Hide a key- emergency key dilemma

Problem is, if the chipped key is in the vehicle, then the car will still start with the non-chipped key...so why hide 2 keys?

The OP's issue is that he doesn't have a spare fob to keep with the vehicle (though as has been mentioned, the chip is embedded in the key itself, not the fob, unless this has changed for 2013 models).

Do 2013 models have key-less ignition? I'm not sure about that, but all 2012 models and below require the key to start the car, the fob is just for unlocking the doors.

If you have the immobilizer system (not *all* Tacomas do), then the keys you were issued have a chip in them that's required to be present to start the vehicle as well.

The chip is in the key, not the fob (again, at least on 2012 and below). I own a 2012 and also did not get a valet key.

Yes.

 

I could be wrong, but isn't the grey key the master key, needed to program new keys into the trucks computer, not a valet key?

EDIT: Meaning if you lose the grey key, you have to buy a whole new ignition system, rather than just a new key...

 

If you store your fob somewhere, make sure to check the batteries on a regular basis. Baterries can explode. I had a weapon mounted light blow up in my gunsafe, starting a chemical fire, and causing a couple grand in damage and repairs.

 

What's all this 3 keys nonsense? I bought my 2012 brand new a year ago and recieved two keys and two fobs

 

Not true, at least for my '06. The stamped steel spare "door" key I have will NOT start the truck even with the transponder key right beside it, the transponder key actually has to be inserted in the ignition tumbler. The plain key will crank the engine just fine, but it will not start. Again, this is based on my experimenting with my '06.

 

I just keep a spare key in my wallet.

 

Hmmmm. Next time I go to the dealer I'll check it out.

 

My grey key has no chip. I was told that it was the valet key (which is kind of stupid because you can't even lock the glove). What I did get is the little tabs with the numbers etched on them so you can get new keys made.

 

Hmm... interesting. I have the metal tag with the number too, but I was certain the dealer told me I needed the grey one to get a new key programmed. It was 4 and a half years ago though, so now I'm not so sure. I'm going to try my grey key tonight.

 

I remember specifically the tag is necessary to avoid getting a whole new ignition. That tag has the code they need to program a new key.

 

I have one of these on every vehicle. They work great, been using them for years, never lost one:

http://www.roadid.com/Common/LearnMore.aspx?PID=24

Key goes inside, velcro strap wraps around wires or whatever, I tuck mine up under/inside the rear bumper.

 

mines the magnet kind bolted someplace. 2nd gens just used 3M red doble stick take and mount it in the bed cubby

 

My '08 came with 3. 2 keys/FOB's and a valet key.

 

No, You are wrong. The Grey Key is the Valet key that they no longer issue. They can make a fully functional set of keys from the number tag that came with the key set.

 

1 key hidden inside the truck, and I put the fob inside the gas filler door while on the river/lake or whatever. No problems to date, (knock on wood).

 

Apparently starting with the 2012s, they don't issue the grey valet keys anymore. My 2012 didn't come with one.

Interesting...good to know. Obviously I've never tried it myself.

 

I have the hitch safe and love it. After loosing a key on a river after a long day of fly fishing then walking 2 hrs uphill to the cabin in pitch black; I swore I would never get locked out again!

Overall design seems durable and it fits into the receiver nice and snug. It's very inconspicuous with the receiver cover on (which itself is snug and doesn't fall off). If you do buy the hitchsafe you will have to buy the extended locking pins for Toyota trucks as the receiver has an extra wrap of metal around it that leaves the regular locking pins too short.

Here you can see the hitch safe at the bottom of my truck:

 

That's what I do.
And don't tell anyone about either key.

 

I've been through the key fiasco as when I bought my '06 I was handed 1 key, nothing else. I immedialtey went to Home Depot to get 2 copies made so I could at least get into the truck if it was locked. After catching my breath from the quoted price for new transponder keys, (> $200), I took my chances at Home Depot with their programmed transponder key for $60. Worked so well I went back to get one for my Dad's Honda b/c he was also down to 1 key. Lastly, I bought a fob on ebay for like $10 and programmed it under 1 minute. So for about $75 total my comfort level was restored. I do a lot of water related activities so the key situation concerns me. If I go out, I leave the transponder inside with the door key hidden, telling the person i am with where it is.

I can 100% vouch for the Home Depot key if anyone is looking for an affordable solution. I think it is only for Gen2 2006 - 2010 though, just double check. For some reason i can't open it but my "Ebay uncut transponder key" thread addresses this... The one i bought on ebay was junk.

 

Any chance you wrote up a thread for programming the fob?