Toyota
Toyota Lost Car Key Replacement – All The Information You Need To Know About Toyota Replacement Key Fobs, Keyless Entry, Ignition Problems, Cost, Programming, Battery, and More.
We specialize in making replacement car keys for Toyota when you don’t have a spare or need a fob, Ignition repair, replaced and more.
Want to get some useful tips before you call a locksmith? Read out blog post Locksmith near me
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Toyota keys replacement near me – things to remember before calling a locksmith or dealer
Calling an automotive locksmith or a dealer near your location when you need a key replacement is probably the most common thing to do. Based on your location, an automotive locksmith can come to you, or you may choose to tow the car to the dealer.
We outline a few points to remember, to help you save some time and money regardless of which option you choose:
- First, always ask for a quote. Describe the problem in detail and give the automotive locksmith all the details, even if you think they may not be relevant. Moreover, If the locksmith has all the details, it can speed up the process and make it more cost-effective. Remember to give them your exact location to prevent a long waiting period. It may also affect the price.
2. In addition, tell the locksmith/dealer if the ignition was changed before, as far as you know. A previous ignition change may result in different keys for the ignition and doors.
3. Most Toyota models today are equipped with chips or transponders, so make sure you mention the exact year, make and model and ask the locksmith if they have the necessary tools in their truck to code the key. Not all locksmiths have a key coding machine to program those keys.
4. In addition, it’s important to have the VIN number available as the locksmith may need it.
5. Finally, remember that for most Toyota models, there is no need to tow the car to the dealer should you lose your car keys. An automotive locksmith should be able to make you a new car key on site.
What you should do when your Toyota car key is lost and how to get a replacement:
Generally speaking, you have three options:
- First, call an automotive locksmith that offers a mobile service for Toyota cars. We can help you with that.
- Second, tow the car to the dealer.
- Third, order a key online and have the dealer or locksmith cut and program (if necessary) it for you.
For a more detailed explanation including tips on how to SAVE TIME AND MONEY please visit our blog post: How to get a replacement key
- First, make sure you don’t have a spare key. Many of us put one away as a backup for when we lose our key. Take a deep breath and try to remember where it is. Need some ideas of where your key might be? Take a look at this blog post on how to find your lost Toyota Key
- In addition, if you decided to call an automotive locksmith, remember to provide the exact year, make and model, e.g. “I lost my 2018 Toyota Corolla car keys, I lost my 2016 Toyota Camry smart key fob, I lost my 2015 Toyota Yaris laser cut key” etc. This is important so the locksmith can check if he or she has the right key blank/ transponder key/ remote key fob.
- Furthermore, remember to ask if the key needs to be programmed or coded, some models do – e.g., a replacement key for a 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser key fob or a 2015 Toyota Corolla transponder key will need to be programmed, whereas a 1998 Toyota Camry won’t.
- If you think you need a new ignition switch/ lock cylinder, first make sure you don’t simply need a new key. Changing the ignition for Toyota cars is more expensive than buying a replacement key and it will mean that you will have one key for the doors and another for the ignition.
- When calling a dealer to get a Toyota replacement key, ask if you can pick up the new key yourself, or whether you have to tow the car there.
- In addition, if the key won’t turn in the ignition, mention if this is something that has happened for the first time or is an ongoing problem.
- Moreover, if you have previously changed the ignition cylinder, tell the locksmith or dealer as it may prevent them from cutting you a new key by code.
- Finally, make sure you have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the car and relevant documents to show ownership of the car. The title certificate, registration papers, your ID and proof of insurance, etc.
Q: Toyota key replacement cost – How much does it cost to replace a Toyota key without the original? What is the average price?
The answer below is a short explanation. For a more detailed explanation and GREAT TIPS on how to save money, please visit our blog post: Car keys replacement cost
A: In a nutshell, to replace a Toyota key can cost anywhere between $100 and $400. The price you pay depends on several factors:
- The type of key
- The car’s year of manufacture
- The day of the week, the time of day (or night!) & your location
- Where you get the key replacement (dealer, automotive locksmith, online, etc.)
- Availability of the code to cut a new key
- Original ignition or not
The type of key you had and the year the car was manufactured are probably the most important factors as they dictate whether you need a chip, intelligent fob, “push to start”, remote, or a regular “non-transponder” key. Keys for late model cars have better security features and so you can expect to pay more than $280 for a replacement key. Choose your Toyota model (from the drop-down menu) and the type of key you had for more accurate pricing and information.
In addition,
it depends on where you get a key replacement. The dealer, automotive locksmith or get it online. Click here to get a more detailed explanation of how to get a replacement key.
A dealer typically charges about 10%-15% less than a locksmith for the key. However, you’ll probably have to tow the car to the dealer so they can code/program the new key or remote, so the total price is usually higher.
Furthermore,
consider that if you are thinking about getting a locksmith to come out and make you a new key outside of regular business hours, the price is likely to spiral.
Finally,
if your Toyota ignition cylinder has been changed in the past (quite often the case with older cars), this probably means that the code for the key may no longer be valid, so you will either have to get a new key cut manually by a locksmith or change the ignition once again so the dealer can’t be of help.
Q: How long does it take to make a replacement key for a 2019 Toyota Corolla? I lost my original and have no spare. Do you offer automotive locksmith services for Toyota cars?
A: Generally speaking, for a new Toyota key, fob, remote or smart key, the process should take about one to two hours, depending on the year of manufacture and model of the car.
If codes are available, this process is even faster.
Remember, we offer complete automotive locksmith services for all Toyota models including Emergency lockout service, car keys replacement, ignition repair, and more.
Q: How can I know if my Toyota key had a chip in it? I understand that some keys need to be programmed in order to start the car?
A: A good rule of thumb is that a key that had a plastic cover at the top and/or the vehicle was manufactured after the year 1998 most likely had a chip in it.
Hence, if you’ve lost your Toyota key and it had a chip in it, the key will have to be programmed/ coded on-site in order to start the car.
An automotive locksmith for Toyota keys replacement can do that on-site. Alternatively, you can contact the dealer, but the car will have to be towed there.
Below are examples of the different types of Toyota keys and remote “push to start button” smart key fobs:
Fob car key – Toyota fob remote “push to start” intelligent car key: It typically looks like some sort of remote. This fob car key has a chip and therefore will need to be coded.
The next image is of a Toyota key that has a transponder chip in it and therefore NEEDS to be coded. The chip is located inside the cover at the top.
The next image is of a Toyota key that doesn’t contain a chip and therefore DOES NOT NEED to be coded. It’s a simple metal key.
Q: Can I get a Toyota key replacement by VIN?
A: That depends on the year of manufacture of your car and the type of key you had.
The VIN gives Toyota dealers or automotive locksmiths the option of accessing the key code on file – i.e., to cut you a replacement key by code which makes the process very fast and easy. There are however two things to consider:
- For vehicles older than 10 years: Toyota dealers don’t keep a record for vehicles older than 10 years. An automotive locksmith is therefore your only option to get a replacement key.
- For vehicles equipped with a transponder system and/or a remote/intelligent key/fob key: Codes are available. However, as coding is required, you will have to either tow the car to the dealer, or have an automotive locksmith come and code the key on site.
Click here to learn more about VIN number.
Q: I Lost my 2014 Toyota Corolla ignition key and have no spare or AAA. How can I replace it? Can you make replacement Toyota keys on-site or do I have to tow the car to the dealer?
A: Sure, an automotive locksmith for Toyota cars can make a replacement key or fob on site. It is important to mention the year make and model as most of the time the key must be programmed and to verify with the locksmiths they have the key blank in stock.
Q: I need a 2010 Toyota Tundra replacement ignition car key. What should I do and how can I get a new car key made?
A: You have a couple of options, first to ask the dealer to cut and program you the new key, but please keep in mind that you must tow the car there which will result in a higher cost and more time.
Another option is to call an automotive locksmith who specializes in Toyota key replacement and can make you the key on-site, including programming.
Q: My 2011 Toyota Sienna ignition key won’t turn and my wheel is locked. What is the reason and can you change my ignition for me? What should I do? How can I get a new Toyota ignition switch and key?
A: There are a number of reasons why the ignition key won’t turn. The key may be worn out, or jammed; the ignition may be rusty, or its wafers broken. An automotive locksmith for Toyota cars can determine the reason on-site and solve the problem. We can help you in this scenario.
Remember that losing your Toyota ignition key does not mean that you have to change the ignition. In most cases, you won’t have to.
For more information please visit: My ignition key won’t turn
Q: My Toyota Corolla transponder key will not start the car. The battery is new, the lights are on and the radio works. What may be the reason?
A: There are a couple of reasons for the key not starting the car – it could be a mechanical problem or a key-related problem. Please visit: My ignition key won’t start the car for more information.
Q: I lost my 2005 Toyota Corolla ignition and keyless entry keys and therefore need a replacement. Do you offer car key replacement services including programming and keyless entry remote for Toyota cars?
A: Yes. We can make replacement car keys and keyless entry remotes for all Toyota models, including on-site programming. In addition, we offer complete automotive locksmith services including car unlocking, ignition repair and more.
Q: Can you explain why there is a difference in the cost of replacement keys between Toyota models? What would be the price for a newer model at the dealer VS an automotive locksmith?
A: The price for Toyota key replacement varies according to the year of manufacture and the model. In the main, there are two different types of Toyota keys when it comes to replacement key cost:
- Non-transponder chip key – there is no need to code the key.
- Transponder chip keys – the key needs to be coded.
Here’s an example of the price you can expect to pay for a key replacement:
Non-transponder Toyota replacement key cost –
From a Dealer –
If no coding is needed, you can call the dealer and have him cut you a new replacement key, which you can pick up at your convenience.
However, if the ignition was changed in the past, as may happen with older models, the codes the dealer has on file will not work and so the key won’t turn in the ignition.
It is also important to remember that the dealer only has codes on file for the original ignition and up to a certain year. If the car is too old, it may be difficult to get a replacement key from the dealer.
Estimated cost: Usually around $80 for a new key.
From an Automotive Locksmith:
A locksmith usually charges a service fee plus the cost of the parts and labor for a replacement key.
You can therefore expect to pay more than the dealer would charge. However, since the cost of a non-transponder chip key is minor, you shouldn’t pay much more than the dealer charge and you have the convenience of a solution at your location as many locksmiths offer a mobile service.
Estimated cost: Usually around $145.
Transponder chip / “push to start” / fob / remote Toyota replacement key cost:
From a Dealer –
Keys of this type have to be coded in order to start the car and therefore the car will have to be towed to the dealership which will result in an additional cost.
The estimated cost for a transponder key: Usually around $180 for a new key.
An estimated cost for a remote key: Usually around $350 for a new key.
From an Automotive locksmith:
A locksmith usually charges a service fee plus the cost of the parts and labor for a replacement key so you can expect to pay more than the dealer would charge.
However, an automotive locksmith operating a mobile service can make the key on-site and therefore save you time and money and the hassle of towing the car to the dealer.
The estimated cost for a transponder key: Usually around $250 for a new key.
An estimated cost for a remote key: Usually around $400 for a new key.
Q: I called my Toyota dealer as I need a replacement key for my 1996 Toyota Camry. Unfortunately, they told me they can’t make me a replacement key as they don’t have the information on file. Can you explain why is that, where can I get a replacement key and how much should it cost?
A: Toyota dealers, like other car brand dealers, use a key code to cut a replacement key. Key codes are only available for a limited number of years – usually about 10 years or so.
Therefore, if your Toyota model is older than ten years, you may have a problem getting a replacement key from the dealer. In such a scenario, an automotive locksmith would be your best option.
The estimated cost should be around $145.
Q: Toyota key cutting – Who can cut a new key for my car? Can I get it done at any hardware store or should I go to an automotive locksmith or dealer? What is the procedure and how much does it cost?
A: There many different types of Toyota keys. Some can be cut with a basic cutting machine (mostly for older models made before 2010) and some, such as laser cut keys, can only be cut with a more advanced machine, which not all locksmiths carry, and definitely not hardware stores. Therefore, do your research before you decide where to get your Toyota key cut.
The next image is of a non-transponder key on a regular cutting machine:
In addition, there are a few things to consider:
First, you have to remember that cutting a new Toyota key probably won’t be enough for you to start your vehicle as most Toyota models made after 2005 requires coding in addition to cutting the key. Saying that, you will have to take care of coding the keys as well AFTER you had your key cut. Click here to see programming instructions for Toyota fobs, remotes and transponder keys
The next image is of a cut key and programming machine:
Second, the newer your Toyota is, the more chances the key is a laser-cut key. Cutting newer Toyota keys require a different machine than for those keys made before 2010. Therefore, make sure you ask the locksmith or dealer if they can cut you the key you need. In case your Toyota model is older than 2000, you may be able to get the key cut at some hardware stores as well.
Finally, try to get the key code, which makes the process of cutting a new key very fast, from your dealer. They should be able to provide it for you after verification that you are the owner. Once you have this code, any locksmith should be able to cut you the key within minutes, and it would be cheaper as well.
How much should you expect to pay for cutting your Toyota key?
Laser-cut keys or remote emergency keys – About $50 if you have the key code. (If not about $80)
Regular key, transponder keys – about $20 if you have the key code. (If not about $50)