Extra key needed for 05 Sequoia!

[Slacha64]

I bought a used 05 sequoia and the chevy dealer only gave me one key. They said the other owner had lost the other. I didn't think it was a big deal, i'd just have another one made for 50 to $100. I went to my locale toyota dealer and they said I did not have the master key. So, they would need to replace the key computer costing around $350 plus labor and the price of keys. I am now looking at 500 to $600 to have a second key. Anyone have any alternative ideas (other then not looseing the one and only key)?

Thanks for you thoughts!

[Gutz]

Go back to the dealer and say WTF??? Give me my master key! The dealership should have done that before they sold it....IMO...

[al-in-s-fla]

You can buy a key blank, complete with programming instructions, on ebay for less than $30. A trip to a locksmith or any other key cutter to have the key cut to match your key should cost no more than $2. If you are apprehensive about programming the second key yourself, maybe the locksmith will perform this task for you at little or no cost.

Programming is easy. My recollection is it consists of inserting your working key, turning on the ignition several times, and then inserting the new key in order to "teach" it the code in your anti theft computer.

Good luck with your new Sequoia.

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by al-in-s-fla

You can buy a key blank, complete with programming instructions, on ebay for less than $30. A trip to a locksmith or any other key cutter to have the key cut to match your key should cost no more than $2. If you are apprehensive about programming the second key yourself, maybe the locksmith will perform this task for you at little or no cost.

Programming is easy. My recollection is it consists of inserting your working key, turning on the ignition several times, and then inserting the new key in order to "teach" it the code in your anti theft computer.

Good luck with your new Sequoia.

That only works on vehicles with "RE-SEEDABLE" ECU's. Most E-BAY keys we have found , do not work either as master keys, but work as Valet keys better and you need a Master to do the programming.
The 2005 Sequoia is NOT one of those and the IMMOBILIXER ECU needs to be replaced.
If you are able to perfom some dash removal, then you can buy the ecu and replace it yourself and program it yourself.
Pm me if interested

[pewter05]

Originally Posted by mustang67408

The 2005 Sequoia is NOT one of those and the IMMOBILIXER ECU needs to be replaced.
If you are able to perfom some dash removal, then you can buy the ecu and replace it yourself and program it yourself.

Would buying the ecu be any cheaper? I thought they went for $1200 or so. Is Toyota willing to do an ecu exchange if the work is not performed at a dealership?

[redwa94]

Which working key do you have now? I had the same problem with my '05 Seq. I had one key and fob. I bought (on ebay) another key and fob, was able to program the fob myself and needed the dealership to set the RF of the key. This was a few years back, but if still needed, I might be able to find the directions for the fob. And if I missed the point, sorry.

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by pewter05

Would buying the ecu be any cheaper? I thought they went for $1200 or so. Is Toyota willing to do an ecu exchange if the work is not performed at a dealership?

There is NO exchange on that vehicle because the immobilizer ecu is seperate from the engine ecu.
That immobilixer ecu is approx 250 + keys.

If you only have a valet, then you can not program a master to it..You have to have a working master first then you can program other keys.

The IMMOBILIZER ecu must be replaced, unless a locksmith can reprogram it, but the dealership can not do this, we have to replace it.

[pewter05]

My local dealer told me that Toyota would give you the ecu for free if you paid for the labor; they said it was a special, once per owner, deal. I was quoted a similar cost of about $250+keys. Based on this, I assumed that Toyota took the replaced ecu back and "reconditioned" it (flash the chips and reload) to be used again.

I haven't done it, I figure if I lose it then I'll have it towed and pay about $350 for a friggin' key! That would be wasted money if I don't lose it.

Bummer, when you suggested the DIY I thought that maybe I could actually afford a replacement key.

This wouldn't tick me off so much if it were optional equipment that could be bypassed.

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by pewter05

My local dealer told me that Toyota would give you the ecu for free if you paid for the labor; they said it was a special, once per owner, deal. I was quoted a similar cost of about $250+keys. Based on this, I assumed that Toyota took the replaced ecu back and "reconditioned" it (flash the chips and reload) to be used again.

I haven't done it, I figure if I lose it then I'll have it towed and pay about $350 for a friggin' key! That would be wasted money if I don't lose it.

Bummer, when you suggested the DIY I thought that maybe I could actually afford a replacement key.

This wouldn't tick me off so much if it were optional equipment that could be bypassed.

I disagree with your dealer, they only give you an ECU, IF the immobilizer is in the ECU, your sequoia has a different immobilizer ecu that is seperate from the engine ecu.
PM sent

[sirach38]

I just bought a 05 Sequoia Limited and found out that I only got the grey valet key. I've read the posts in this forum. I just want to confirm that to get a new master key, I will need to replace my ECU. I just returned from my local toyota dealer and they said it will cost me at least $1200 to get it done. They said they will get back to me for a full quote. In the meantime, I called my local locksmiths and they said it can be done for $300. Is this true? What are my options?

Thanks!

[yokomo]

I am in the process as we speak

Looks like my local dealer (used car lot that I got the truck from and not a Toyota outfit) is going to be paying for an ECU, the seeding of computer and keys etc. at their cost of around $650 Canadian. This includes keys, cutting, programming, re and re the ECU etc.

I am paying for a key as well since you cannot add on keys later with 03 and up ecu's

[Johnnny Rock]

Originally Posted by pewter05

My local dealer told me that Toyota would give you the ecu for free if you paid for the labor; they said it was a special, once per owner, deal. I was quoted a similar cost of about $250+keys. Based on this, I assumed that Toyota took the replaced ecu back and "reconditioned" it (flash the chips and reload) to be used again.

I haven't done it, I figure if I lose it then I'll have it towed and pay about $350 for a friggin' key! That would be wasted money if I don't lose it.

Bummer, when you suggested the DIY I thought that maybe I could actually afford a replacement key.

This wouldn't tick me off so much if it were optional equipment that could be bypassed.

I agree with you, I would not bother having this done unless I loose the key. But I would get an "unchipped" key cut just in case I lock the key in my truck. That way you have a key that will unlock the door at the very least.

OR what I would do is go to my local car alarm place and have an auto start/alarm installed. When you do this they take the key you have and put it in a "key box" somewhere under your dash board. This way you won't need to use "chipped" keys. I think this will work because the chipped key is always in the box under the dash. You should go to your local after market car alarm place and see if this will work for you. I don't see why it won't. If you do look into this please post and tell us how you made out. Johnnnnny

[pewter05]

Originally Posted by Johnnny Rock

I agree with you, I would not bother having this done unless I loose the key. But I would get an "unchipped" key cut just in case I lock the key in my truck. That way you have a key that will unlock the door at the very least.

OR what I would do is go to my local car alarm place and have an auto start/alarm installed. When you do this they take the key you have and put it in a "key box" somewhere under your dash board. This way you won't need to use "chipped" keys. I think this will work because the chipped key is always in the box under the dash. You should go to your local after market car alarm place and see if this will work for you. I don't see why it won't. If you do look into this please post and tell us how you made out. Johnnnnny

Way ahead of you...

I had 3 keys cut at the hardware store: 1 for my wife, 1 for me, and 1 for the house. If we ever lose the key we can still get a spare and unlock the doors and put it in neutral to be towed.

When I called about a remote starter I was told that I would need an add-on module to allow the vehicle to start without the key. Problem is it's not a "key box" that I could leave the key in. I was told I would still need the chipped key to drive. When I told him that wanted to just bypass the immobilizer system and save several hundred dollars he said they wouldn't do it because the car could be stolen.

My last thought was to go with a push-button start, allowing me to hide the ignition switch in the dash with the key always there; or replace the ignition switch with an old-school non-RFID, keeping the Toyota switch and key hidden under the dash, so I still need a regular key to start the car.

None of these options are really any cheaper.

[arielcarrion]

You all are having a hard time. I had the same situation. SEQ 03 one key! The Velet key! You can imaging. I resolve my problem with $21.00 I buy 3. With the VIN @ any Toyota dealer they will cut the key. It will open all the doors plus turn the switch. UNCUT BLADE KEY FOR TOYOTA SEQUOIA Sienna Matrix:eBay Motors (item 130316581021 end time Aug-02-09 12:08:13 PDT) I took my great and special valet key that's unique and the only one. Well I remove the cover of the switch, with a "wire tie" i put the stupid key very close to the sensor. Now I can turn on my truck with any key. Who's gonna know how many cars and trucks have a key behind the cover.

Can be stolen? Stupid question. Yes why not! You guys never saw the movie "Gone in 60 Second" Cool movei plus Angelina look awesome! Hahahaha!!! No matter what car or truck you have, If they want it! They have it! With or without the chip your truck can be stolen anyaway! I don't worry for that! So $21 buck, 3 keys working! Not bad! The chip one will be always behind the cover with 2 wire ties.


Have fun and good luck!

[yokomo]

Got a call from my dealer. At first they told me Toyota sent them the wrong ECU then later they called back and said it was the right one but they now have to change the main computer as well?????? Something about they tried just replacing the imobilizer ECU but that did not work so they thought it was the wrong one.

So they now have to wait to hear back from Toyota Canada....

So much freakin trouble for an extra key!

I am going to trade it in later and I don't want to monkey around with other solutions