2021 TRD/OR started without fob

I just got a used 2021 Tacoma TRD/OR and love it. But the weirdest thing happened and I can't find an answer. I left my fob in my jacket pocket in the closet. Then I went to the truck parked in the garage and took off to go about 5 miles away. The truck started right up. Got home and realized the fob was still in the bedroom closet. If I had shut my engine off while I was gone, I would've been screwed, yes? I thought there was supposed to be some sort of anti-theft shut-off feature. Thanks for any info.

 

Welcome
You are correct, it should not work that far away and yes, you would have been unable to restart.
I’d look for aftermarket alarm or remote start. Or, at least attempt again. Keep in mind, if it works so far away and you left your truck unlocked; it would be prime for theft too!

Oh, also see if there’s an extra fob left in the truck somewhere.

GL

 

If you just got the truck used, then definitely check for the spare fob in the truck. Could be in glove box or under/behind backseats. If there isn’t one, I would check to see if that was disabled somehow. I haven’t heard of anyone bypassing that security feature but I suppose it is possible

 

You can't start the truck without the fob but you can drive it without the fob

 

I am not positive but I think you cannot lock the truck from the outside with a second key fob in the truck. I would also be surprised if you could start a Tacoma without one physically in the truck. Welcome to the forum. Hope you get this sorted out soon.

 

Something is afoot here. The truck yells at you for "no key fob" detected even standing outside the truck...

 

This is correct.

 

I believe you can do it but must use the key from the outside of the truck to lock it

 

How far (in a straight line) was your coat from the truck? If you did not lock the fob, the truck would have thought the fob was in your pocket and would start.

That is correct.
You can "lock" the fob by holding down the Lock button while pressing the Unlock button twice. Release the Lock button. The LED on the fob will blink 3 times
This turns off the fob so that it's no longer transmitting the necessary signal to the truck allowing it to start.
Don't know the range of that signal but we no longer take any chances and ALWAYS disable the fob after arriving home (or anywhere else).

 

Mystery solved, embarrassment ensues.
I tried to duplicate these events and could not. The only answer is this: I MUST have been wearing the jacket. I almost never bother with a jacket if it's a quick errand, but this time I guess I did. Oopsies... at least it's solved. Thanks, everyone. (What a way to be new to this group!)

 

Move the fob farther away and wrap in foil. Still starts?

 

Yeah that works too and I had to do that when my battery died and a buddy jumped started my truck.

I used the hidden key to lock it while it was running and went to get gas and pay cash inside.
Same at advanced auto and didn’t want to shut it off in case they didn’t have one.

 

My 17 won’t do the “lighted approach” or even open unless the fob is close. It won’t even work if it’s in the back of the bed, even if I unlock it from there.

I think someone asked if it has an aftermarket alarm or remote start……definitely weird.

 

Gah would you look at that the fob was with me the whole time. Carry on everyone, crisis averted!
Lol... glad you figured it out though. That would drive me crazy if I thought that was possible.
Esp. with questionable videos circulating of thieves using wire nets to unlock expensive cars and all.

 

I keep my Fob on a Lanyard and always in the habit of having it around my neck when I need it. I am afraid of bumping my Fob in my pocket or having fall out of my pocket.