What is this dash light for? No Key?

This one seems stupid. Why is there a blinking red light of a car with what looks like a key on it? It's by the clock under the multimedia display. Why do you need to be told the key is not in the ignition? I couldn't find this warning light in any of the manuals. It isn't the seat belt warning light or door open. We don't have an alarm or at least the dealer said we don't have one.

 

theft deterrant, your key is CHIPPED

 

Lol again.... ^what Justus said
Keys are chipped so when the key is not in the ignition it blinks...I don't see a problem with it.

 

Toyota immobilizer. Chip in key corresponds with Transponder ECU. No chip, no start.

 

Thanks! That was super fast. We haven't bought a new car for a long time. Our 2003 Camry died and my car is a 97 Volvo. All this new stuff to learn.

 

ur not the first, and wont be the last, dont feel bad.

welcome to TW

 

Just an FYI and is pretty obvious but...

If you go in to a hardware store and get a STANDARD key cut, it will work to unlock your door (manually) only...I have been told, do not try to start the truck with key as it may disable the ignition.

I hide a key on my frame and wanted access to the inside should I:

• somehow lock my keys inside while not at home
• loose my keys while hiking/hunting (at least I'm back inside the cab)

Can anyone confirm my rumor?
And, there are threads here on how to get a "chipped" key cut for less than the dealer charges.

 

I have seen signs at Ace Hardware and such that they can do "transponder" keys which I believe are the same thing. I think I have also seen some locksmiths advertising they can do it. Probably cheaper than Toyota Dealer.

 

They can cut them but they cant program them to the car. SOME lock smiths can but not ace or walmart

 

So if I wanted a spare key that functions as OEM...what are the options?

 

A perhaps non-obvious component here... if you have a remote start system and use it to start the car, a non-chipped key can then be used to turn the ignition switch to the "run" position and make the car drivable.

I thought it was clever...

 

yea toyota charges alot but as posted above a home depot or lowes can copy the code from the one key to the new key...
theyve done it for me a couple times no problems yet.

i didnt want to agree with this...but yea this works. i tried it with mine.
but i think the ignition cycles the receiver to check for the chip while driving (not sure so i was told once)

 

I don't think so. I mean, what would it do? Turn the car off in the middle of the street? That wouldn't be a safe move.

The light does flash on the dash, the car is complaining about the key, but the theft deterrent only prevents starting not running.

 

I don't want to stir up any unnecessary fears or anything but.....

 

Dealer ... some locksmiths ... must hookup "computer" to get code ... locksmith(s) I went to had no programing infomation for a '14 ... they quoted me $6o ... 2 for $50 apiece before finding out they couldn't do it.

Ended up sucking it up and getting one at the dealer for $95.

 

James ?

 

We drive dodge chargers at work that have the push button. Once vehicle is running you can drive it without the key in it. Will not turn off, just can't restart should you shut it off. Done this on many occasions.

 

I know ... I know ... ...

 

Lowes here advertises that they can cut and program a chipped key.