Smart keys, How reliable are they?

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chinyoti (Murtaza Shahid) 2012-11-05 14:07:22 +0500 #1

How reliable are smart keys actualy? What would one do if the battery dies or you loose the smart key? Can a lock smith help in such a situation? Whats the cost of a replacement smart key etc?

If ones getting a car with smart key, But is reluctant and wana buy something simple, But the keyless feature is so tempting,

But again who would fix it, if its faulty?

mwm749 (Mohsin Wazir Malik) 2012-11-05 14:26:50 +0500 #2

The smart key allows the driver to keep the key fob in their pocket when unlocking, locking and starting the vehicle. The key is identified via one of several antennas in the car's bodywork and a radio pulse generator in the key housing. Depending on the system, the vehicle is automatically unlocked when the door handle, trunk release, or an exterior button is pressed. Vehicles with a smart key system fitted are required to have a mechanical backup, usually in the form of a spare key blade supplied with the vehicle. Some manufacturers hide the backup lock behind a cover for styling.

Xulfiqar (Xulfiqar) 2012-11-05 14:37:08 +0500 #3

losing or damaging the smart key is painfully expensive.

chinyoti (Murtaza Shahid) 2012-11-05 14:57:16 +0500 #4

^ In case we dont loose or damage it, whats the probablity of it failing? And in case we loose it, Can we still use the backup key, (iguess we can in the door but what about the ignition

Xulfiqar (Xulfiqar) 2012-11-05 15:02:09 +0500 #5

the smart key emergency start function is written in the owners manual, new toyotas require that you hold the fob on the button and wait for the dashboard to show ON position and then you start the car by pressing it, Nissans have a slot to engage the key in the event of battery failure or malfunction. Subarus are like toyota, old Hondas have the spin to start thing while new ones are the button and also require placing the fob near the button.

If you trashed the key itself you cannot start the car, you can unlock it though with the metal blade key.

chinyoti (Murtaza Shahid) 2012-11-05 15:07:19 +0500 #6

Oh okay thats help ful, Well i saw a realy tempting Toyota Passo, it has the smart key with press the brake and "turn to start thing" So i was just being concerned, Because the temptation could be a pain in the long run that i dont want.

Because im not sure if anyone in karachi knows hows to fix it. And since these are 5-6 year old cars, Maybe Japan also stops providing backup.

qwertypoiu (qwertypoiu) 2012-11-05 15:23:50 +0500 #7

Its quite simple. Toyota does key programming. you will have to buy the transponder key and they will program it for you its not the expensive.

you buy that passo and get an extra key made from toyota it will cost maybe 10k for key and 10 for programming.

now there are many other people in market who do this

Xulfiqar (Xulfiqar) 2012-11-05 16:56:08 +0500 #8

the toyota smart key system is a cartoon attempt to safety. You can get a new one from Toyota or even buy a new one and encode it. Which also makes the car "open" for easy theft - like the newer BMWs.

chinyoti (Murtaza Shahid) 2012-11-05 17:52:19 +0500 #9

^ I dont know about safety, But it sure is cartoon, having keys or just the smart key in the pocket and roaming around, Everywhere.

So all in all, It wouldnt cost an arm nd a leg for replacement. That sounds reasonable, Now off to check the car tomorw once again.

qwertypoiu (qwertypoiu) 2012-11-05 17:56:09 +0500 #10

what sum did you have in mind ?

chinyoti (Murtaza Shahid) 2012-11-05 18:05:22 +0500 #11

^ no sum i was just wondering "Hoga kya if i loose the smart key", An ignition replacement, rewiring bla bla, since the replacments can be sourced and you said people are doing it here, its not so bad then.

You know taboos about Japanese cars, is ka yeh kharab hogaya to jaogei kider so i just wana make a safe purchase so that i can be responsible and back my decision later on.

Xulfiqar (Xulfiqar) 2012-11-05 18:19:16 +0500 #12

ladies destroy the smart keys more than men, usual causes are moisturiser lotion, perfume etc etc etc getting into the key and ruining it. Be sure to keep it safe and sound and dont drop it. They can be had easily for toyota but you pay through the nose.. Honestly I like the mercedes system better, the key is coded to the car, switch and drive authentication module.

You cant go and "pirograam" a key and expect it to start. junkyard parts dont work either. - In a toyota, swap out the controller, key and ignition - interrogate the bus, write to system - done - car stolen.

Xulfiqar (Xulfiqar) 2012-11-05 18:22:11 +0500 #13

the smart key would not be 10K it would be more to 40K (close to 380 dollars). The transponder blade key is $100/- which is nearto 10K. no button, button type $180/- costs include programming, Toyota cannot sell you a blank key by law.

whiteangel (whiteangel) 2012-11-06 03:29:28 +0500 #14

I have a Mira custom X it comes with a smart key. I purposely chose a car with a smart key, because the car is driven by my wife and she has a tendency to forget things. Like forgetting to lock the door. So the smart key is convenient. It automatically unlocks the car when you are getting in and locks it again when you are getting out.

When we got the car, the first thing I told her is DO NOT LOSE THE KEY. I put a small chain on the smart key so she can slip it on her wrist

But still I plan on getting a copy made and keeping it at home, just to be on the safe side. From what I know it is cheaper to get a copy made from an original smart key. But if you lose the original smart key, then replacing it with a new now is going to be very expensive.

Marschall (Marschall) 2012-11-06 04:09:17 +0500 #15

i installed a pushstart kit on my vitz with two smart keys https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/electrical-wiring-battery-lights/169936-push-button-installation-electrican i have a video on youtube but site not working

chinyoti (Murtaza Shahid) 2012-11-10 09:00:47 +0500 #16

any body knows who makes them in karachi? i saw a car but the smart key is missing

Xulfiqar (Xulfiqar) 2012-11-10 23:26:54 +0500 #17

you can get the smart key from toyota after providing proof of ownership, there is some sort of export certificate requirement too if its a japanese driven car and 100% advance payment. The key will come precoded to the car.

Any toyota showroom in Pakistan who repair modern lexus or any bigger toyota would have the workshop key to test the car, before handing money over, you need to verify the system is actually good and nothing has failed. The key price is same all over the world unless the key is coming from some other black source - which can lead to headaches and complications if you need the key the next time.

CutePoison (CutePoison) 2012-11-11 05:57:23 +0500 #18

Just wondering, what if your car is parked outside your house, and the key is in range. Your car will get unlocked if anyone tries to open it.

Xulfiqar (Xulfiqar) 2012-11-11 14:56:27 +0500 #19

the key range is about 1 ft

chinyoti (Murtaza Shahid) 2012-11-11 16:02:57 +0500 #20

@xulfiqar bhae, Currently that car is being run with the transponder key (goes in the turn to start).

i did some googling theirs a guy in islamabad who does it, He reffered some one in karachi some Asif guy, he said they program for Passo isnt avalible yet and wanted me to call after 2-3 days, How ever the islamabad guy told me since the key has to be made all over again it would cost somewhere around 18k and the computer would be taken off bla bla,

Im staying away from such a car, Im good with a basic car.

Altho these goodies are realy facinating but i need to keep the car long, If back up isnt avalible then such things arnt worth it, and honestly, i cant simply spend 15-20k in a blink of an eye, and if such happens il have to or the car wont move.