Ignition key stamped L

Hi I'm new here to the Forum. I recently had a 2009 Tacoma key destoyed in a fire and wanted to know how to get another key cut. My Tacoma has no power features and from what I understand has no engine immobilization feature(no blinking light with key through car). Question I have is:- Can I have a regular key cut at ACE hardware or must I go to a dealer? Thanks.

 

The best way is to go to the dealer. They cut from vin and will have a sharp cut instead of tracing an old key, if you have one. IMO this is the best way for you to start. Then you have a nice sharp key that can be traced at ace etc if you want

Welcome to TW..

 

Forgot to add. Bring your reg with you to prove ownership.

 

Thanks Mike, that's what I'll do.

 

doesn't the dealer charge an arm and a leg to make a key copy?

 

If he has a chip in it they do. Because they would have to reprogram it.

 

i had keys cut at ace before and they would not work. only open the door and not crank the truck

 

Chipped keys were already in 2000 Tacomas?

 

All depends on what you mean by arm and leg.

He said he didn't have imobilizer so I have to take his word for it.
But a 2009 should have it..

A fresh non chipped key cut by vin is the best backup you can have. Then you can trace that key.

If he does have immobilizer then it will cost a bunch more. The price we pay to keep aholes from wanting things that they don't want to work for.

 

no just ace could not cut the key just right to make it work

 

My '08 RC Base 5-lug does not have it.
Made copies at Home Depot and they start and run just fine.

 

Good to know.i can't keep up with all mid year changes.

 

Not so much mid-year changes... just different packages.

My understanding is that 5-lug base (manual locks and windows) do not have it for any year.

 

Yea that's what I ment.

 

My 09 is a base model 5-lug, 2WD, with manual locks and no power anything. Also there is no flashing light to indicate imobilizer under the radio on dash. I'm going to the dealer tomorrow afternoon just to make sure it's done right. Service dept. said if in fact the key has no chip they would be able to cut me a key right away. Thanks for all you help guys. Dave
PS:- I just went to my local locksmith who just happens to live half mi. away. He has a machine which reads the chips in keys and lucky me, the Taco I have has no chip in the key. So $7.00 later I'm on my way home with two spares. If you are ever in this situation ,I stongly recommend to call your local locksmith and see if he has the equipment to check your keys. He told me that even if it would have had a chip, he could have cloned a key for me and might I say at one third the cost a dealer charges. Thanks again all of you for your input. dave

 

I have a 2011 base 4x4 and it has a regular key

 

05+ have chips, 04 and later do not. For your '09 you will either need to go to the dealer with your VIN number or somewhere that can program a chip. Don't let them charge you 90 dollars to press a few button's, not sure if it's that much from Toyota but for my father's Boxster it's 90 at the dealer, negotiate them down if you're gotten oil changes or bought your truck from there use that as leverage to make them charge less. Every price at the dealer is negotiable even if the floor guy say's it isn't, it is due to the current market. Be a dick to the salesman and don't pay out the ass for a key and a few keystrokes.

 

Not all of them.

See above... base models do not have the chip.