2010 Transponder Key Question

Bought a used 2010 in November and only got one key and a key fob. I went to two locksmiths and both said that the key had a transponder. Took it to Walmart and they tested it. Their tester said it didn't have a transponder but their software said it did. Lowe's tested it also and their tester said no transponder. Lowe's made me a regular key. It opens the doors and starts the ignition without a transponder.

Did the previous owner bypass this security feature somehow or do you think there may be a transponder key stashed somewhere near the ignition?

 

What model truck do you have?
Base model does not have a chipped key.

When you shut the truck off and remove the key, does a light come on in the clock cluster between the Airbag light and clock that looks like a key in the middle of an SUV? If not, then you do not have a chipped key.

 

You can tell by just looking at the key, if it has a dot/dimple, it has a chip

 

Mine has the chip without that dot. It has the letter "G" stamped there

 

It either has a dot or a "g" if it has immobilizer and if it doesn't they key head is usually thin

 

I wish.

Mine and my wife's Rav4 have these huge plastic heads that wear thin and break, and they take up too much room on the keyring.

I used to be able to get flat Toyota key blanks but nobody seems to have them anymore.

 

I have the standard model access cab. Thanks for the info on the key. Seems like a lot of key makers are confused. My key doesn't have the dot or the G in that area. It has a backwards L there. Good to know I don't have the transponder. Thanks for your help.

 

I thought the immobilizer came standard on all Tacomas now? Be lucky you don't have it the cheapest transponder key I have found (G models) are $90 on eBay, dealer charges 250+ for the same key. The dot models are a lot cheaper.

If you lose your keys with the immobilizer system and you do not have a master you are pretty much screwed and in for some big dealer charges to get a new system installed along with the tow truck fee to get your truck to the dealer.

 

You missed this one...

$33
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-TOYOTA-...fits=Model:Tacoma&hash=item33871647bd&vxp=mtr

 

Not entirely true...

My truck came with two sets of keys/fobs AND a little metal tag (about 3/4" x 1/4") with a five digit number on it. If I lose both keys, as long as I have the vin # along with the five digit code and proof of ownership...I can get a key made/programmed from Toyota's records.