[groove_puppy]

Hey,

Just picked up a 2010 Matrix XRS last week. Love the car, but it only came with one key. The dealer wants close to $400 for a second key. They explained about the "expensive electronics" at which I called BS. I'm an Electronic Engineer and there is just not more than $5 of electronics in there!

Anywho I wanted to see if there's opinions on other options.

1) I'll call other dealers to see if the price is the same everywhere. (I'm in Northern CA btw.)

2) Can I buy a blank and program it myself somehow? (Since I can't even change the auto-locking of the doors myself I doubt it. Seriously, why would changing the auto-locking be switched to a "dealer only" function?! BTW, if you work for a dealer don't answer that question. I don't want to hear you read off your script. )

3) Can I get a couple of "non-electronic" keys made then stash the real key in the car so it is detected when I try to start the car with the "dumb" key? I like this idea but I guess it may not work.

4) If it's $400 or nothing then I vote for "nothing". Having never lost a car key in my life I'm inclined to live with just the one key. If I lose it I get a tow home, pay the $400, and I'm without the car for a few days. $400 is a real expensive insurance policy against the possibility of being unable to drive the car for a few days, especially since it's not my only vehicle.

$400? Jeez, I nearly puked on the dealership floor!

 

[liensalebuyer]

I was told by a service advisor that if there is already a key that starts your car, it is real easy for the tech to program another key, but this was for a 2002 Toyota I was looking into that does not have any keys. Since your car is so new, maybe the key cost more? Look into a independent AAA locksmith, they told me they can connect their computer to the ECU, but it would erase the Toyota security code and replace with with their own. I was quoted about $60 less. It's the AAA affiliated locksmith company in San Francisco.

 

[nmehes]

You can get a key without the remote functions for well under $100 at a Dealer. It's the remote that costs. I'm pretty sure you can get spare keys at Walmart for significantly less. Either way they should supply you with 2 keys.

 

[phman]

Try keylessride.com I found a key there for $129 and a key without the remote for $28 Just got them today. It comes with instructions to program it but I believe the key has to be cut and the programing instructions only work the remote part, not the engine start.
Anyone know how to program the chip to start the car?

 

[phman]

I ordered the keys and they were suppose to be here in 5 to 10 days. I called them when they didn't come in 12 days and they told me that the U S Mail had trouble finding my address. Told them that's funny since my mail comes to a multi unit lock box across the street from my house and never had trouble before, So they said they would resend them UPS. Then the next day the keys where in the box. 4 days later the other ones showed upfrom UPS. Now I have 2 keys and 2 keys withoout the fobs. Locksmith programmed 1 for $45 to start the car, I programmed the for with the instructions that came with it.

 

[k8dawg01]

Phman what year is your Matrix?? I have a 2009 and it came with just one fob key. I paid for a second, non fob, key from the dealer as a precaution in case I lost the fob key.

I just noticed the fob key was not working so I opened it up and replaced the battery. Now the key shows power (the little red light) but it will not lock or unlock the doors or signal the alarm. It will start the car.

All the dealers I have called told me I will need to play the $60+ to reprogram the key but that might not fix it. I noticed you said you reprogrammed for the doors at home and was wondering what process you used.

I am nervous to do this at home as I do not want to somehow disable either of my keys from starting the car.

Please let me know if you have any advice. Thanks!

 

[KLo]

I have a 2009 Matrix and bought my car brand new. It came with a spare key w/ fob. I always thought that when buying a brand new car from a dealership, they are required to give you a spare. This is my 2nd new car as previously I had an 06 Mazda 3 and it came with a spare as well. I would back to the dealership and DEMAND a spare.

 

[raphy]

Hey im based in canada so you'll have to verify to see if this works in the states. If you join club toyota there is a perk that will help give you a free key replacement of your original is lost. I hope this will help