OT Duplicate car key?

Now you're assuming... *L* You still need to set-up correctly with any precision machine.

When I needed another chip key for a 2004 Toyota, the local Ace store was able to make a copy. I think it was less than $75, but don't recall.

The copy is a little bulkier than the original, since it has battery powered electronics. Ace can also replace the battery if it runs down. You might be able to replace it yourself if you can figure out how to get the key knob apart without breaking it.

I also had a non-chip copy made to keep in my wallet. It won't start the car, but will open the doors.

Fred

Meanie wrote in news:ll0um2$f57$ snipped-for-privacy@dont-email.me:

Basic transponder key. Fob is separate and controls door locks and beeps horn.

The programming of the key, such as that from your link, frightens me (everything frightens me!). I'm afraid of the key I have's programing being damaged and having no way to use my expensive car. All just for a backup key in case I lose the original. In some 65 years of driving I can't recall losing a car key. Locking it in the car, mis-laying it briefly yes, but never losing it. Confirmed worry-wart.

Let me put this more firmly. There already is a sensor of there would be no way to detect a chip key now. It's all connected to everything. Use it.

maybe it was the RIGHT ball.

On 15 May 2014, "Pico Rico" wrote in alt.home.repair:

I look forward to testing your theory!

gulp! You DO know it is the vehicle owner's ball we are talking about, right?

When thieves tried to steal my van, the RF key saved it, so I am happy to have it. But the repair shop only gave me ONE replacement key. That, in turn, made programming another impossible using the in-car method, which I found out only after buying a replacement key from Ebay for $12.

The in-car programming in my case requires the use of TWO original keys to program a third. I suspect that's a safety feature the prevents someone with temporary access to one key, like a valet parker, from cloning your key. Despite all the research I did, I didn't discover this "gotcha" until after the fact. The ACE guys said the key couldn't be programmed but I would have said that too since they charge about $80 to clone a key. I suspect he was actually telling the truth since my key looked much like the factory model and their keys are very much bigger.

On 15 May 2014, "Pico Rico" wrote in alt.home.repair:

Yes!

So, to program the key, you have to summon the NG poster from a couple days ago and scratch whose uh, hmm, exactly?