I Hate My Key Fob

When I crouch down, the auto door locks activate or the panic alarm goes off 'cause a button has been pressed while in my pocket, plus I think the fob is bulky. I would like to use a plain metal key and ditch the fob. I purchased a spare metal key, and this key will turn everything on, including turning the engine over, but the engine will not start. (I was kinda surprised that the engine actually did crank.)

Is there any way to mod the electronics so I can get rid of the bulky key fob?

2018 SR5

 

Out of curiosity, have you tried starting it with the metal key while holding the key fob near the ignition?

 

At least for the panic alarm, pop the enclosure open and remove the plastic button. You can even stick it in an unused section of the key fob for safe keeping. I did this nearly three years ago. I never regretted it.

For the locking/unlocking, the best thing you can do is to make sure you have auto-relock turned on inside your 4Runner.

 

Good idea. If that works, maybe you can tape the the guts of the fob that hold the security transmitter thingy somewhere behind a plastic panel on the steering wheel column.

Heck, just tape the whole fob key in there. Might come in useful if you accidentally drop your key down a cliff on some isolated trail lol

 

AJT Designs makes one that doesn't hold the metal key that is a little less bulky.

Injection Fob IF014 (V2 Toyota) - BLACK (ajtdesign-llc.com)

 

I agree that the key fob triggers to easy in ones pant pocket. Maybe it was mentioned before but the immobilizer chip is in the plastic part of the key fob.

 

Stick the key somewhere up front drivers side and a regular key will work. They do this with some remote starts to make them work.

 

Why don't you just get a case for it, something like below. I have no problems, cover over the buttons should protect against accidental activations.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08S43KZN2?th=1

 

I also am not a fan of electronic key fobs. I keep mine in the watch pocket of my pants, though, and there have been no accidental activations.

 

No I haven't. I'll try that...tomorrow. Alf is getting fluid changes right now.

A case would make the fob a 'lil bigger. I would like to reduce the clutter in my pocket.

If this works, I know that eventually I'll forget where I hid the fob.

 

My 2010 came with a valet key - a plain key without fob to drive the vehicle but unable to unlock glove compartment. I'm not sure if 2018 comes with that, but maybe dealer can order a valet key. If not I would take apart keyfob and put a piece of tape on the panic button contact to disable it.

 

My 2020 came with one, so if your 2010 did then I bet it's possible for a 2018.

 

If the battery dies in the hidden fob will you still be able to start the truck?

 

Pretty sure the fob will start the car even with the battery dead.

 

I just tried the spare metal key with the fob next to the ignition. It did not start. Had a good crank but did not fire. Put in the fob and she came to life.

 

The dealer can turn off the panic alarm but leave the other fob functionality working. They need to do it through the Techstream settings. They did it for me. I have never even thought to use the panic alarm intentionally but have set it off by accident many many times.