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Originally Posted by iriepunk
I have lost my master key and only have the valet key for my 2004 4runner. The shop says they cannot program a master from a velet key. Does anyone know what I have to replace so I can get this done? They say I have to replace the computer.
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Hey iriepunk,
Man, I hate to be the bearer of
"bad news", but you're in a REAL
"pickle" here and unfortunately, at your dealers mercy on this one! I hope the following info will help... at least... if nothing else... in understanding
"why" the computer is going to have to be replaced in your '04 4-Runner. Working for the largest Key Blank manufacturer in the states, I can at least give you that much honest and
"accurate" info.
Since your 4-Runner is an '04 model, you have a
"factory installed security system". This type of technology began with the '99 model of the 4-Runner and is still in use with new models. In fact... nearly 76% of all vehicles today use what's known as
Transponder Keys in them. These keys have a
"chip" inside the head of the key. In most cases, they're very easily recognizable. The head of these keys will be quite a bit
"thicker" than an ordinary plastic-head car key. If you're not sure, the ONLY way to tell for sure, is to go by a reputable locksmith or Toyota dealer and ask them to
"test" your key for a chip. They'll have a small hand-held unit (possibly a TD3A) which will read the type of chip in the key head. This
"chip" has to be in close proximity to the ignition as it has a
"matched" code with the ignition of the vehicle's on-board computer which it will recognize allowing the vehicle to start. For instance... if you were to take your key to a local
WalMart and hand them your key to have a duplicate cut, they'll probably have a key blank that will match. The
"key" (no pun intended) here is, that the key probably won't have a
"chip" in it and even if it does... it won't be
"matched" to your specific vehicle's on-board computer... thus the car won't start and the key blank is useless... PERIOD! The technology does work and works well... well enough that insurance companies are lobbying BIG TIME for these types of keys in every new vehicle. Is a VERY big thief-deterrent! Obviously your 4-Runner has this technology since you've already been to your dealer and gotten the bad news about replacing the computer.
If you, your wife, or someone else in your family had at least one
"master" key, your Toyota dealer could possibly
"erase" the existing code for the keys you lost. I say possibly, because in some cases you have to have BOTH
"master" keys. This would (of course) mean you'd have to buy all new keys, but it's STILL cheaper that the ONLY alternative you're faced with by not having even one
"master" key ... REPLACING THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER!!
There has to be at least one
master key in the ignition to
"erase" these codes and without it, the computer has to be replaced with a new
"key-code". Unfortunately, when it happens the customer/owner really gets the
"brunt" of this. Let me give you a recent scenario here at work: I realize this isn't going to
"help" your situation, but it my help prepare you for what you could be faced with at your dealer...
our key blank manager here was contacted by a guy who'd just bought a Lexus at an auction, "thinking" that he'd saved a bundle of $$$... and he did... except for the fact that he was only given a valet key. He called several places and finally ended up calling us, in the hope, we'd have the "miracle" he was looking for. Unfortunately, that's impossible without a "master" key. He ultimately end up having to shell out close to $3,000 to have the on-board computer replaced! OUCH! 
! Hopefully, it won't cost you that much, even though Lexus is also made my Toyota!
I SURE wish I could give you better news, but without at least one or all of those
"master" keys you're in a real fix! Sorry to be the bearer of such bad news!
Best of luck,
Dave
P.S. If and when you get things straightened out, PM me and let me know. I can maybe (at least) help you get a second set of keys so this won't happen to you again.
