Lesson Learned

My salesman told me it was a valet key. When I pointed out there was nothing else to lock/unlock besides the door/ignition, he said it was for the passenger seat airbag. True, it does work there, but so do the black keys. That explanation only showed me one more area where he didn't know his ass from a hot rock when it comes to Tacomas.

 

one TOYOTA salesman tried to tell me that all TRD trucks were 4x4

 

OP, for what you had done, I actually think 210 was a steal of a deal, because that means 1 black key and 1 fob was $105, i've read people getting charged anywhere between 70-120 just for 1 black chipped key.

I have also read members saying they can cut keys from vins, and them reflashing your computer, but your valet key still works? maybe they needed to do that to accept more keys, or maybe it was dealer crock of $hit, I really don't know bout all that stuff, but I think you made off pretty well

 

My 2012 isn't a base model. It is a SR5, Prerunner... No immobilizer and no chip.

 

The plastic head on the Immobilzer key is larger than the Non immobilizer key head. For two dollars get one made and you will know. You should have a little light that looks like a key on the center console if you have the immobilizer.

 

just wondering how you concluded he doesn't have an immobilizer

 

BZZZZZT!!! WRONG ANSWER!! My 2010 base model has an immobilizer. Came with 2 black transponder keys, one grey key and two code number tags.

 

By transponder ... what do you mean?

 

I believe the main difference between the valet and master key for a truck (which as no trunk) is that the valet key can't be used to make a chipped copy. Speaking of valets, I'd pocket my registration and insurance card before letting them take off with my truck too.

 

transponder = chipped = engine immobilizer

not sure if this changes anything for anybody, but keep in mind, a black plastic key does not necessarily mean it's a transponder key

 

Babytruck has the flashing red car shaped with key icon light thingy on the dash. It stops when I put the key in.

 

My 2012 only came with 2 sets as well, no valet key, but my 2005 came with a valet key. I wonder why????

 

i think the strongest explanation so far is 5 lug vs 6 lug, but jimmyh's is the only one i've heard of that doesn't fit into that and he does know what he's talking about, so.....

 

I edited after I reread his post...

 

Obviously I meant that tongue-in-cheek...but a smart thief (as much of an oxymoron as that is) would check first to make sure there's no immobilizer light blinking...

 

This is a chipped key:
http://www.szvoraus.com/index.php?ac=article&at=read&did=746

Notice that the head is thicker and wider. The slot for the key ring at the top is smaller also. Page # 34 of the 2012 Tacoma Owners Manual will show you the difference with pictures.

 

yea i saw that, thanks for clarifying, I would have assumed he did, cause he has a double cab, but that's beside the point, i think one of these days we'll get to the bottom of this

 

just double checking, is this a chipped or non chipped key, other than jimmyh

 

The chip must be the reason that I can't lock the doors with the keyless, when the doors or open. And I can't lock the doors at all when the truck is off and the key is in the ignition, right? My truck is smarter than me, but that's ok.