthe ignition disable feature. If it is then there should be some kind of light that flashes in the dash until you insert the key into the ignition. Once you insert the key the light will stop flashing. If you do not have the ignition disable feature then there should not be a light inteh dash or instrument cluster.
IF there is a light then the key you have can only be duplicated by the dealer or some lock smiths. We used to use a locksmith at the dealer I was at for used cars to code keys. HE could provide the blanks and program them also. THere are aftermarket eys that have the transponder built in for the different makes and models of cars.

[Jevid]

Originally Posted by Cyorke

you need to determine if your car is equipped withthe ignition disable feature. If it is then there should be some kind of light that flashes in the dash until you insert the key into the ignition. Once you insert the key the light will stop flashing. If you do not have the ignition disable feature then there should not be a light inteh dash or instrument cluster.

My Matrix doesn't have any kind of "security light" that flashes until the key is inserted. The one dealer I talked to told my it was a "chip" key, but I'm not sure. I guess I could just buy the blank from them, have it cut elsewhere, and see it if works without programming. I may also call some other dealers to find out.

Hasn't anybody else here had to have a key made for their Matrix?

Thanks - Jevid

[Cyorke]

THat is wierd I though all "chip"keys had the light in the dash that would blink until you inserted the key into the ignition.
I say you jsut have a cheap key cut and try it out. If it works great. If not you spent what 2 bucks for a key and it doesnt work. IF all else fails you at least have a spare to open the dorrs if for some reason you lock the keys int he car.

[BadChicken]

Just so you know its called a "transponder key"

[mickeykool]

Does the '03 models have this chip in their keys? I went to the dealer yesterday and have them make me an extra key and they only charged me 7 bucks. The only thing they asked me was my VIN # and made my copy. I tested it and it works. So not sure if mine has a chip in it or what.

[mickeyd]

Not all Matrix models have a transponder system, take it to your dealer and they can tell by looking at your key if it's a trasponder ker or not. I have an '03 base Matrix w/o transponder system.

[Cyorke]

if your key is a transponder key there should be a light in the dash that flashes until you put the key into the ignition. You can also tell if it is a a transponder key because it will be about twice as thick as a normal key you would get. it will look more like a buble, only way I can dexcribe it.