Lost tailgate key?!?!

This is only applicable if you have smart key on a 2016 so if you do, no it will only unlock/lock the tailgate so you should be fine. The 2017 HOWEVER uses a key cut to the same pattern as the fob's emergency key so if someone were to steal the tailgate key on a 2017 with smart key then the answer would be a different result.

 

I think the 18's will have pop lock system on tail gate.

 

My 17 had it as a port-install option in SouthEast Toyota territory and maybe elsewhere.

 

The key inside my fob locks my tailgate.

 

Read my post above.

 

I think it is only 16's that have a different key for the tailgate.

 

Well that is just stupid lol

 

Here's how bad it gets. I didn't get a tailgate key with my '16 Tacoma, so I went shopping.

Walser Toyota in Bloomington, MN parts department told me emphatically that the tailgate key was an "aftermarket" product and that I'd have to disassemble the tailgate and replace the cylinder (or get a number off of it) to get a key made at a locksmith. I tried to tell the parts guy that the '16 Tacoma had an OEM lock on tailgate, but he was not buying it.

Burnsville Toyota, in Burnsville, MN told me that the '16 is a OEM key (they got that right), but they'd have to charge me $98 for a "laser cut" key! The guy actually told me that they "have to pay for their laser key machine!" (Not on my dime they don't!)

So, I kept calling around, and got a hold of Eric at Inver Grove Heights Toyota, in Inver Grove Heights, MN. He knew the deal; '16's have different keys for ignition, door and tailgate (or fob for ignition and fob key opens door but not tailgate), '17 and newer the fob key opens the tailgate and 15' or older it was aftermarket. He looked up my vehicle VIN, got key code, cut the key (non-chip, plain Toyota double sided door lock key) and had the key ready when I got there. It worked perfectly. He verified my ownership (nice thing that) and charged me $7.95 plus tax for the key!!! Guess what dealer will be doing maintenance on my Tacoma from now on!

So, the deal is - '15 or older, evidently tailgate key is aftermarket. 16' tailgate key is unique to tailgate (I kind of like that because the tailgate key won't open driver's door, nor start the vehicle (most are fob anyway)), and '17 and newer fob key opens all. The only thing I wish they did different was adding tailgate to the electronic lock system (they did on the '18 I believe). Also, moral of story; it pays to shop around. $98.00 for a plain, non-chip key is...well...(insert your favorite word here)!

 

I had an unfortunate incident over the weekend, while visiting in Las Vegas. I misplaced the separate tailgate key on my ‘16 Toyota Tacoma. I called a Las Vegas dealership for a replacement, and was told that the entire tailgate assembly would have to be replaced. When I returned home (Carson City, NV), I contacted the local dealership. The Parts Manager personally looked up my VIN number, cross-referenced it to a special catalog code, and made me two complimentary replacement keys in a matter of minutes. So, I suggest that ‘16 model-year owners make sure you duplicate a spare key and, if the original is lost beforehand, it is absolutely possible to have duplicates made, if the dealership is willing to work with you, or prefer to up sell you on something unnessary. As a side note, always go to this forum first, before making final decisions on almost anything Toyota-related. I have found the subscribers to be the most unselfish, helpful contributors you’ll find anywhere, and will save you a lot of money, with peace of mind as an added bonus, in many cases.

 

Yea the metal plate with the key code for the tailgate key and the one for the ignition key are different for the 2016's. But as Rolexus commented above, it is definitely possible for a dealership to cross reference to the code used for the tailgate key and make you a copy. I guess it is just a matter of them knowing they can do that, and them wanting to work with you. Since it might be easier for them to try to sell you a new lock.

 

Bringing this old thread back, did we ever find out if this was a for sure thing for the 2016 TRD Auto?

 

Again, bringing back this old thread. I just got my tailgate key stolen and it was the only one I had. I called two dealerships with one telling me the whole cylinder has to be replaced. The other said something about looking up the code first and seeing if they could make a laser cut. What exactly am I supposed to be telling them when I call and talk to them. I feel as though I'm confusing them

 

I don't think you're confusing them. One of the dealerships thinks there is a chance there is a code somewhere they can use to make you a key that fits your lock. The other dealer thinks there is no code anywhere so better to replace the cylinder. I'd shop around locksmiths and see if someone can replace the cylinder. That would probably be nearly as inexpensive as Toyota cutting you a key from a code that may or may not exist somewhere. I had a driver side door cylinder replaced after someone tried to bust into my lock using a screwdriver (I assume) and made it not usable. I think it was around $150.

 

You aren't confusing them, they are just morons and don't know the products they sell.

 

What exactly should I be telling them to make it easier for them to understand. A previous post here reads that you dont have to change out the cylinder and that you can have the orginal key made via vin

 

They understand what you're asking. They just don't know where/how to find they code to cut the key you need. Either they can figure that out or they can't. Call several dealerships and if none of them can do that get the cylinder replaced.

 

You aren't the problem sir

 

You'll need to replace the entire cylinder. When we look up the key code via VIN it's going to give us your lock cylinder key code for your center cut keys, not your TR47 style cut key. They fixed this in the 2017+ Tacoma's with push button start but the 2016 kinda got screwed in this regard. Toyota may have released an updated Service Bulletin relating to this but to my knowledge you still have to replace the cylinder and get a new key.

 

Understood. For the time being, the tailgate key only works for the tailgate and not the doors or to start the vehicle right? As far as replacing the cylinder, is there a how-to on here with that part number?

 

Can always just make a hook from a clothes hangar or something and try and grab the release handle on the hard cover if its the oem model.