they are definitely ripping you off. it costs $86 to program here and about 175 for the key. a locksmith cannot program the key, unfortunately. you can get the locksmith to cut the blank, but good luck trying to get a deal on the programming at the dealership that way.

A push button start will really not help you, as you will still need the key to deactivate the passive security. plus it will look like crap, but it will only cost you 25 bux or so on ebay. if you want to do the factory smart key, plan on spending about 1500-2000 to get into all the parts, the install, and the programming. just suck it up and go to the dealership for the new key. talk to the salesperson that sold you the car, and the sales manager that was involved in your transaction. the sales dept always ALWAYS has money for stuff like this. explain your situation and they might be able to get you the part at cost. that would save you a good bit. don't expect miracles or a free key though. if this doesn't work, go to a different dealership and tell the service manager about your bad experience. this may get you a discount at the new place.

 

The key is part number 89904-06140. It lists for $252.59 You can buy it online for about $189.

You can buy the mini VIS cable and TechStream from ebay for about $35. With this cable and the software you will be able to program it yourself by following these steps:

1. Connect the VCI cable to your OBD-II connector
2. Turn the ignition to ON
3. Turn on TechStream
4. Go to Body Electrical / Main Body / Utility / Wireless Code Registration
5. Select either Add or Rewrite (you will want re-write since you're replacing a damaged key)
6. The number of the current codes will be displayed
7. Press the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the new key simultaneously
8. Within 3 seconds of releasing the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons, press either the LOCK or the UNLOCK button on the new key.
9. The doors should either lock if you pressed the LOCK button or unlock if you pressed the UNLOCK button.
10. Finish the registration with TechStream or just wait 30 seconds or more then turn off and disconnect TechStream.
11. Test the new key by pressing the lock button, unlock button and trunk button separately.

Cautions:
1. The LOCK and UNLOCK buttons should not be pressed simultaneously for more than 1.5 seconds
2. Perform this with the new key within 3 feet of the drivers seat.
3. Do not press other buttons on the key than those mentioned during the registration process.
4. You can have up to 6 keys programmed to the car at a time.

It doesn't specify, but I imagine this process being easier if you are using a key that's already programmed to the car to turn it to ON and holding the new key in your hand while programming.

 

The wife left her keys on the roof of the 2012 Camry SE. I heard a scary scratchy noise as I hit 30mph. Her keys slid off the roof, bounced off the trunk, hit the asphalt and the Camry key broke open. I was not able to recover the innards of the key, but the key itself opens/closes the doors and starts the Camry.

Anyone replace the key on a 2012 Camry? How much did it cost? The local dealer wants $300 for the blank and another $125 to program it (YEAH RIGHT!). I've seen places on-line that sell blanks for $50 or less. Could a locksmith program these? Any idea as to what a reasonable price should be?

How much is a push button start system? How hard is it to install one as a diy? (Sorry honey, we NEED one now )

Great car, BTW. We're getting 41mpg Hwy on our 4cyl (70mph, flat road, easy on accel)

 

Is there a way to test the push button to make sure its working properly. On my wife's car, you push the button and nothing happens. Tested battery, alternator, key fob battery seems good, tested starter and it is all good. Jumpstarted sillenoid on starter and vehicle runs just fine. Also checked fuses and relays. Cannot determine what is wrong.