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Plastic Key Question

9.4K views 18 replies 11 participants last post by  dau666  
#1 ·
What's the deal with these plastic keys? I have heard a lot of different things and am not sure who to believe.

I have had the FJ only for about 2 weeks. One evening last week, I was leaving my building when the campus cop pulled up behind me. He's a nice guy and just wanted to look at the FJ. He tells me about a lady several blocks off campus who had her FJ stolen from her driveway the week before. It was found on the "bad" side of town with no damage but the way it was told to me by the cop sounds strange.

He said the lady left her FJ unlocked in her driveway. Someone got in, took the plactic key from the glovebox (how about locking storage inside the FJ anyway but that's another thread), put the key in the ignition and drove away. Supposedly it had not been cut by the dealer. The cop said the lock cylinder would cut the key. ????? She must not have had the security system either, just keyless entry.

So I have the oem security system. My plactic key says it will not turn the ignition if I have a "motor immobilizer" installed. But I can't find a description of the Toyota security system that actually says "motor immobilizer".

The guy who sold me the FJ at the dealer said I had to have the plastic key cut to be used.

You guys are the only ones I trust for the REAL truth.
 
#2 ·
The FJ does not have a Immobilizer Key (Chip) The plastic key will not work unless it has been cut. It is to be used to open the doors in case you lock your self out. I have used the plastic key years ago to start my 99 4runner once. It would bend but it did start it. I was afraid it was going to break off in the ignition. I keep my FJ plastic key in my wallet but have not used it.
 
#3 ·
You guys are lucky...I never got my plastic key from my dealers. Actually my fault I never asked for it. I have RS3200 alarm installed from factory. If I read correctly, the engine wont start if the alarm system is not disarmed. But I never know cuz I dont have any car thieves in my area....
 
#5 ·
never even heard about the plastic key. Pics anyone?
 
#9 ·
The plastic key is given to you ...well mailed to you...from the dealer after your purchase. I got mine in about 3 weeks after purchase. You have to take it to the dealer after you receive it and they will cut it for you for free. Its supposed to be kept in a safe place outside of your FJ like in your wallet or purse so you can get in the FJ in case you ever lock yourself out. Heres the front and back of mine.
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#7 ·
Its an emergency key that Toyota/Lexus provides in the past for certain models. It comes in the form of credit card size. It comes as blank key. You have to get it cut by the dealer and keep in your wallet. I wasnt aware either that FJ comes with it but some dealers will give you for free since the toyota locks are pretty much the same size....
 
#8 ·
Just bought a 4 runner and an FJ. Both come with a plastic key that is surrounded by a credit card piece of plastic. Just to open the door if locked out. The stolen FJ above was probably due to someone getting the VIN, calling a dealer and having a real key made. I can post pics tonight if noone else does. Didn't ask for the keys-just got them. My Sequoia (2001) had one too.
 
#10 ·
I had a plastic key for my last car and it only worked to open the doors not to start the engine. Also I never received one for my FJ.
 
#11 ·
Maybe a SET thing that we didn't get one????

Anyone in SET get this key mailed to them???
 
#12 ·
I am aware of the existence as I used to get them in the past when purchasing a toyota vehicle. This year I have purchased 3 cars from toyota I never got these plastic keys sent in the mail...As the label stated, its only good to get back in the car if ou are locked out. But if you have the immobilizer and lost the key elsewhere it will only get you inside the car to keep you warm until the tow truck comes and get you.....
 
#13 ·
Hhhhmm, have to go back and ask the dealer for my plastic key. I did nnot get one either. I assume it would primarily be used to get "in" the vehicle, but if you were gentle it could probably start it too.
 
#14 ·
Well, I have locked my keys in my car before...with the car on actually. So, in that case it would have saved me from having to leave it running for 6 hours. (it wasn't my FJ by the way).

Point is... I feel left out and want my plastic key!
 
#16 ·
Not sure if it is my after-market alarm or the FJ itself, but you cannot lock your keys in it with it running. Try it, it will unlock the doors right after you lock them. Actuaully, a little frustrating if you want to leave the heater and/or air conditioner going for a bit but secure the vehicle.
 
#17 ·
Thats how my accord was unless you pulled the handle out (like you would to open the door if you were in the car to get out) while the door was open, and then pushed the "door lock" button. That sounded complicated to explain but it took literally takes a second to do. I haven't tried this with the FJ as it has the remote.