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Replacing Key or Rekeying Vehicle?

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by doxprox, Jul 19, 2020.

  1. Jul 19, 2020 at 6:06 PM
    #1
    doxprox

    doxprox [OP] New Member

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    Gage
    Hello Everyone!
    The key that came with my 4Runner is very worn down. It doesn't work with the driver side door, and takes a bit of jiggling to work in the ignition. Can I get a new key from a dealership or a locksmith? Should I re-key everything to a new key?

    I am also considering getting keyless entry added. Would it be worthwhile to do this at the same time, or is it okay for me to wait on it?
     
  2. Jul 19, 2020 at 8:40 PM
    #2
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    1996 SR5 Limited
    Congrats, you wore the key out.:) Thats quite the milestone. Yes, give dealer the VIN I think it’s a hundred bucks.
     
    7385 likes this.
  3. Jul 25, 2020 at 10:43 AM
    #3
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    I don't think you can rekey everything. Toyota has discontinued the locks. The ignition lock is still available I think...so you can change that one...but then you will have 2 keys. If the locks are working...go to the dealer and get a new key.
     
    7385 likes this.
  4. Aug 2, 2020 at 12:19 AM
    #4
    Trekker

    Trekker Regular Member

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    My car came with one original key and two brass aftermarket ones. None work very smoothly but the aftermarkets take so much force and jiggling that I almost fear I am going to snap the plastic key. Go to Toyota who will get it right and give you a high quality replacement even if it is more its worth it. A competent lock smith might be able to do the same thing but its nice to have the keys brand match the car.
     
  5. Aug 2, 2020 at 5:55 AM
    #5
    doxprox

    doxprox [OP] New Member

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    Gage
    Hi Trekker, thanks for the response. I got new keys from the local Toyota Dealership for a really good price. Now I've got 3 new keys and the old one. A locksmith recommended I look for a stuck wafer in the driver's door lock. After pulling it the driver's door works fine with all the keys.
     

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