Toyota Keys with chip

smcwhirter

I have a 1999 Toyota Avalon and have lost both sets of original keys (the ones with the computer chip). I went to a Toyota dealership and they told me that in order for them to give me new keys, I would have to purchase a new ECM computer for $1800. However, since Toyota is so kind and understands my problem, they will send me a new computer for free but I would have to pay for the installation of the computer ($155), and then $68 per key! This is absolutely unnacceptable... Not the $68 per key, but the fact that they can't reprogram a key without having to install a new computer system that they force me to pay for. This seems like a fualty design problem and I should not have to pay for a new computer just to be able to pay them $68 for new keys. Has anybody ever had experience with this B.S. from Toyota?
Thanks...

sranger941

The chip keys are designed to help deter theft of the vehicle. I don't mean to be rude, but you lost both of your keys, and you should be lucky that you do not have to pay the $1,800 to get your car started again!

jeprox

if you think toyota is bad - try asking mercedes benz to get you a key and see how much it will cost you! better yet, ask bmw or audi or any european automaker with immobilizers in their vehicles. loose the keys and it's chi-ching for your wallet!!!

racer_x_9

With chip keys its important to know that making one copy with 2 existing keys is much easier than making a copy with only one.

When you're down to zero keys, you're in big ($$$) trouble.

Make a copy when you still have 2 keys!