Did you buy your car new or used? New cars come with two key fobs. If you didn't get two with a new car, your Toyota dealer will provide the second fob. That happened when I bought my 4Runner new.,

A lock smith is going to be less expensive than the dealer. Just do a Google search for a locksmith near you. Call them too ask if they can program the new fob. Google

Dealers will probably charge a couple hundred $ for the programming.

 

Did you buy your car new or used? New cars come with two key fobs. If you didn't get two with a new car, your Toyota dealer will provide the second fob. That happened when I bought my 4Runner new.,

A lock smith is going to be less expensive than the dealer. Just do a Google search for a locksmith near you. Call them too ask if they can program the new fob. Google

Dealers will probably charge a couple hundred $ for the programming.

I think I paid 30 minutes labor to have one done. I had my own OEM fob that I had purchased online. They also cut the key that is in the fob.

 

You can not program the 'smart key' by yourself.
About a couple hundred is a going rate. Some less/Some more.

Be advised that whatever place try's to program the FOB you are one the hook to try and program it.

 

Local dealership (after 3 calls and a 30 minute wait) got an appointment for later this month. $189 per hour with no guarantees and it could take up to 3 hours.
First question I'll ask when I buy my next 'close to new' vechical is "does it have two working fobs". If this fob isn't able to be programmed I'll be irritated to say the least. I will return it to Tom's Key company if it isn't. I have the paperwork stating that it can be returned but if they don't reimburse me for the $144 I paid for the fob, I will hit the roof.

I called some local locksmiths and all 3 wanted me to buy their fobs and do the entire job start to finish. Cheapest local locksmith was charging $350.

 

They should know exactly how long it takes to program a keyfob. Do you have any other dealerships in your area that you could call to get another price from?

189x3 hours = 567. Or 189x2=378

Local locksmith guarantees 350.
I would think about that one if you can't find a better deal

 

If you have Costco membership, they have a vendor that stops at different locations and do keys and key fob programming. The dealer sounds like a risk with the 3 hours charge and no guarantee.

 

I think you started down the wrong path when you bought a third party fob, but had no idea who would program it.

The dealer and everyone else you called has no idea of the quality and functionality of the fob you bought. It is not an OEM Toyota product, and they will have to figure out if it works with their standard software and programming hardware.

 

I think you started down the wrong path when you bought a third party fob, but had no idea who would program it.

The dealer and everyone else you called has no idea of the quality and functionality of the fob you bought. It is not an OEM Toyota product, and they will have to figure out if it works with their standard software and programming hardware.

I agree. However I know some of the locksmith in my area will program 3rd party keys and some only want to sell their own products. Maybe he needs to look for other locksmiths who will do it.

 

It should only take a few minutes, not three hours to program a key. It may take the dealer three hours to return your car to you since they are working on other cars at the same time.

 

I understand why local locksmiths are not keen on programing third party key fob.

 

Because they want you to buy it from them. More profit

 

yuk, I'd look for a different vendor

 

100 to 200 usd if not at the Toyota dealership where you purchase the rav new.

50 to 100 at a locksmith
And you have to prove ownership at both.

Those are iowa prices for 2025
Big city will be doubled or tripled of those prices.

So did you reach out to Tom’s?
They may have a dealer network of friendly service guys to help with the setup

 

My repair shop can program electronic keys with our high $$$ scan tool. Not all, but I believe we can do Toyota.

 

I'm working 36 hours this weekend (in 3 days due to liberals in the state Capitol) so I will get back to you on Monday.

 

That doesn't sound bad at all. That is pretty much every day of every week for me. A couple of times I had 60 hours in by 1300 on Friday. And I only work Monday through Friday.

 

Don't be a slave to work guys, life flies by before you know it hello retirement. Remember if you drop dead tomorrow morning, there is always someone ready to take your place. My first sales job we use to put in 60 to 80 hours a week, then the boss use to complain about me not answering the phone at home on the weekends.

 

I could have retired a couple years ago. I'm still too young and work keeps me healthy. I have a very active job. The first two hours of my day are highly sought after due to it being extremely easy. Only high seniority get it. I have had the same job for 35 years and don't see myself giving up what I have any time soon. Everybody is different, yet I see so many retire and then age quickly and die. I'm older than I look and believe the job keeps me going. I have 7 weeks of vacation too. I have a friend that is 90 and still is mentally and physically fit. Still travels the world sharing his experiences and still flies his own plane in fact. He will tell you it is because he still works. I have it easy, but have paid my dues.

I will agree though time flies. Sometimes during the day I want the clock to slow down.

 

When I retired, oh so many years ago, I was told that I would be so bored and drive my wife crazy around that house, that I would need to get a job. Just the opposite happened. I have never been so busy in my life, what with "honey do" projects, home remodels, gardening, volunteering, travel, etc. "Retired" is not becoming a couch potato.

 

Had a FedEx truck broadside my 2024 R4P XSE and total it. Still have both fobs. Looked to have them reprogrammed for my replacement R4P. Came across this Great video:

Used key programming info and warnings @ 21:25

Unbelievable complexity in how the fob/Rav interplay works! Didn't get them reprogrammed (have 2 working fobs).

I'm in Finger Lakes NY. Locksmith that did programming of my 2011 Rav fob (much less complexity) no longer in business.

Be careful, especially about non-OEM fobs...

 

Update: A little late in getting back. Took rav into a dealership with the 1 working fob and the fob I bought online. They were able to program it. I didn't get other quotes because I've been busy lately and just didn't have the time. This particular dealership nearby has been hit or miss with me but this time around they preformed well. With work, I currently do the minimum hours required. Our Governor either can't manage or refuses to do the right thing and so we are very short staffed at work. I'd personally love to work only 8 hour shifts but for the foreseeable future it looks like 12 hour shifts, no vacations (we use to have three 2 week vacations) and forced overtime.