How To Identify A Transponder Key

Question

Layperson here - be gentle!My wife mentioned to me that she was going to go over to the AAA (Automobile Club) to have one of those flat plastic credit card emergency keys made for her car (a 2005 Toyota Rav4).  That plastic key had certainly bailed her out of grief on her previous car.I explained that this would no longer work - keys these days are called transponder keys, with a bunch of magic electronics built into the key so that a piece of metal cut in the same shape, i.e. a replacement key, just wouldn't work without being programmed.  And obviously that wouldn't work with a hunk of plastic.But then I started to fret - is it really a transponder key?  Certainly the head of the key is a lot less massive than that for my own vehicle (a Honda Element), which I know to be a transponder key.So my obvious question to you folks: how do I know/prove that the key I'm holding in my hand is or isn't a transponder key?Art

Roger Shoaf · Accepted Answer

First off the plastic key will still unlock the door so it's not useless even if there is a transponder system on the car.

An easy way to check would be to look in the owners manual or often there is a little sticker on the window.

Key · Answer

(a 2005 Toyota Rav4)is NOT a Transponder keyhappy holidays

pickproof · Answer

Hello Key,Where ya been ! missed ya.John'Key wrote:

rifnraf · Answer

Instacode lists the Toyota RAV4 2000-2006(North America) having a fixed programable transponder.   SILCA blank TOY43EH...............  Silca makes a lovely device that is simple and economical. Stick the key in....push button,,,,,,,,,, and you will be told if the key has a transponder and what transponder is being used.  A must for any automotive locksmith.

goma865 · Answer

My book shows RAV4 with Factory key-No transponder.Then transponder option-RW2 Cloneable.goma.

Roger Cann · Answer

"Key" was right, 2001-2006 RAV4 cose series 10001-15000 X217 Will work Valet X220 Sub X225/B80Non-Transponder. reference:2006 Auto Truck Key blank reference IlcoRoger

Tim Mathews · Answer

Key's been right here feeding every troll that comes along as usual.

Tim Mathews · Answer

Rif have you figured out what a thermal lance is yet? You cracked me up withthat running on electricity stupidity. Hope you know more about transpondersthan safe cracking.

Tim Mathews · Answer

Why not just have a regular key made?

Tim Mathews · Answer

Transponder or not why a plastic key? Just get a real key made.

Arthur Shapiro · Answer

I'm the OP. Because it fits in a wallet, giving her a finite chance of not locking herself out of the car unless she locks her purse inside.

Appreciate everyone's input on the question - I'm a bit embarrassed at not realizing that the question was irrelevant to getting into the vehicle!

Art

How To Identify A Transponder Key

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