Key Replacement/Bypass Options (No Originals)

Hi folks, I've been browsing here for years, but it's my first time posting.

My only key fell into a watery crevass out hiking. We spent hours trying to retrieve it. It's gone. Fortunately we'd taken a friends ride that day.

I've watched videos where generic keys are programed if there is a "master key" used first. Unfortunately, this isn't an option.

Has anyone figured out how to bypass or reprogram without a master key that doesn't involve giving the dealership an arm and leg? I have plenty of tools and I'm great at using them. I'll pick up more for a net savings.

A lot depends on this vehicle so any ideas are greatly appreciated. Heck, I'll throw a $25 bounty on the best answer if I'm able to go that route and save a lot of money.

The vehicle is mine. I have the title, registration, VIN, etc. Apologies if this post is against any rules, please delete if not allowed.

Wish me luck!
2008 Tacoma 4wd Access Cab

Edit: 4.0L engine

 

This is the procedure according to Toyota to reset the Immobilizer in the event of all keys lost. There may be "ways" around this with certain aftermarket scan tools but I'm not sure.

If you have a 2.7L it doesn't have an immobilizer unless your in Canada but the 4.0L trucks all have it.

You will also need the key code for your truck in order to get a new key cut, I don't know if the dealer will give you this if you provide proof of ownership or not. NASTF licensed locksmiths are also capable of getting key codes to cut keys but they have to pay fees so it's still gona cost you.

This is why you should always keep a minimum of 2 working keys for a vehicle, all keys lost can get quite expensive on some vehicles.

 

I’m not sure how you would get a key cut without an original without involving the dealership
So that would involve replacing the lock cylinder too. I just can’t see that being cheaper than a dealer

 

Unfortunately no, there are ways to bypass immobilizer but they require an existing key that starts the truck.

You need a mobile locksmith or tow to dealer.

 

The dealer should have this info. Normally, the dealer can cut keys just by knowing the VIN. This is best since you're not making a copy of a copy.

 

Getting a key cut isn't nesseaarily the problem, the problem is programming the key to the immobilizer.

To add a key you need at least one master key, if you don't have at least one master key you have to do all keys lost which requires a special code from Toyota.
Like I said there may be "ways" around this with aftermarket tooling but locksmiths typically keep that stuff a secret.

 

I'm fully aware of that, my post was in reference to the comment that the lock cylinder would need replacement if you don't have any existing keys.

 

Ah ok I was just clarifying.

 

Thanks for the comments! I appreciate the engagement on this subject.

It's a 4.0L.

I don't mind going to the dealer to get the key bitting code and supporting a local locksmith for the cut. It's just getting the computer set up properly, i guess so far. Throwing away a small fortune for $10 in hardware to do what sounds like a 30m job is suboptimal.

Maybe i'll find a hack around it... Fingers crossed.

 

I said don’t know how it would be done without going to the dealer. Not sure how your suggestion of going to the dealer avoids going to the dealer

 

I never suggested this could be done without going to the dealer nor am I suggesting to avoid the dealer. Your post was a little confusing at first but now that I'd read it multiple times it makes more sense. We're saying the same thing.

 

You may not be able to get a code from the dealer to bring to a locksmith, I'd be kinda surprised if they just gave you that info for free so you could get a key cut elsewhere.

Try going to a locksmith FIRST. If they can cut your key by VIN then buy a key from them, have them cut it, and have them do the programming. If they cannot cut your key then bring an aftermarket key to the dealer or buy an OEM one from the dealer. Have them cut the key by VIN. Bring that key back to the locksmith and have them do the programming. That said, for all the hassle of going back/forth it may just be easier to have it all done at the dealer. YMMV and you just need to compare pricing. Lots of locksmith pricing isn't that much better than the dealer.

Also, to clarify... you aren't programming the key, you are programming the truck. The truck has the ability to hold codes for multiple different keys (I think 2 keys normal keys + 1 valet key). So when you get a new key it comes with it's own "code" or whatever unique identifier it uses. Then, you program the truck to recognize that key. You do not need to know the original code from your original key. Once you have the new key cut and able to turn the lock cylinder the dealer or the locksmith can program the key to the truck.

 

I cut keys at a gm dealer daily, the keys don’t have their own code. The key code is assigned to the vehicle when built so in the event of a lost key it could be obtained with proper proof of ownership at the dealer to have a replacement made. The transponder in the key is what is actually programmed to the truck. Even if a new ignition cylinder is needed it will be coded to the same code provided to that vin.


We have customers that buy their own aftermarket keys and we have problems getting them to program. We actually started charging a code fee when people don’t buy the keys from us as half of the time it’s a loss to both parts and the poor tech that’s trying to get them to work.

In no way am I telling you what to do but if you can’t get a mobile locksmith a dealer is going to be the best bet.

 

I think in this case I would go to the dealer...No clue how much it would cost but at least it will (or should) be done right.

 

I think there's some confusion about the use of the word "code".

The car's key cylinders will have some sort of "code" which will allow you to cut any key to fit that vehicle even if you don't have any keys to use as a rerference. By "code" I mean there's some number or identifier which is tied to the shape in which the key is cut and the pins which the cylinder uses. For this, there will be one "code" per vehicle. This is 100% in reference to the physical, metal part of the key and the specific pattern needed to unlock the key cylinders and is completely unrelated to any alarm or immobilizer.

In relation to the immobilizer system... each key also has it's own "code" (or some sort of unique identifier). That code needs to be programmed to the vehicle in order for the car to start. The vehicle can have multiple keys, each with it's own unique code. When you add new keys, you remove the codes from the old keys and add the new codes for the new keys. (Now, that said, I do believe there are also ways to change the code of the key. Meaning if you can copy the code from your original key and then write that code to the new one. This may vary between different types of cars though, not sure how universal that is.)

We recently had the keys replaced on our CRV. I ordered the keys from my friend who works at a dealer and he cut them based the code he obtained via providing him our VIN. But, he could not program the keys to our vehicle since he lives in a different state. So we took the keys to a locksmith who added those key codes to the list the vehicle stores in it's computer.