How to get the key back into the FOB?

My first post here with a question about locking the tailgate. I somehow managed to open the FOB to get the little key out thinking it would lock the tailgate. Only to find out that it does not lock the tailgate. Then, I wanted / tried to re-insert the metal key back into the FOB. Can't do it. I know it must be something simple but HOW does the little key get returned back into the FOB? I may have to drive over to the dealership to the Service Department unless someone here can help me out. Thanks

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Nice Black Tacoma.

The key inserts back the same way it came out...when the side "Push" button is pressed.

It can only be re-inserted one way so it's puzzling that you are having problems. (No need to press the "push" button)

Also, the key should lock/unlock the tailgate.

 

Whether I push the side button or not the key does not re-insert. In fact, at one point the FOB split open so that all the inside parts were exposed. I snapped it shut. I just don't want to force it as it might break. I'll take it to the service department. Also, the key does not lock the tail gate. Grrrrrrrr.

 

OMG, now I'm embarrassed. After reading the last post saying it should go in without pushing the button ..... I tried again by looking at how the second set of keys looks. Voila!!! I was using the wrong insert place (LOL) .... embarrassed. Well, I'm happy that I won't need to have the Service Department do it for me. Thank you for helping with your posts.

 

I believe the 2016 had a separate key for the tailgate. If you're lucky it might be clipped into the console somewhere.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Key in fob on my 18 works on door.
I have a separate key for tailgate!
Welcome to TW!

 

2016-2017 - the tailgate is keyed separately from the doors. No one knows why.
2018+ The tailgate key matches the doors.

 

damm never tried my fob key in gate!
They have different features but you are correct! I’m new to 3rd gen

 

My 2017 Limited physical key works for doors and tailgate. Bought new in January 2017.

 

@Rock Lobster

Thanks for the explanation. I bought the OEM tailgate lock but before that, I was locking the gate with the FOB insert key.

 

You might be right. Maybe it was just the 2016s that were keyed differently.

 

I'm pretty sure that's the case. I know for sure that mine works with the door key.

 

Thanks for all the responses. My problem with the key is resolved now. Bottom line is to insert the key into the correct place - I was trying to insert it into the "wrong" place but now I know. Next problem..... Tonneau is too heavy for me to lift. I think it requires TWO to lift / fold it. Had I known then never would have bought it.

 

Which Tonneau cover did you buy?

 

It is a hard cover that lifts and folds. Bought it through the Toyota dealership. It looks good but impossible to lift by one person.

 

@SambaPaTi

So, it's the tri-fold OEM tonneau cover.

Didn't think those would have a lot of weight to them.

From your photo posted, I can barely make out the tonneau cover because it's so flat.

 

Yes it is the trifold tonneau hard vs soft roll up kind. The design of cover makes it difficult to push the buttons on both sides at the same time plus lift. Perhaps the weight would not be a difficulty for some but definitely is a difficulty for me which makes me not like it as it is not user friendly like the one I had before on my 2014 Tacoma. The problem is one must stand in the middle behind the tailgate, push the left button and the right side too at the same time and lift. Would be better if one side could be unlocked and then unlock the other side and then lift.

 

@SambaPaTi

Aftermarket tonneau covers like BakFlip have a mechanism that allows you to latch/unlatch both sides with one cable pull.

https://bakflip.com/p/bakflip-mx4-tonneau-cover/v/toyota/tacoma/2016/

That's too bad your cover doesn't have that feature.