Key worn, can it be replaced?

dnme · 17-02-2011 10:25pm #1

The main key for my 98 Corolla is getting a bit worn. It is getting harder and harder to open the drivers door lock with it now. It's definitely the key cos the spare works ok.
I've now started using the spare as the main key so the spare is almost rubbish.

Can the key be replicated ?
Do I need to contact Toyota?

Many Thanks

Esel · 17-02-2011 11:37pm

Are there any electronics on the key?

dnme · 17-02-2011 11:41pm

Esel wrote: »

Are there any electronics on the key?

No no, its a bog standard key

Esel · 18-02-2011 12:09am

Get a new one cut (from the spare) in any good hardware shop so. Central Hardware on North Frederick St is particularly good for car keys if it suits you to go there.

congo_90 · 18-02-2011 3:54am

All well and good just getting a key cut but unless coded with correct resistor for the immobiliser it'll be pointless.

previous owner of a car I owned done this. the main key also had no electrics.

plenty of locksmiths can do it on early cars like yours from the main I think

langdang · 18-02-2011 8:27am

dnme wrote: »

No no, its a bog standard key

Unless it's a jap import it most likely (90% chance) has an immobiliser chip in it.
Any decent locksmith that does car keys will do you a new key and may be able to swap the immobiliser chip from the old knackered key to the new one. Somewhere in the region of 30yoyo I'd estimate.

A cut key without the proper chip will open the door but won't start the car. But you could have the knackered one on the same keyring and then it should/could work for both opening and starting? Easier just to get a proper job done tho...

dnme · 18-02-2011 9:50am

Folks, this is the key. Are you sure there would be any sort of immobiliser or electronics inside this??? surely not?

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CJhaughey · 18-02-2011 9:58am

See the left side of the pic, where the key blade enters the soft rubber?
There is a small round dot, Thats the immobiliser chip.

Andrew Campbell · 18-02-2011 10:05am

so long as the old key is in proximity with the steering column it will work so just leave it on the key ring also. Bit of a pain having lots of keys but it will work

CJhaughey · 18-02-2011 10:05am

You can recode them yourself if you get a new one cut.

langdang · 18-02-2011 10:25am

CJhaughey wrote: »

You can recode them yourself if you get a new one cut.

If the OP goes to a proper carkeycutting locksmith then for a simple system like the corolla it should be coded correctly anyway. I'd say it's worth it for the sake of 25-30 yoyo.

Key worn, can it be replaced?

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