4RUNNER LIMITED push button start

New to the group. Just picked up a 2012 4 runner that was my fathers. I am looking to see if there is away to convert AWAY from the push button start to using a keyed ignition. Dealer said they can't do that, but as with anything someone has probably done it. I see conversions to go a push button start but how difficult would it be to go the other way, and what would be needed aside from the keyed switch and key. Wiring harness? other items.

Reason I would like to change it, is I am not a fan of the push start, especially when the battery dies, and this one goes thru batteries very quickly so that i keep a stash of them in the glove box. Key would be simple and always work.

Thanks in advance for any advise.

 

That is little strange. I hope you are using good batteries like Panasonic or Energizer. I changed my 2019 just few weeks back.

Is your keys too close to the car that constantly communicating? Have after market remote start that work with the key fob? We keep our keys in a RF blocking box mostly to protect from "relay box car theft" common with the key fob style keys vs can't do with regular keys with chip. Not sure, give a try replacing with a good battery and keep in a RF blocking box.

 

I am using Panasonic batteries. I am not close to the car where it would pick up any signal, so I don't think that is the problem. I am in and out of the car quite a bit. That being said, I will check the fob when I change the battery for connection issues and try it again. To be honest, I am a little old school and just like having a set of keys. The only thing that ever stopped me from starting any car was either dead car battery or bad starter not a key fob signal issue.

I am trying to find if this system can be removed and install a key ignition. Key can be programed to work the locks but starting would be just turning the key. This was my fathers 4runner and he never like the key fob thing and I am hoping that I can find a way to change it out, without having to rip apart the wring harness to do so.

 

Possibly a parasitic draw that keeps burning through batteries?

I don't think you really want to convert to a key, or can. Check out: https://bryansgarage.com/replace-push-button-start-with-key/

"It is impossible to replace the push button with a key in modern vehicles. In case you are really eager to do it, you will have to pay a large amount of money that is nearly equivalent with the cost of a new car to get the process done."

Not what you wanted to hear but there it is.

 

it can be done to a point crazy expensive to do and you will still need a functional FOB So it is rather pointless.

The only other thing that I have seen was the push button replaced with a momentary key switch that does the same thing as the push button but need a key to do so and still have to have the FOB since this only eliminated the Button So no one could start it unless they have the key.

 

Hey thanks for the advise. I had a feeling it was an expensive change. I appreciate the help. I will look into the one fob to see if it has a power draw issue.

 

You could try to purchase an additional fob if the one you have is having unexplained issues and unable to resolve?

 

Maybe Im misunderstanding, but… on a previous car my key fob would die if u had the key out in very cold weather. But if you pushed the start button with the actual keyfob it would start even with dead battery. Used it that way every time i went skiing. Apparently thats common with many key fobs

 

When I bought my 4runner I actually asked what happened if the key fob went dead and I needed to start it. They told me exactly what you said, use the key fob to press the button and it will start.