Replacing a Toyota Key
There are a variety of options available if your Toyota key fob is damaged. If the internal electronics of your Toyota are in good condition the service center can create a new key for an affordable price.
If the case is damaged, it will need to be replaced. If the case is intact, you can open it using the hidden key or a tiny pry tool in the notch. Open the case, and gently lift the circuitboard to reveal the battery.
Keys that are damaged or lost
When you lose your Toyota key, or the key fob malfunctions it can be extremely stressful. We can assist you by providing a replacement key or a high-tech key fob.
Toyota provides some of the most advanced and technologically advanced car keys on the market. These include transponder chips that communicate with the vehicle to stop unauthorised starting and to make it impossible to start the engine if the incorrect key is used. These chips also allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle remotely and even start it. However, this extra security comes with a cost - the cost to replace a lost or damaged Toyota key can be hundreds of dollars.
You can tell if your Toyota key has transponder chips by examining the blade of the key. The key is equipped with a chip if it has an encircling dot or dimple on one side, or an "H" or a "G" marking. If the key isn't marked at all or has a huge bump on the top, it is not a transponder key.
Metal keys are easy to replace and usually cost less than $50. The cost of key fobs with a transponder chips is greater, since they must be programmed to communicate with your vehicle's system to lock it. Dealerships have machines that can cost between $150-$250 to use. In addition the key has to be cut and laser-programmed.
We can order you a new key fob and will have it ready to pick up at our Hilton Head location. The cost of replacement may vary based on the type of discounts on parts we have available and the type of key fob you require. If your key fob case has been damaged however, the electronic components inside are working and functioning, we can purchase a replacement case to house the electronic components. If the fob is damaged or destroyed beyond repair it will be required.
Smart Keys
Smart key technology may allow you to start your Toyota without ever having to take your keys from your pocket or purse. Smart keys can also be used to save vehicle settings for various drivers and remotely unlock windows and the sunroof. You may be able to set speed limits for your child using the smart key.
You must be within 10 feet to use the smart key. When you're within the required distance the vehicle will turn on the courtesy lights, and will open the driver's or passenger's door. The trunk can be locked by pressing the button on the key fob. A lot of modern smart keys feature an adjustable blade that can be adjusted to fit different hand sizes. This lets you reach the ignition and lock buttons with greater ease.
The smart key fob functions as transponder chip, much like traditional car keys. It sends an encrypted signal to the car whenever you use the lock and unlock buttons. It's designed to deter thieves from stealing or hot-wiring your vehicle by turning off the engine immobilizer. However, there are a few limitations to this method. A tech-savvy thief could still utilize a scanner device to locate the code and transmit it to the key fob.
A modern smart key like the Mercedes Benz SmartKey uses a unique technique known as rolling code. When you insert the key in the ignition, a computer inside the vehicle checks the unique code before starting the engine. This prevents unauthorized use, as it is nearly impossible for the scanner to capture the same codes for rolling repeatedly.
Your smart key could be dead if it fails to respond to the lock or unlock buttons. The circuit board is easily removed from the majority of fobs to replace the battery. Take a photo of the old battery and note where the new one sits inside the case so that you can put it back together correctly when you're done. The majority of Toyota models require a CR2032 that you can purchase at any local Freehold store.
Key Fob Battery Replacement
It's not as difficult or time-consuming to replace the battery on your keyfob, as you think. The process is simple and you can find replacement batteries at any hardware retailer or big-box stores. You can also order them through the internet. A new battery is not only affordable, but it will also restore the original function of your key fob.
The first step is to take off the metal key. There's typically a small metal button located right above the key part of the fob. Press it to release the key. Then, you can disassemble the fob. This can be done by pressing the fob with a small notch that resembles like a tiny keyhole or by inserting a flat tool through the smallest opening on the fob. After you've split the fob into two pieces, the front and the back, you can insert a tool in the notch or tiny hole to gain access to the battery compartment.
Examine the battery It is likely to be silver and has the shape of an oval. The battery will have a marking that indicates the type of replacement battery you'll need. After you get a new battery, you need to remove the old one from its case and replace it with the new. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of your battery. They are very sensitive to fingerprints and may reduce battery life.
Reinstall the key fob case. If you're cautious, you shouldn't have to push it back into its the position it was in. If it isn't snapping into place, try gently applying pressure around the edges to separate it from the plastic frame. Reattach the metal key and turn it on to test the fob. The key fob will appear just like new after the entire thing has been reassembled. If, however, the key doesn't work call us at Toyota of Irving to get assistance. We can assist you in getting the key fob and transponder chip replaced after you've provided us with the required photo identification and proof of ownership. We can even order a new key fob if the original one is damaged or lost.
Key Fob Case Replacement
While Toyota key fobs are less likely to lose than regular keys, you could still be caught off guard when they vanish during your Belton and Killeen commute. The case of your Toyota is simple to replace however, the internal electronics require education and expertise. Fortunately, our team at Don Ringler Toyota can provide you with the details you need to make your decision.
The first thing you have to do is locate the Toyota keyfob and check if it has been damaged. If your key fob has been damaged to the point of being useless, you will have to replace it by an authorized dealer to get the transponder and other electronics programmed into your vehicle. This is more complicated than simply a replacement key fob, and will require photo identification as proof of ownership and the VIN of your vehicle.
If G28 is only slightly damaged, you might be able to get a new case to keep using the current electronic. This depends on how the key fob was damaged, for instance by water or more serious physical damage. If the hidden key portion is not damaged, you can usually have a new one made at a Toyota service centre and then continue to use it.
Using a flat tool such as a screwdriver carefully open the case of your key fob by inserting it into a designated slot or notch. After opening the case, you are able to raise the circuit board to reveal the battery. Do not force the case to open because this could cause electronic components to break. Remove the old battery and record the position of the battery within the case. This will assist you to replace the battery correctly.
Close the case of your key fob after replacing the battery and test it. Contact our service department if it is not possible to connect your key fob. We'll be happy to help. Be sure to bring your Toyota key code number which can be obtained by presenting your driver's license and your vehicle's registration at our service department.