How to unlock truck without remote?

So I bought my 2012 Tacoma a few months ago and didn't realize I can't open the door with just the key inserted into the key slot on the door. Am I doing something wrong? Why can't I just insert it in and turn? Am I missing something? Sorry for a such a rookie question.

I'm wondering if my remote battery dies or gets wet or whatever, I will be locked out?

 

I can with mine, you must have a incorrect key. Maybe previous owner gave you a key that wasn’t programmed cause he found out what it cost.

 

I can unlock the truck with the remote and can start the truck with the key. I just can't unlock the truck by inserting the key into the door keyhole. Could it just be that the keyhole/tumblers are stuck? What other issues could it be?

 

Just use a brick bro.

 

You could try getting some lock lube and putting it in there. It's like a dry graphite type lube (don't use WD40 or anything like that).

 

yea, try some graphite, don’t squirt liquid stuff in there it will just collect grit. Get some dry graphite at the auto store and try that.

 

Do you have 2 keys? Try both. Does the key look newly made? With my older Colorado truck the Remotes worked but newly made keys wouldnt open the doors, the dealer I bought it from their “key man” did a little filing in the keys to make them work for the door.

 

Maybe your not sticking it in far enough

 

So the consensus is to use more lube and to insert it in further correct? Not just the tip? She's still new to me, I don't want to break anything going in deeper.

We're still talking about my truck right?

 

Yes,but look at both keys first, to make sure they have the same cut in them.

 

I just opened mine with a key. Truck was locked with first with remote. Door opened and I was then able to start truck with key.

 

You could also be in a situation where your driver door has been repaired or replaced (perhaps due to collision damage or something) and they didn't key it the same as the ignition because of cost.

Could also be that your ignition and key have worn at the same rate and are "used to" each other, where the tumblers in the door handle may still be newer and more sensitive to worn key teeth.

 

Next problem The truck's alarm will sound and disable the ignition when you open the door with the key. If your remote battery is dead, you won't be able to turn off the alarm.

 

Sounds like a huge pain in the butt. The guy who designed this system is probably laughing.

 

Sounds like the truck was in an accident and had the door replaced, hence the lock is keyed differently

 

Most OEM car alarm systems are designed this way. The remote fob battery lasts 8-10 years or more, and the truck came with two remotes when new. A more realistic concern for needing the door key lock is when your truck's battery dies.

@Tah-koh-mah if lube is ineffective, take it to a shop (or the dealer that sold you the truck). They'll probably have to call in a locksmith. Another option is to replace the door lock cylinder with a new one, if you don't mind carrying two keys.

 

you usually take the guts out the old door, maybe theft recovery

 

If lubing the lock doesn't solve the problem, take the lock out and take it to a locksmith and have them FIX the lock. Do not buy a new lock. Whether the lock is worn or keyed wrong, the locksmith can fix it. Removing the lock from the truck is easy. There's a plastic plug and a single bolt in the edge of the door. The bolt is held captive by plastic fingers, so you can't drop it down into the door. When you remove the lock, be gentle with the door handle. The lock keeps the door handle from coming out. If you do pull the handle out, it's easy to pop it back in.

 

When I bought my truck I had only one key ,I went to my local hardware store and they programed a new one ,that will open the door and start truck for $90.00. GOOD LUCK