Getting a spare set of keys Options

[sarasa]

I went through my manual the other day and it said to get keys from the dealership, I'd need the key number. I bought my car used back in April and all I received was a remote and one single, Toyota key. I did get a spare made at Lowes that sometimes works if I turn it upside down. I tried to get a better one made at a different location, but it would only unlock the door and not start the car. We cut three keys and tried recutting two of them with no success. Would Toyota be able to cut me a key based off of the key I have or find a master key similar to it?

I am nervous of losing my key but without the number I don't know if they would be able to tell what kind of key I have. Plus why isn't the other shops able to cut my key? If it is because of excessive wear on the key, could it damage my car or locks if I keep on using it? I thought it was originally because one of the hills on the key wasn't the same on the other side, but I met a 7th gen Celica owner and his key was the same way.

I have a '97 and I think it's a ST.

[Rusty]

sounds like you need to go to a good quality locksmith to get the keys made

[MaskedMan]

A dealership should be able to cut you a key by using your VIN# and proof that you actually own the vehicle. That's how we usually do it at work and that's how I got a set of keys for my Celica made.

[richee3]

A dealership should be able to cut you a key by using your VIN# and proof that you actually own the vehicle. That's how we usually do it at work and that's how I got a set of keys for my Celica made.

x2. I've done this 3 times now, twice for my Celica and once for our Camry. All you need to do is take an insurance card into your dealership. That proves that you own the car (well... it's good enough for them, anyway) and it has the VIN number on it. They can cut you a key just as it was from the factory.

[sarasa]

Thanks! I'll probably do that during this coming week.

[drumbum]

Thanks! I'll probably do that during this coming week.

the same thing happened to me i just got some cut at walmart and a hardware store and they suck. If you end up getting them can you tell me the price toyota gave you to make the key?

Thanks

[Murgatroy]

A lot of times you keys will get worn down, from being carried in you pocket to being used.

As such, when you get a copy made, it isn't going to be cut 100% to what needs to be.

The other possibility is that your tumblers have been worn down as well.

If you go to the dealership with your VIN# and Registration, they will be able to cut you a new key. However, it won't be a $1.37 like Wal-Mart charges.

[95CelicaST]

A new blank Toyota key is ~$10. I'm not sure if you're charged for cutting it. I'm getting one done Thursday. I'll let you know what the total is.

[95CelicaST]

I called in my order since it'll take a couple days to get the key from Toyota and the total for the plastic key blank was $10. Cutting is no extra charge, and they require title or registration+ photo ID. Those items are required by Toyota to authorize any key cuts.

So $10 at the local dealership, or you can order online at www.1sttoyotaparts.com. Plastic key blanks for my MR2 are $7.88 online, but shipping is set at $9.95, or 10% of your order - whichever is more. Luckily the dealer that operates that site is about 30 miles from me, so I can waive shipping and can pick up the order.

[Hanyo]

A lot of times you keys will get worn down, from being carried in you pocket to being used.

As such, when you get a copy made, it isn't going to be cut 100% to what needs to be.

The other possibility is that your tumblers have been worn down as well.

If you go to the dealership with your VIN# and Registration, they will be able to cut you a new key. However, it won't be a $1.37 like Wal-Mart charges.

+1


even if your key was not worn down, your lock and cyclinder would have "custom worn" themselves to each other not allowing fresh cut keys to work.

[drumbum]

So would it be worth it getting one from the dealer, or would it work the same as the one i got from walmart. Would it even make a difference?

[95CelicaST]

It does make a difference. The dealer doesn't copy your current key, they look up the key code and grind it as it was from the factory. The key is a little "stiff" because the tumblers in your ignition and doors are worn, so the key needs to be broken in.

[drumbum]

It does make a difference. The dealer doesn't copy your current key, they look up the key code and grind it as it was from the factory. The key is a little "stiff" because the tumblers in your ignition and doors are worn, so the key needs to be broken in.

Just got copies from the dealer a week ago and WOW it makes a total difference from a copied one I would recommend doing this for spare keys the total for one key was 5 bucks not bad at all.