Missing Tailgate Key

Hey everyone,

I wasted half an hour this afternoon trying to figure out why my fob key didn't work in my 2016 Sport tailgate. Sure enough after browsing the site I now see I need another key (which didn't come with the truck).

I dropped by the dealership here in Victoria but they couldn't find the tailgate key code via my VIN and so suggested I open up the tailgate to read it off the lock cylinder. He said the code is typically punched on the cylinder from factory.

Can anyone verify that they do in fact get stamped on the lock cylinder? Before I go taking my tailgate apart.
Cheers!

 

It's not hard to take apart the tail gate. But! Your key may be in the key slot under your arm rest lid. There's a special slot for the tail gate key in the future if not now.

 

You might want to just switch to a powered Pop and Lock -- http://www.popandlock.net/tacoma-power-16-17

My 2017 TRD Sport's key fob key works in my tailgate. The salesperson at my dealership didn't realize that -- he told me I had to use the dedicated tailgate key. I guess they changed in 2017?

 

Your dealer shouldn't be making you go through the hassle of looking for a code for the tailgate key that didn't come with the purchase. Sounds like you may have bought it used and previous owner didn't turn it in. If so make the dealer go through the hassle.
Also you may want to look in your sunglasses holder , that's a popular place to stash that key that does nothing other than lock the tailgate and glovebox.
Like the other gentleman stated, only the 17 model fob key works in the tailgate

 

There's a slot for it to go there?...whaa I need to check tomorrow morning lol

 

Yes, that changed with the 17 model. My salesman didn't realize it either.

 

I will have to try that on mine. The sales guy said they could not make the specific tailgate keys for some reason and not to lose it.

 

I made copies of my tailgate key a home improvement store.

 

My 2016 didn t have one either, I purchased it new. The dealer was able to make me a new key without having the truck. I called my salesman and he took care of it without any problems.

 

Well how about that! Learned something new today, no more carrying that bulky tailgate key around!

 

When I traded in my 16 Limited I saw that there wasn't a tailgate Key on the 17 so the key in the fob was the first thing I checked as the salesman was telling me it wouldn't work.

 

Hey,
Yeah I checked all the usual hiding spots, ie the holder in the arm rest glove box, manual book, under the rear seats.. no luck! I think i'll be taking it apart to see if it is on the lock cylinder.

 

Hey you're right on. I bought it used with only 1500km on it. I'd rather do the work myself and avoid the hassle with the dealership. I had to battle them to get my trans TSB implemented.. I could only imagine how much of a pita this would be.

 

My idiot dealer left the second key fob in the owner's manual inside the glovebox. Confused the hell out of me that I couldn't lock the doors and kept getting a beeping sound when I tried to.

 

When I bought my 2016 access cab Tacoma new, the tail gate key was in a bag thrown in with the tire jack. We had to go searching for it because the sales guys at the time had no experience with the new Tacoma's. And they only supply 1 key so its smart to get another key made. Any key shop can do it since its not a smart key.

 

My '17 has the fob key as well as the specific tailgate key.

 

My '17 has two fob keys and a dedicated tail gate key.... and they all work on the tail gate.

 

My '17 didn't come with a tailgate key. Should I be going to the dealer and getting one if my fab key works?

 

If your dealer is telling you to take your tailgate apart for them to be able to get you a copy of the tailgate key, something is very wrong.

 

That is one of the dumbest design decisions I have ever heard of. Glad they matched it to the doors/ignition on the 17.