2018 4Runner "key not found" message

Hi,

I'm new to the forum. We have a 2018 4Runner and yesterday I was driving to several sites. A problem started where even though the key fob is sitting on the console, I get a message that shows the yellow triangle, the key light and in the middle of the console the words "key not detected." Oh yeah, and the 4Runner was running at the time.

What was odd is that I shut it down...tried to restart and it told me to depress the brake pedal. Did that....no start. Got out, checked all the doors and tailgate door (even though I didn't get an open door message) opened and shut each one and got back in....and after getting the message a couple of times, it started.

This happened several times throughout the day. There were 4 of us in the vehicle and so we were opening and closing doors, starting and shutting the engine off constantly. At times, I would get the messages, but it would start. The message would stay on for a couple of miles, then shut off.

Is this possibly a key fob battery issue? We've had the vehicle since Oct 2017.

Thanks,
Chris

 

Take the battery out of the remote and check it with a volt meter. If they are under 3.1 volts you can start to see problems. If it’s over 3.1v swap keys and use one of the other ones. If the problem is gone the issue is with the key, if the problem continues the issue is with the vehicle.

Then again it’s a 2018, go bring it to Toyota. This why vehicles come with a warranty.

 

Thanks....I'll try that.

 

So wat happened??

 

Most likely the key battery, about $6 from any dealer. Alot of Limiteds have this issue, best way to not have it is to not have a Limited . The range is already pretty stubby, Limiteds are shipped to dealerships and will already need new batteries, they loose charge even a little bit and they're gonna give you trouble. If this happens push the Toyota emblem on the key fab directly to the push-to-start button.