Create A New Spare Key

08/11/2006

It is possible to create a new spare key from an existing key. This is quite a tricky task, but an achievable one nonetheless. If you follow these steps you can save at least £100 compared to taking it to a Toyota dealer. For example, I was recently quoted £100 for the key, £50 for programming and half-hour labour (£30) to find the key number from one of the lock chambers. I did it myself, and it cost me £5.99 for a blank key, I knew someone who could cut it, so I had that for free (but should be under £5 in a standard key cutters), and £20 for an old key.

If you have lost all of your keys then unfortunately there is not much you can do apart from taking it to a main Totota dealer and spending over £1,000 on new chambers, keys and programming. Not to mention a tow to the dealer in the first place!

Firstly, you need to buy a spare "blank" key. This is just a key shell with no electronics, and has a blank un-cut key shaft. You can usually get one from eBay. Try doing a search for "toyota 2 button shell ".

Next, and this is the only uncertain part, you need to get your hands on an old existing key that has the electronics inside. You may be able to get one off a friend who has a few spares, or again, on eBay (search for "toyota 2 button remote". Just make sure it is of exactly the same key type (2 button), and are usually advertised as a Celica or Avensis key.

Now you have got your hands on both a blank and an old key from a different car, the task is now acheivable! Obviously, you need to take your blank key and existing key to a key-cutter and have it cut to your own car.

You then need to insert the electronics from the different key into the new blank key. The keys are opened by a single small screw at the base of the key shaft. You will need a very small screw driver to do this.

Now comes the interesting bit - re-programming. This is a two stage process:

1. Programming the New Key for Remote Lock/Unlock

2. Programming the New Key for Immobilizer

If you require details on how to do this, please E-Mail me with relevant information and I will do my best to assist you.

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Auto-Lock/Unlock on ignition