had keys cut...dont work!?

My 2006 Tacoma only came with 1 key so I wanted to have a couple cut just to open the doors in case i lock the main key inside. I understand the key has a chip in it so I couldnt start the vehicle...I had 2 keys cut at lowes but they wont unlock the truck....do i need a chipped key to unlock the doors? the key goes in the lock it just wont turn!

 

Bad cut?

 

I wouldnt think 2 would be bad cuts...

 

there is a Key Code.
If you do not have maybe the orginal dealer knows it. They can set the key just right for you.

 

used truck that only came with 1 key and key fob...other was lost by po. its the key i use everyday to drive the truck

 

I had to do this once. I went to the dealer and they where able to do it with just the VIN number it was only $20 or less but I have a first gen with out chip. I remember them saying if I had a chip it be about $80

 

yea i dont need one to drive the vehicle just to unlock the door. I have one to drive the truck, i just want an emergency key in case i lock the one i have inside the truck!

 

You can try filing it down a little. In the past when I have had keys made for my house, they have mentioned filing if the key doesn't work.

It is also possible the person who made it may have done it incorrectly...

 

ok i will try another store and see what happens...only out 6 dollars so far!

 

Take it back to Lowes. I wouldn't try somewhere else until you give them another chance to correct it.

 

Try a dealer. They have better key machines. I have mine done at an Ace store, and it was really tight and didn't work well. I keep a plain key in my wallet in case I lock myself out (no chip).

Toyota cut me a key, and it works perfectly.

I tried to get a Mazda dealer to cut me a basic key, but they told me they only do the big chip keys. Derp.

 

Our local ACE hardware actually has the machines and software to cut and program chipped keys for MUCH cheaper than a dealer. May want to give yours a call and see if they do it. They even have a military discount if it applies.

 

When I worked at Ace I made myself a (non-chipped) key for this purpose. Worked fine.

 

I would let Lowes try it again. You can get your money back for the ones that don't work. The dealer can cut one based on the code or the VIN. Just tell them you don't want a chipped key and you shouldn't have to pay the higher price. I had Walmart cut and code one for my wife's Sequoia, hand no probles with it at all. It was $80 due to the chip. Again, you may can get an un-chipped on there, too.

 

Could be bad cut or wrong key # used

 

Ask your dealer about having them cut a credit card key for you. My dealership sent me the card after puchasing the truck back in 07 and I had to take it in to have them cut the key. It's made of plastic about the same size as a credit card with a fold-out key that fits the door for emergecies. I keep it in my wallet.

 

ace took three times to get mine right.....

 

Jesus, it really isn't that hard if you have the right key blank. We always had people go out and test them in the parking lot before they went home.

 

They probably used one of those machines that you insert the original key into and then put the blank into another one to cut the key. Possibly the blanks they had did not have the correct back-spacing.

For what it's worth, go to an actual locksmith. They can generally cut keys that work.

Another option is to try smoking the keys you've had made. You take the keys and "blacken" them with a match, then insert into the cylinder and turn them side to side to get an impressioning. File away where the black residue is removed and you "might" be able to make the key work. Old locksmithing trick.

 

Ace made me an unchipped one that worked perfect-the first time.