For those awaiting second key for their new 4runner

i don’t need to take out my FOB to unlock, just have it in my pocket and touch the door handle on the drivers side, or front passenger.

I don’t think so, but honestly don’t completely remember

 

This is why I like this forum - learn something new all the time. I've had my 4Runner for about 6 weeks - and didn't know that if I had the fob in my pocket and touch the driver or passenger side door handles the doors unlock. Missed that part when perusing the manual - but sure enough its there - can also lock the doors that way as well. That definitely makes it more convenient to have the electronic fob/push button start instead of a mechanical key start. And since you don't really ever have to take the fob out of your pocket it really reduces the chance of losing it.

One other thing I found in the manual - the vehicle will tell you when the fob battery is getting low. Once the battery gets low enough an alarm will sound in the vehicle when you shut off the engine. So, no real need to remember to change the battery regularly - your 4Runner will tell you when it needs to be changed. Just keep a couple of CR2032 lithium batteries in the battery drawer.

 

One way around this for Toyota would be to open up remote start to all T4R trims instead of just limited/pro. Then we could all remote start with the app without a key fob. And Toyota would make a little money, too, with app subscriptions.

 

Subscription services?

 

Better yet get an aftermarket remote start with alarm that also uses an app.

 

I use these 3 services and each $80 for an year. So additional $240 every year.

 

I shouldn’t have to pay to use the vehicle I already paid for.

 

I 100% agree. I’m just saying it would be a work around in the even we can’t start our truck because we lost the one fob we were given.

 

I see. I'm not gonna do that. It's a nasty trend that I'll buck. They're unnecessary items anyway.

 

But ... When you approach the car and open the door, the car shuts itself off.
That is probably my least favorite part of the remote start on '21 Limited.
Car is all starting to cool down, walk up, hop in, engine shuts off and I have to manually start it right back up.

 

Well maybe you could use the remote start feature while sitting in the car with the door closed.

 

Update:
I finally googled for a local auto-locksmith.
The first and highest rated one I called came to my house next day (today) with both an aftermarket and new OEM key fob (imagine that). He could not get the (cheaper) aftermarket fob to program. The OEM key programmed successfully. Of course I paid the up charge to come to my house and took about an hour to try both. It is worth it to me as in the last 3 years I somehow killed a Porsche fob $$$$, and accidentally machine washed an F150 key left in jeans pocket $$$. My recent track record with key fobs is suspect. I had planned to get an extra fob eventually anyway, the way things are going with global parts availability. But the peace of mind is worth an extra couple hundred ( over the cost to purchase and program an OEM fob) for me.

 

i received two smart keys when i bought my 2022 brand new last year (looked at the build sheet and other documentation just now and made no mention on number of keys)... whats up with your dealers giving you only one key?

 

Chip shortage.

 

It could be worse like what Honda and other MFGs are doing. You don't get blind spot monitoring because of the chip shortage. "Here is a small discount on your car, and sorry we can't add it later." Not sure if it was Mercedez or BMW that is not offering LED headlights because they don't have chips to run them but are more than happy to charge you a subscription fee to use your heated seats.

To sum it up, the grass is definitely not greener on the other side because of the chip shortage. I will take a delayed key fob over not being able to have the option. I love the push-to-start and smart key features.

One way to avoid all of this is if Toyota would have offered Digital Key as they do in some of their Lexus models/trims. Being able to program that digital key to your phone would virtually eliminate the need for the second or third fobs.

 

I guess I'm the only one who love traditional key with a chip over key fob+ push button start I have now.

 

No, I would have gladly took the keyed ignition, but I have gotten used to the push start, maybe cause I had a manual that I’ve had to park just right so I could literally push to start.

 

Bought a 23 back in feb and only got 1 fob. Dealer said I should get the 2nd in April. I asked them today and they said they just got word it would now be summer of 23.

 

It seems to be happening from late last year, Bought a new Lexus in Dec. and only got one fob. They said 2 months, I think I'll call today.

 

Twisting a key is the only way I’ve ever started a vehicle. I’ve never understood the big attraction to having the key or fob in your pocket and pushing a button instead. At most it would be a minor convenience, I would think.

 

I drive my daughter's push button start Lexus every now and then while they're away. Each time I do, I have to relearn the process...foot on brake, wait for the pre-set automatic seat to adjust, push the button, etc. Like you, a key is all I've ever known and I like it fine. I guess you'd get used to the button after a while.

If you have a push button start 4R, do you have to have your foot on the brake for it to engage? If so, and you're working on the vehicle and just want to reach in the window to start it, can you?

 

Eh, I formerly thought the same thing. However, with the fob in your pocket you really never have to take it out of your pocket. Walk up to your locked 4Runner and as soon as you put your hand on the door handle the door unlocks - also if a passenger puts their hand on the passenger door handle - it unlocks. Get in, press the brake and push the button and it starts. Push the button again and the engine shuts off. Get out, close the door, touch the top of the door handle and all the doors lock. You only need to pull the fob out of your pocket if you want to lock/unlock it from a distance. So, it is more convenient than just not having to insert/turn the key. And if you want to pay extra for it (I don't) you can use the Toyota App to remote start the vehicle also.

 

I will say, I'm pretty much indifferent, but lean slightly towards the push button.
My wife on the other hand loves it, she would be digging in her purse for her keys for 20 minutes.

 

Wow, that's really bad. So anyone can open the passenger doors when the fob is near by.... Thieves are going to love this for the snatch and grab of woman's purses. I hope this can be turned off.

 

All vehicles now require foot on the brake for it to start I believe. But you have to wait for the seat to set before it will start?

 

This doesn't work for me on my 2020. Only if the fob is close enough to that door, usually right by it.

 

it is a setting that can be changed where only the driver door (or door that is pressed) unlocks or it can unlock all doors.

 

I wanted to avoid the button, my thinking is it’s just another electronic thing to go wrong. But we didn’t have a choice with our Rav4. I got used to it quickly and had no issue getting my runner with one. Not having to dig the key out of my pocket when I have stuff in my hands has been nice. Not having keys dangling next to steering wheel is also been nice. Nothing earth shattering, but I will admit it has been very convenient.

 

No, you don't have to wait for the seat to adjust for it to start, but it's weird reaching for the brake pedal while the seat is moving. It's also tied to clipping the seat belt buckle (the seat adjust), so there's another thing going on also. I'm used to my 4R that does things when I tell it to.

 

My 2023 Tacoma uses a old fashioned key, and will start without putting a foot on the brake.