[NA] Replacing auto electronic key fobs

Let'sgoflying!

Let'sgoflying!

Touchdown! Greaser!
Joined
Feb 23, 2005
Messages
21,872
Location
west Texas
Display Name
Dave Taylor
Home Airfield
KMRF
Has anyone had any luck replacing key fobs with online sellers?
Mine are for a 2021 Toyota 4Runner and new batteries are not helping so I'm thinking of replacement.
Dealers want $260+tax ie almost $300 which seems a little opportunistic.

-can only get into car with metal key now (used to be able to touch door handle and door lock opens)
-must touch fob to ignition switch to get car to start (used to be able to throw it into console and start it)
-if running and someone opens door then returns to drive off, it does not detect key and the alarm plays.
-buttons don't work
-there are a few other problems
-just learned two different fobs seem to have failed so now much rule out car problem
oh, also - checking on warranty today
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
Has anyone had any luck replacing key fobs with online sellers?
Mine are for a 2021 Toyota 4Runner and new batteries are not helping so I'm thinking of replacement.
Dealers want $260+tax ie almost $300 which seems a little opportunistic.

-can only get into car with metal key now (used to be able to touch door handle and door lock opens)
-must touch fob to ignition switch to get car to start (used to be able to throw it into console and start it)
-if running and someone opens door then returns to drive off, it does not detect key and the alarm plays.
-buttons don't work
-there are a few other problems
-just learned two different fobs seem to have failed so now much rule out car problem
oh, also - checking on warranty today
Click to expand...
If it's both fobs and new batteries don't work, I would assume car problem until proven otherwise. I bought the old kind of key fobs online and had good luck, but 300 bucks for Smart keys doesn't seem like a too bad deal. I wouldn't buy them anywhere though until you rule out a car problem.
 
Lindberg said:
If it's both fobs and new batteries don't work, I would assume car problem until proven otherwise. I bought the old kind of key fobs online and had good luck, but 300 bucks for Smart keys doesn't seem like a too bad deal. I wouldn't buy them anywhere though until you rule out a car problem.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I was surprised to see $260. My last one was a bit over $400. Maybe the automakers actually listened to customer complaints on this one and made their products more maintainable!
 
Locksmiths should be able to do the key fob but I'm not sure it would be much less than the $260 from the dealer.
 
I would fear doing the key anywhere BUT the dealer since the keys are basically mini-transponders now. A flaky key would be outsized frustration vs. the cost savings.

My Subaru apparently shuts down fuel pump and several ECU modules before the correct key is presented. Losing both keys, I'm told, is a $3-5K adventure.
 
This store is based on Utah, has many favorable reviews on Google, and has a money-back guarantee if the fob doesn't work:

tomskey.com

Toyota 4Runner 2020-2021 Push Button Start

Get your Toyota 4Runner 2020-2021 Push Button Start today. Program your spare key at home in 10 minutes. Save up to 80% over dealership pricing.
tomskey.com tomskey.com

Cost:
Fob: $135
Key cut: $60
Programmer rental: $80
Total: $275+tax
 
I utterly despise fobs. You can buy a gadget on Amazon for $50 that will open pretty much anything using a fob. Not only that, but other than the Tesla fob, everything else is huge. I used to keep the car key (a physical key but electronic) on my house key ring - not any more.

hate them. despise them. absolutely no advantage to them. just another example of "we can do this, doesn't matter if it makes sense or not.
 
Larry in TN said:
Locksmiths should be able to do the key fob but I'm not sure it would be much less than the $260 from the dealer.
Click to expand...

We have a local hardware store (Ace/True Value) that does them at about half the cost ...
 
murphey said:
hate them. despise them. absolutely no advantage to them. just another example of "we can do this, doesn't matter if it makes sense or not.
Click to expand...

TETO, I love the keyless fobs, no digging keys out my pants. Touch handle, get in. Push button, go. Easy peasy. If it means replacing a CR2032 every couple of years, no biggie.
 
murphey said:
I utterly despise fobs. You can buy a gadget on Amazon for $50 that will open pretty much anything using a fob. Not only that, but other than the Tesla fob, everything else is huge. I used to keep the car key (a physical key but electronic) on my house key ring - not any more.

hate them. despise them. absolutely no advantage to them. just another example of "we can do this, doesn't matter if it makes sense or not.
Click to expand...
If this was Subway Takes, I'd be shaking my head and saying "100% disagree"
 
One aftermarket provider: "sorry we can't do a fob for you, that one needs to be programmed by the dealer"
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
I've replaced both batteries with the oem spec, CR2032 I think it is, with no improvement.
So I'm thinking I have a different friend?
Click to expand...
Yeah different. A lot of fobs use the 1632 which lasts a long time. I have yet to replace the battery in my '17 Sentra fob. I ordered some because it was the specified battery for my Shimano wireless DI2 shifters. They supposedly last a year but I'm approaching 3 on the bike and they are still good.

But it is a key fob, so it just unlocks things. I guess a keyless fob needs more power.
 
Fob smob. I had a '47 chevy pu. To start it all it needed was to turn one switch to on, step on the 4th pedal and it would start. (most of the time)

Never had to lock it because no one knew how to start it. Second gear howled like an air raid siren. Step on the gas pedal and the windshield wipers would stop working. Let off the gas pedal and the wipers went like crazy. No power steering, no power brakes, no radio, no seat belts, steering wheel as big as the tires, 2/45 air conditioning, memories of those wonderful split rim wheels.... man, I miss that truck.
 
Zeldman said:
Fob smob. I had a '47 chevy pu. To start it all it needed was to turn one switch to on, step on the 4th pedal and it would start. (most of the time)

Never had to lock it because no one knew how to start it. Second gear howled like an air raid siren. Step on the gas pedal and the windshield wipers would stop working. Let off the gas pedal and the wipers went like crazy. No power steering, no power brakes, no radio, no seat belts, steering wheel as big as the tires, 2/45 air conditioning, memories of those wonderful split rim wheels.... man, I miss that truck.
Click to expand...

Yep ... drove a '56 Chevy with a 235 and three on the tree. When the 235 wore out I changed it out for the mighty 292! Now I have a fob and if I remote start in the cold it turns on the heated seats and heated steering wheel. I didn't think I needed those things but I've learned that some things are worth having ... when it's 18º.
 
No FOB is worth over $100 in parts... it all just a way to screw the consumer. If Trump wants to make life affordable, then a cap on FOB an lock programming costs is one government overreach I will happily accept.

There are two ways to program a new FOB, one is a new encrypted code from a new chip (most expensive) but many times you can simply CLONE an existing FOB onto a new blank one saving a lot of steps/money.
 
We bought a used SUV from a dealer, but they only gave us 1 fob. I was shocked to learn that the dealer charged close to $500 to provide and program a new fob. I bought a fob from an online dealer for $30 and then searched for a locksmith to program it. Most said they wouldn't even try unless the fob came from a dealer, and dealers wouldn't sell a fob unless I had them program it. What a racket! I Finally found a locksmith willing to try, but he was careful to point out that I'd have to pay for the token to use the programmer even if it didn't work on my aftermarket fob. Well, I was kinda lucky - most of the fob functions work and the car will start but the fancy parking and unparking functions on the aftermarket fob don't work. Not the end of the world since I've only used the fancy parking function once at a parking garage with too little space to open the door once the car was parked. I was able to get out of the car with it lined up with the parking spot and then have to car pull itself in while I stood off the to the side. When I returned to the garage a couple of hours later, the fob directed the car to back itself out until I could open the door and get in. That's pretty cool, but only works with the original fob. The aftermarket one is just for emergency use if I lose the primary one.
 
I bought a 2020 Honda recently, only came with one key. It’s a smart key, not a Fob. I went to a local locksmith for 2 more keys. The one key did have controls to lock & unlock. My 2 simpler keys cost $180, not cheap but not terrible.

The locksmith did say it’s much better to come with a key than after you lose the only key you have.
 
When I bought may wifes car from CarMax it had one FOB. I told them add a second FOB and its a done deal.

Took two weeks for a random locksmith to show up and make the fob, go back to pick it up and me being me I test EVERY function. The trunk release didn't work. Salesdroid says 'let me try it'. I stated I was perfectly capable of pressing the button. But he insisted. When it didn't work for him either I offered to assist him with pressing the button. Then the service manager shows up and we go around again.

I reminded them they are still on the hook for a FOB and they said come back in two weeks. I said last chance or I want the dealer to do it. Second time I got a fully programmed FOB. I looked online an my cost (FOB, PRogramming, cutting) would be about $400.

Never buy a car without that second FOB. I won't even take cash.... that FOB is to important.
 
murphey said:
hate them. despise them. absolutely no advantage to them. just another example of "we can do this, doesn't matter if it makes sense or not.
Click to expand...
Yeah, sure. It's not an advantage that I can just walk up to my car and open the door even though it was locked. Or walk up behind it with my hands full and have the liftgate just open on it's own? Or that I can just leave my key in my briefcase when I get in the car and not have anything in my pocketsm? No advantage in being able to back my car out of a tight spot or start it without going outside and leave it running with no theft risk?

Those might not be advantages for you, but definitely are for me.
 
Lindberg said:
Yeah, sure. It's not an advantage that I can just walk up to my car and open the door even though it was locked. Or walk up behind it with my hands full and have the liftgate just open on it's own? Or that I can just leave my key in my briefcase when I get in the car and not have anything in my pocketsm? No advantage in being able to back my car out of a tight spot or start it without going outside and leave it running with no theft risk?

Those might not be advantages for you, but definitely are for me.
Click to expand...
Congratulations but I don't have those functions on my Ford. I'd never leave a fob in my backpack - might forget and leave the backpack in the car and now the car is unlocked. In Colorado, not allowed to leave the car running.
 
murphey said:
Congratulations but I don't have those functions on my Ford. I'd never leave a fob in my backpack - might forget and leave the backpack in the car and now the car is unlocked. In Colorado, not allowed to leave the car running.
Click to expand...
Sounds like your issue is with Ford, not fobs. It would be very obvious if I left my fob in the car. I wouldn't be able to lock the door and the car makes a big deal about it. That's another point for fobs: can't lock your keys in the car.
 
Last edited:
Lindberg said:
Sounds like your issue is with Ford, not fobs. It would be very obvious if I left my fob in the car. I wouldn't be able to lock the door and the car makes a big deal about it. That's another point for fobs: can't lock your keys in the car.
Click to expand...
Lindberg said:
Sounds like your issue is with Ford, not fobs. It would be very obvious if I left my fob in the car. I wouldn't be able to lock the door and the car makes a big deal about it. That's another point for fobs: can't lock your keys in the car.
Click to expand...
No, my issue is with companies that take the attitude they are entitled to dictate how I should live/read/work.
 
So this is one of the two fobs you have that is having an issue? The other fob works fine?

$260 seems a little steep to replace one fob, at first... But you know the one from the dealer is going to work and if for some reason it doesn't, they have to deal with getting you another one. The one from the online outfit should work, but if it doesn't, what then? You try them again, or at that point do you just end up going to the dealer? And I'm sure they're legit, but you will have to give them all sorts of your personal info to get the fob programed. I'm guessing you can't just call up with a VIN# and they send you a fob.
 
murphey said:
No, my issue is with companies that take the attitude they are entitled to dictate how I should live/read/work.
Click to expand...
Then you must have issues with almost every company you deal with now.

For example: You want full service so you don't have to pump your own gas? Tough, self serve only. Walk into a restaurant and want to sit down and order? Tough, you have to order at the counter and then you food is brought to you. Having a problem with one of your products or services and want to talk to someone in person? Tough, you have to call the customer service number and talk to "Steve" (who is in Mumbai). You want a paper bill every month for your internet or phone service? Congratulations, you'll pay extra for that.

Life is too short.
 
The local locksmith suggested I buy the FOB from amazon and then bring it to him to program.
Which I have in the past for a couple different vehicles. They work like they are supposed to and cheaper then the dealer.
 
Lindberg said:
Sounds like your issue is with Ford, not fobs. It would be very obvious if I left my fob in the car. I wouldn't be able to lock the door and the car makes a big deal about it. That's another point for fobs: can't lock your keys in the car.
Click to expand...
I didn't know that. I'm going to have to test it!
 
172andyou said:
I didn't know that. I'm going to have to test it!
Click to expand...
Both of our cars that use keyless ignition won’t allow one to lock the fob in the car. If you try the car beeps and unlocks the doors.

The few times when I wanted to leave a fob in a locked car I wrap it in aluminum foil, which creates a faraday cage around the fob to block radio transmission between fob and car.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top