'23 Second Key Update

Finally got my letter, called to schedule 10k service (because their online setup is fubar and lets you ask for dates and times that are not available) and they're 3 weeks out, I mentioned the second key and they said its being treated like a recall and they have to order the key, hopefully they have it before my 10k service (which will now be closer to 11k because I didn't know I should have tried scheduling 2 weeks sooner...glad I paid for an oil change at the 5k service).

 

Finally got my 2nd key fob yesterday. Dealer had to order it, then once it arrived I had to schedule an appointment to go in to get it programmed. All in it was about 2.5 weeks from when I first got the notice on the app. Took about an hour once I brought it in, pretty painless experience there but I'm glad it's all done finally. They did give me a card for a free car wash at a local place they use, which was a nice touch.

 

Got my second key a few weeks back, here was my experience.

I bought the car from a dealership 3 hours away, called my local Toyota dealership and they mentioned they can provide the 2nd key and they would need to order the parts. A week later I get a call to schedule an appointment. The scheduler kept mentioning it would be treated as a recall and it would take all day. Upon arriving the service advisor stated he’ll get on it as soon as he can. Was out in about an hour. I did tell them to skip the multi point inspection and tire pressure check. Glad to have second key now.

 

My car is at my dealer now (where I bought it) for second key. QUESTION: Did anyone get TWO mechanical keys and ONE fob when they bought their car? I only got one mechanical key but the Toyota internal letters say two should have been delivered initially. I mentioned this to the service advisor but he wasn't sure about this, I'll see later when I pick the car up.

 

I received 2 mechanical keys and only 1 fob when I picked my 4Runner up.

 

The push button start/'smart' key is a perfect example of someone solving a problem that doesn't exist. The keyed start worked perfectly. Best part about it-has built in key holder.

 

I got two mechanical keys when purchased.

 

Plus, in an old-fashioned vehicle, when you turn off the engine, the key is right there in your hand - an inescapable reminder that you have to move it to an appropriate location. In a modern vehicle, when you push "off", the key is sitting someplace like the cupholder, and I'm far more likely to forget that another little task needs doing before I walk away (besides manually turning off the lights).

 

UPDATE: I had previously believed I did not receive TWO mechanical keys on delivery. I got the second fob today, no mechanical key. Was asking about that and then had a brainstorm and told them let me look in the cover that holds the manuals and, voila, the second key was buried in there. Of course, nobody ever told me that in the beginning.

 

Well - there are benefits to the push button/fob. If you are like me and you keep your fob in your pocket, or on/about your body some other way, you are less likely to lose the fob vs. a mechanical key because you don't really ever have to take the fob out of your pocket. Also, ask anyone who has ever locked their mechanical keys in their car if the push button start/fob is an example of solving a problem that doesn't exist (don't ask me how I know)

I will concede though that unknowingly leaving your fob in the vehicle and walking away could create a much larger problem than locking your mechanical keys in the vehicle. Anyone could get in the vehicle and drive away.

 

^^^ Yesterday when I finally got my second key, I left it in the cupholder (I forgot and didn't intend to), and the car would not lock and gave me a warning the fob was in the car. Seems Toyota has that issue covered.

 

The approach I've settled on after some experimentation is clipping the fob to a beltloop with a mini-carabiner. I found a very small black one that doesn't look out of place with dress clothes.

 

Hard to stop technology....

 

Guys - I shit you not - shortly after I posted above about it making it less likely to lose the fob vs mechanical keys - I couldn't find my fob. Finally located it. I left it in my work backpack, drove home yesterday with it in the backpack instead of my pocket, and when I went to look for it in the kitchen where I leave my keys - not there. Maybe the Toyota App should have a "find my fob" function

 

Look no further ...