Need help with keys

I bought the truck new so no one has messed with it.
No remote start. I had the key made a couple years ago to have a spare for when I’m out in the boonies in case I lost it. I remember testing it and starting the truck a couple times. Just for the hell of it tomorrow morning I’ll climb under the truck and retrieve the key and make sure it works as I said. I had to cut the top part of the key off for it to fair in the magnetic hide a key box. If it works or doesn’t work I’ll let you know and I’ll post a pic of the key.
Even though it’s been a couple years I remember distinctly starting the truck a couple times testing it out. F for some reason it doesn’t work currently I will let you know too.

 

I'm curious about this, I wonder if you maybe had the stock key in your hand or on the same key ring when you tried the plain key otherwise I got nothing.

 

I did have the Lo Jack anti theft device installed by the dealer, I don’t know it that would affect anything

 

I was thnking the same thing, only because mine was an '11 with a 4cyl, needed a copy and the locksmith didn't want to do it because he didn't have the key with the "right chip". Told him I don't have one, he refused to believe me, I asked him to cut me a key and I'll pay for it working or not. Key cut, truck fires right up. I thought that was the only config without an immo.

 

I don’t remember but you got me wondering what’s up. I’m anxious to try it tomorrow. I’ll let you all know.

 

IIRC lowjack just adds more.... anti-thiftness outside of standardo immos. Makes it not possible to jump the starter and things of that nature, unless you cut a few wires (in reality, that's about it....) to bypass that bit. Unless something changed, Lo Jack doesn't do anything with the immo, just adds additional anti-theft features.

Key under your truck, should be too far to be read, but... maybe not? Would be curious what you find out. And as others have pointed out, the ghetto way to disable immos for remote start woud be to tape a trasposnder to the plastics by the ignition

 

Most 4cyl trucks don't have it but for anyone that wants to know for sure the first teltale is the key having a dot or G stamped into the metal.
You can also wrap a couple wraps of aluminum foil around the head of the key (leaving only the blade exposed) and try to start the truck, if it starts you don't have an immobilizer, if it doesn't then you do.

 

Did you buy the truck new? Maybe someone has simply disabled the immobilizer, that's always a possibility I guess.

 

I have to apologize to the OP for going off topic but to your original question, since it appears you have an immobilizer you would need to get a Toyota "dot" key.
You can likely find many places that will cut it but you would have to find someone with the right scan tool to program it to your truck so it will start the engine.

 

I really hope the key works, gonna be damn embarrassed if it doesn’t. I have it attached to the frame with a magnetic hide a key. Hope it didn’t fall off or anything. I haven’t checked for it for about 2 years. I’ve always felt good when out in some remote area knowing that I have a spare key should I lose my keys. If it wasn’t dark, cold and past my bed time I’d go retrieve the key now. Will let ya all know tomorrow.

 

If anyone's interested I ordered these part numbers:
Master Key: 8978508020
FOB: 89742AE010

 

Not sure what type of key you are referring to. Did they do any programming at all or just simply cut? I know mine took about an hour since he had to also reprogram my spare key. I lost my set of keys so I wanted to erase the original key in case it got in the wrong hands. Works flawlessly.

 

I use a local locksmith's shop to get spare keys made. The last ones I had done were about $60-$65 for keys with chips in them. About $2-$3 for the standard ones. I keep an unchipped key hidden outside my vehicles just to unlock the doors in an emergency. A spare chipped key is hidden inside to get me home. I figure that a thief might find the one on the outside and could steal stuff. But when the truck won't start probably won't take the time looking for another.

 

I went this route. Worked like a charm. You do need to make sure you by the right blank, i.e. dot vs no-dot etc. There are a variety of options to consider. My truck would only hold two keys worth of codes. Sounds like some hold more (??) but be aware you can't just make a pile of new keys.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/233264015227?fits=Model:Tacoma|Make:Toyota

 

I'm curious if you bought this truck private sale or through a dealer.

Kind of a dick move for the dealer to not fix the keys during presale prep.

 

I hate to admit this but I screwed up. The key I have hidden on my Taco is a regular Toyota key (with chip). I had a 2005 (or maybe 2004) Tundra and it was that truck that I had a regular metal key hidden and the key worked. I sold that truck last year. Sorry for the misinformation.

 

Well at least you know it will start your truck if you need it

 

They supplied the key and programmed it. I did not realize it had a battery at first. Too late now.

 

I am quite familiar with LoJack and it should not affect the vehicle at all - not the key, keyless entry, starter, or any kind of immobilizer. It activates and gets involved independent of your vehicle only if you report your car stolen to the police. In the early 2000s they were connected to your vehicle for power but eventually they evolved to a battery (about a 10 year life) without any hard wire connection to your car.