Silly claims and prices by area Toyota dealers

Lol, that “good lock shop” still ripped you off and you fell for it. Walmart programs chip keys for $40, and it takes them like 2 minutes to do.

 

Yeahs sounds like OP still got ripped off. It’s like 20 minutes to do and cost like $20 in spark plugs.

 

I think all the dealers charge about $10/plug for the parts. And Walmart would not program a new key. And copying my worn valet ket would not have helped me. I needed a new key cut from either the VIN or using the door lock cylinder.

 

I call BS on Walmart not programming a new key. Com’on dude. Maybe you got a lazy employee, but I’ve had plenty of keys programmed there. The dealers here in Texas only charge like $3/spark plug.

 

You don't get it, Tcomaboy. My existing key was worn to the point it did not completely work in the doors, so copying it would do me no good.

 

I think the OP has used his key so much it looked like a butter knife when he tried to get a copy made

 

Bebop-Car came with only valet key that will open but not lock drivers door, and lock but not open passenger door. So I got a new black key.

 

Make a couple un-chipped copies for the doors

 

Excellent idea, Pigpen. In case I get locked in? Hah.

 

I don't know how some of you guys are getting the plugs done in "20 min tops." I can barely get the passenger side done in that amount of time, and we all know that's the easy side. I'd still not pay for the service. Changing plugs takes me almost an hour. Well worth my time and peace of mind.

 

I only use the black key for the ignition, to extend its life.

 

Once you’ve done it a few times you get better at knowing what to do. Yes, the first time or two it takes longer. Just like changing your oil. It used to take me over an hour, but now I can change my oil in 20 minutes.

 

Keeping as few keys as possible on your key ring reduces wear on your Toyota key.

 

I've done it 3 times and it now takes around an hour, mainly because I really do take my time. The last thing I need is to screw something up, such as cross threading a plug etc...and besides, I enjoy getting under the hood of the truck...these trucks are so easy to wrench on.

 

I'm certainly never in a hurry when changing them - like most of the work I do.

 

I used to be very handy but cut off 3 fingers in 2001 with a compound mitre saw. I got 2 sewn back, so now I am 20% less handy, and have no feeling on the ends of those re-attached fingers.

 

Having worked in a similar industry, I can say that the variety of prices smells like "market pricing". A practice whereby the price goes up until a significant backlash occurs - and then an adjustment is made. If the dealer pays his service "advisors" based on sales (and up-selling) they may have some leeway to adjust things on the fly.... Larry Miller Dodge nicked my wife on numerous occasions, her Charger couldn't go near the place without incurring the national debt and she trusted them!