It's a crap shoot with the Chinese knock off fobs but I've had success with them.
I have a 07 Morano that is the proximity sensor type and got an factory new fob off ebay. It was $119. But the programming was $85. You pay the programming fee if it works or not.
The keyless entry fobs are much easier to program. It look elsewhere than the dealer for a factory one.

 

I’ve read through some of the threads regarding this issue and honestly I’m lost. My main questions are:

1. If I buy one of those after market key fobs on eBay will an auto locksmith be able to cut the key so it will start the engine? If so, what will he need to get the job done, the other key?

2. Will the locksmith also be able to program the key fob so it will open and lock the doors, etc.? If so, what will he need by way of information to accomplish this?

Thanks!

 

Yes he can cut the key.
Call around for prices my quotes went from 85 to 150.
Search the ads for your specific year and model and it will tell you if you can program it without help.
If you get a self programmable one do that before you cut the key.

 

All the locksmith needs to cut the key is your key.

 

I went to ACE Hardware. They ordered new, cut the key, got out their 'Blue Magic box' as they called it and programmed it.

 

Can you explain that a little more? What do you mean they ordered new?

 

I got one off eBay and a locksmith programmed it for $60. They need an original key and access to the vehicle. It was pretty easy and less than $75 total. Fyi, my locksmith had a flat fee per vehicle, so programming one cost the same as programming 2 new keys.

 

Sadly I cannot offer much in terms of an answer, other than I can confirm the cost of going to Toyota dealership. I’m currently sitting at dealer getting a second key fob for 2013 FJ we just bought that had only 1 key.
Chicago area
Key: $219.36
Labor: approx $160

they just told me they cut the new key, but it wouldn’t open doors or start vehicle. So, they’ll reorder another key… and I’ll be back once it comes in.

so, I’d echo those who said to get key cut first. And I can confirm it’s roughly $380at dealership

 

I just went through this to get a couple spare keys for my 08 which only came with one key.

I learned a few things. First, you shouldn’t need to spend much money at all. More on this below.

The keys for our vehicles are transponder or chip keys. There is a four letter code for the chip you need. Search eBay for replacement keys for your year. It may be the same as my 08 or may not. My transponder key code is 4D67.

The other essential piece of info you need is the FCC ID from the fob. This is a 8 character code. For mine it was stamped on my factory remote. But a search will also likely yield the FCC code that works with your year. My code is HYQ12BAN.

So if you’re getting a key and remote or remote integrated into a key, you need to pay attention to both. Obviously, if only ordering one or the other you just need to pay attention to the one that matters.

Now once you get it, there are videos and instructions online that allow you to program the key and fob yourself. No special tools are required. For the key, you need a working key and your new key and the instructions. For the FOB you need a working key and your fob. The instructions are fairly bizarre (like open and close the door several times) but it all works.

I programmed my blank key and remote myself as mentioned above and then took the key to Hone Depot and asked him to cut it. He didn’t charge me as they normally only charge you if they provide the blank.

Key and remote off EBay cost $15. Programming myself for free. Key cut by Home Depot for free. Can’t be easier if you have the right codes.

I got this nice folding key… even though it’s for a different vehicle with a remote hatch, the key and fob codes matched which is the important part.

If you want to avoid eBay, check out remotesremotes.com.

 

Well, I just ordered the key fobs for the 2010 on eBay. Two for $29 from a vendor with many sales and a 100% satisfaction rating. When it arrives I will let you know how things work out. I plan to locate a reputable auto locksmith in my area and let him do the rest.

 

Don't waste money on a locksmith... it's a 2 min DIY job...

FOB programming...

Toyota FJ Cruiser Keyless Entry Remote Fob Smart Key Programming Instructions

Toyota FJ Cruiser Keyless Entry Remote Fob Smart Key Programming Instructions

www.programyourremote.com

Key programming...

 

Get it cut at your local hardware store. Home Depot did mine.

 

Sounds good. Since I purchased two I will have Home Depot cut one key and if that one works I will have them do the second one. I will also try to program the key fobs myself using the provided video. I will let you know how it works out, but this won’t be happening for a couple of weeks. It is my son’s FJ and he is away at school. He will be coming home for Spring Break in March.

By the way, perhaps this is a stupid question, but I assume that cutting the key and programming the fob are two independent operations and it doesn't matter which one is done first as long as I have a working key for the programming?

 

I think the "fob-to-run" thing is for 2008 MY and above. My 2007 starts happily with a naked Toyo key, fob or no fob.

Regards,
Rufus

 

Right... I guess they added the immobilizer in 2008. BTW, the FOB (remote) really has nothing to do with the immobilizer system... the RFID chip is embedded in the plastic head of the key, unless the key is integrated into a Fob, in which case, obviously the RFID chip is in the FOB portion.

 

My local ACE Hardware replaced my key fob. Option #1 Key with chip <$100 must manually open door by turning key. Option #2 Full Key FOB <$300 can remote open. ACE programmed the key with in-car computer link.

 

That's a terrible rip-off... you can buy key blanks (with transponders) and FOBs for cheap online and program it yourself.

 

YOU CAN GET THEM ON AMAZON BUY AT LEAST WITH BLANK KEY ATTACHED. THEY ARE EASY TO CUT NO PROBLEM. Make sure you have the same button holes as yours.

 

Uggghh. From the dealer $230 for the key, $30 cutting fee and 1/2 hour labor, $60. Brutal. My old one broke in half, but still worked. Wish I'd checked this thread first.

 

Glad you figured it out.

 

Trying to add a new master key for my 2010. I've got the valet key and a single master key from original purchase at ABQ Toyota.

Weird thing tho... The remaining master is stamped with an L with equal legs. It looks more I_ though. However, the valet key is stamped G.

Inside the master key in the plastic is HYQ 12BBT


And can I switch to the camry key pic instead of the FJC key on the right? They both say "G" key?

 

And can I switch to the camry key pic instead of the FJC key on the right? They both say "G" key?

I switched to a flip key for my 2008 FJ. Just note that remote and immobilizer key compatibility are separate. You need to make sure your new flip key is compatible with both the remote FCC ID, and the immobilizer. It sounds like this combo will work.

 

So here's where I believe something isn't right. I moved the FOB brain/button assembly to the flip key. The whole brain is in the flip key. That is cut to the master.

Car won't start. Immobilizer still flashing.

I then put the brain back into the factory key. Car starts.

What am I missing?

 

The immobilizer piece is like a small bit usually attached directly to the stem of the key (probably shrouded in the plastic at the base of the key on your master. The remote brain should have nothing to do with the immobilizer as that is strictly for the remote entry functionality. So my guess is your flip key is missing the immobilizer bit. When you buy a replacement key, you need to pay attention to both codes... the immobilizer code is a 4 digit code, and then the FCC ID for the remote portion. See post 12 for more details.