Newbie - Have key question

Hi all,

I just bought my FIRST Tacoma yesterday, and figured you folks were the most educated on them, so here is my question:

My Tacoma has the "engine disengaging alarm" system that uses the chip associated keys. I received 3 keys with the truck, 2 with a chip, and the 3rd without. The book states that the 3rd chipless key is the valet key, but if you need the chip to start the engine, what is the point? Most cars that have Valet keys use the valet key ONLY for the engine, but not the glove box or trunk.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.
Kevin

 

sorry, did you check the owner's manual? i have the same keys, but havent been curious enough to look it up.

 

I don't think I ever got a 3rd key when I got my truck. Its been so long that I doubt the dealer would be of any help, but might be worth a shot to ask anyway.

 

I was wondering the same thing.

I can't remember but does the glovebox have a lock?

 

yeap,it does.

 

Valet key can't be used to make copies of the engine immobilizer chip... don't ask me how that works, but it's how it was explained to me by both the Service Advisor and Tech when I asked on separate occasions. In all other ways the valet key is identical so I'm not really sure why we even have one.

 

So all 3 keys have chips... Thanks! You guys are much nicer than the rumors about you from the other forums (just kidding).

Seriously though... thanks. Like I said, this is my first taco (been reading since my post, and didn't know why everyone on a truck forum was talking about food at first). So far, love it. Plus, now I can crush the wife's wrangler (or at least keep up!!!)

K

 

thanks,you are also not as bad as what we heard.............GOTCHA YA!

 

I'm pretty sure the third key has no chip. I just had a spare key made at the dealer that was programmed, and they threw in an extra key at no charge that will open the door locks, and turn the ignition switch, but will not start the engine. It is just a spare in case you lock your 'good' key in the vehicle.

 

You make no sense. If the key had to be programmed, it has an immobilizer chip in it, thus the programming. The reason your last key won't start the engine is because it doesn't have a chip.

Any key that starts your vehicle has a chip, end of story.

If you still doubt me, look at your key, at the base where the rubber meets the key there is a dimple, this is how you can tell it has a chip in it.

 

yeap

 

I have three chip keys. One for me, one for my wife, and one for my glove box. I have a valet key in one of those magnetic case thingys on the frame of the truck. If I forget / lose my key I can get into the truck and then use the chip key from the glove box to start my Taco. Works for me.

 

my 08 came with 3 chipped keys. two black, one grey. all three work the same, however the grey key is cut different at the tip.

also the purpose of a 'valet key' is so that locked compartments cant be opened by thievin valets (08 dbl cab--not on mine), and so that you only give them the one key they need to park your ride. no house keys to steal or anything like that

 

In my business we do a lot of reading and writing of computer programs, this is what I understand the valet key to be : first off, all three keys have chips but you have different types of chips. You have chips that you can read the program and copy the program off it and you have high security chips that won't allow you to do this. My guess is the valet key has a high security chip in it and the program cannot be read or copied.

 

A Valet key is grey in color and is able to start the vehicle. Do you mean you have a plain copied key underneath?

Also don't leave a chipped key in your glove box. The second place a thief looks after the center console is the glove box. In addition to that, you just told the whole world you have a legitimate key in your glovebox.

 

And you live where . Just playin'

The valet key is so that bitch can open the door, put her in neutral (you have an auto override button for a reason) and push her into it's spot. Valet's don't need a chip 'cause they don't need to drive. Just remember to bring the valet some water on your way back out.

 

It would make sense if you read what I wrote. I got another programmed key made, of course it opens the doors and starts the engine. That's why I got it. In addition to the programmed key, they made me another key that is not programmed. That one will open the locks, and will turn the ignition lock, but will not start the engine. This key has no 'rubber' or 'dimple', it's just plain metal.

If OP's third key will start the engine, it's programmed. If not, then not.