Strange Key /Locking, unlocking issue

2007 Tacoma (base model for most part) Noticed yesterday that the key /locks are acting strangely.

I can use the key to UNlock the doors, on the drivers side lock, but that lock wont turn in the direction that will LOCKthe doors.

I can use the key to LOCK the doors on the passenger side, but i cant UNlock that doors from that side.
Can this be explained by anything?
(ive been told this is likely a issue with a worn key)

The one key i have is not a factory key. I have been told that this year taco uses a transponder key.
I understand that Lowes, HomeDepot and Some Ace hardware cut and program Transponder key for much less than a dealership
I am concerned that if the key is worn, a duplicate of that key will produce the same worn ket pattern.

Is there anywhere (bedsides the dealership) that will cut a key from the VIN for less than what the dealer wants? ( close to $200), local locksmith was the same price.

Thanks Much for any direction

 

I went to the Locksmith. He fixed me right up.

 

Does your spare key react the same way?... if you have one?

 

I only had one to start with and it was actually doing ok but when I took it to the locksmith he noticed it was grey instead of black, he told me it was a valet key with limited access so he had to make me up a couple new keys using my vin number... it costed me $165 for two keys which hit pretty hard but I'm glad its right now.

 

Your right, your key is worn down.
You need a new key cut from a code machine.
They can use your existing worn key to get the cut depths.
Most any auto lock shop can do this and should charge about $20 more then just a regular key duplication.

 

Get a cheap plain key cut from your key, and try it in the locks. If it works well, get a couple transponder keys cut and programmed. I had this same issue, and yet a new key cut using the worn one as a pattern worked great. You'll find out for $3 or less, then hide that plain key under your truck somewhere in case you ever lock your keys inside.

 

Update:
..to clarify, this is the only key i have for this vehicle, never had another, it has always worked until the issue in my OP. I knew i had been pushing my luck having a single key and was going to get copies regardless of the issue that came up.
Was at Home Depot and asked them if they could copy the transponder key, sure, lets check it. They inserted in to the machine, it indicated it was NOT a transponder key. HD guy said, well, looks like i can just make copies(less then $2 bucks each) so thats what i had him do.
Both new keys work both locks without issue and start the truck.

The ONLY thing i can think is that perhaps the previous owner hid a transponder chip in the column, i may take the plastics of and take a look.

 

US base models did not have the passive immobilizer with transponder keys in my understanding, so that makes sense.

Canadian spec, all trim levels of 2nd gen tacos do.

In any case, back to the wear on the key - it seems to mostly be when the square edges wear down when this problem happens, not so much the notches in the key, as you had the same experience I did.

 

Interesting that your understanding is US base models didnt have transponder keys. everyone ive spoken with, even the dealer told me it it did and im wondering if they were just trying to upsell me something i didnt need. im gping to take the truck in for a couple recalls and i am going to corner them about the key. im curious as to their explaination after the truck starts and operates normally with a $2 key. ( im going to ask again if it needs a transponder key before i demonstrate)

 

It is correct that US base models do not. My 2015 has a regular old key. I can go to lowes have them cut me a $2 key and it does everything. I'd be curious to have the dealer cut you a key and see what they give and charge you.

Btw I'd not use one of those keys you got cut. There is a decent chance those will wear out before too long since they were cut from a worn key. You want to keep one in as good as shape as possible to cut futures from.

 

My 2012 base model has the chipped key, but no fob. I bought it new. I have 2 of them. From the beginning, I've only used one because of this issue. In addition, I only use it to operate the truck (mostly). I have 3 plain keys for unlocking, and occasionally locking, the truck. I normally lock the truck with the power lock button before closing the door. I'm OCD about having the door key, and my regular key ring, clipped in my pocket at all times to avoid locking myself out. I also keep a spare in my wallet. My regular use door key is wearing out and will be destroyed and replaced soon.

 

Im going to see if the dealer will cut me a new(non transponder key) key from the VIN. (After ive cornered them per my previous post).

Ive heard that the key code is located somewhere on a sticker on the passenger door under the panel, any truth to that?( and if there is can i have keys cut anywhere else but the dealer from that code so i have a fresh unworn "master"

 

I would think that at worst they could look it up through your vin. I think that would be something they note about the vehicle.