How to fix a broken chip-type, remote access ignition key

At $350 replacement cost, a broken chip-type, remote access ignition key is a prospect for repair by the Original Mechanic. Watch the frustrations and solutions involved in fixing this overpriced bit of technology. Repair costs: less than $3.

[@AlanaD]

On Amazon, they sell brand new housings for $7. All you do is move over the small transmitter chip, key and remote.

[@jgtogi6839]

Yeah it's a far better idea than trying to super glue the key together and then drilling a hole in the key when the super glue doesn't work.

[@jokerzlegacy7046]

Wouldn’t work the chip it’s embedded to the key fob, you’ll have to program the new one & cut the key

[@ToastedBagel_420]

@@jokerzlegacy7046 there’s a way to get it out in a dif video

[@FrankZen]

Best way. I did it for my Subaru key no problem.

[@drdivine44]

Mine was for an '09 Taurus, but the principle was the same. I bypassed your super glue steps as I knew that was never going to hold, but the drill it n' bolt it solution worked fine. Congress should investigate how badly these companies, and dealerships, rip us off on these items. I would have paid maybe $50, though that would still be an outrage - but the $200 they wanted for the fob and 'labor'? KMA. 57 cents and a half hour of my time and it's fine.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Well done and I agree with your thoughts on price gouging at the dealership. .

[@levi501ish]

Next time you buy a car, get smart and tell the stealership to add to contract about any broken future key problems. Or add to your warranty. If not, walk out just as deal is about to be closed! Screw em! Trust me, all these keys break sooner or later. I bought a fob and had key switched to it. Dealer wanted $250. Total cost for me, $30.

[@erdalestay7917]

Thank you so much for this helpful video. Mine just broke today.

[@DonVerchi700as]

Just had this happen to me. I forced the key back in there 🔧and luckily it didn't break. Reading some comments I am adding a little bit of glue to the inside and I should be good. 👍

[@pattyoconnell1950s]

Thank you Your video was very very helpful.

[@KStewart-th4sk]

You probably used the wrong type of glue. Just because a glue says "for plastics" doesn't mean it is good for all plastics because there are different formulations for plastics. I had to glue a component made of metal to a plastic housing on a piece of audio equipment. Did a bit of research and, of course, i forget the names of what's in the plastic that i "guessed" i might have. USUALLY, you will see in the fine print on the bottle "not for" and then the names of the certain type of plastic (mainly 2 from what i recall). So, find the glue for the formulations mentioned that the other particular glue is not made for, and you should be fine. I believe it is "hard plastics" like this Key Fob that you would need that certain type of glue. Damned if i remember what i used but the glue worked. I just recall that many of the glues i looked at said "not for....." on them.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Thanks for sharing your insights.

[@savagecub]

Had the exact same issue with my wife’s Toyota key. How could they have made it so poorly? No way that design can hold up. Pisses me off that the manufacturer could be so stupid.

[@jgtogi6839]

Yeah, they could have easily made the key go into the fob so if the plastic part broke you still have a key to turn. It would also spread force out to the entire FOB but let's face these things are made to break.

[@JohnSmith-nm9fj]

China

[@aeliciaallen8268]

Right. Just crumbled up

[@user-crunchypear]

lol just broke my moms with one turn

[@johnblair2033]

You can buy a cheap shell on Amazon but the chip is glued into the original housing so they can charge $350 at the dealership. I did JB Weld and then a screw too.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Mine is still holding up after three years so it was worth it. JB weld is a good idea!

[@JimEverette]

Thank you this is good solution

[@hugobaires2113]

Just buys a key from Amazon 10 buck swap the chip have the key copy at lock Smith 22 buck had that same key made like 4 times and still spent less then 350

[@Fuze.Kitsune]

This method worked 100%. Plain stupid to have the main body made of hollow plastic vs rubber. Used gorilla glue epoxy to have the metal key be permanently seated, but not alot of it, and also used a screw and nut like you did. I dare it to fall apart again lol

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Nice work. Mine is still holding strong after a year and a half and you're right. How could it fall apart?

[@wencesvera2000]

Thank you!!

[@Stevieray16]

Wow ! Thanks so much Your awesome dude 👍👍👍🇨🇦

[@thugnasty1984]

I had the same problem twice. This is one of the dumbest designs when it comes to an ignition key.

[@JohnSmith-nm9fj]

Mine is a 2008 dodge ram and key part fell out

[@misterjones9522]

Thats why the bastards make them so fragile. It creates future plunder from future customers. Also have you noticed the foil that seals oil bottles? They did that so the foil when not taken off properly will go into your engine and cut off the oil causing another future customer. I saw a video where a guy bought a farari for cheap and he examined the problem of the blown engine and he found a peice of foil in the engine.

[@levi501ish]

I always wondered why they did that. I’m always careful not to drop in engine.

[@pattyoconnell1950s]

Interesting your comment is true.

[@joshjones8411]

Thank you for this video.. I used Gorilla Glue and so far has held great but in the event it doesnt I will certainly put a screw in it. Better a screw in it from me than one put into me by a locksmith and Toyota dealership lol. Some other brands have pre cut keys that you just have to go through a process to program a new key by turning the ignition a few times after an exact amount of time. I had to do it for a GMC but Toyota, of course, has to make it more complicated with a computer involved. Not that it looked very difficult if you had the necessary things to do it with.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I'm not a huge fan of many things GM but programming their keys is a dream. This key is still in operation these years later but I did have to retighten the screw once. Thanks for the chuckle. I needed that lol.

[@727kj]

How did the gorilla glue hold up? This just happened to me today 😭 and 250 for another 1 is crazy!!

[@sandrarichardson2713]

Great tenacity!!! Jesus bless.

[@pattyoconnell1950s]

Yes indeed. Jesus did help me. He is awesome.

[@wrg1183]

Pop rivet would have done it quicker

[@Live__quute1]

Same happend to me

[@shirleyfearon]

My Toyota Altezza has 2 keys and both are broken 🙁🙁

[@JohnSmith-nm9fj]

Will my door key work in the fob?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

It might, as long as there isn't a chip in the original ignition key.

[@smj-yg7eq]

does the rubber piece need to be in the fob part? i can’t even turn my ignition

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I think that's just a seal and wouldn't cause your problem.

[@blue-ms1ce]

Can the copy machines at hope depot copy it ?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

IDK. good question

[@genetteseverin97]

Hiw did u get the key in there

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

The case just kind of snaps around the key as I recall.

[@pattyoconnell1950s]

I actually forced it back in and prayed a lot. I used my screwdriver and a kitchen knife And I don’t know how to give up. And I know Jesus did it really.

[@aiyer1008]

Saved us! Thanks.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. I'm tickled that you were able to make use of this video.

[@pattyoconnell1950s]

Me too!!!

[@richardchristensen1768]

These shamefull auto manufacturers whom are guilty of building unsafe vehicles and deadly airbags,etc etc! Then they go and make sure this crap is built to break forcing hard working folks to shell out a fortune to their "STEALERSHIPS" for something so stupid as damn replacement key!!! Customer loyalty has gone the way of the dinosaurs!!! Stupid & Pathetic!!! Thanks for your video.

[@pattyoconnell1950s]

Stealerships is correct how unique.

[@AsimRazaofficial]

Another option could be using an empty shell(from ebay), swapping the electronics and get the key cut.. not more than $10( for shell and the key cut)

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I wasn't aware of that interesting option. I think removing and then re-fitting the security chip into the shell would be quite the challenge though.

[@swampThaang]

Most key/locksmiths can do this for under $20. The problem is this flaw results in repeat breaks. I am now resigned to carrying both a rubber key to start, and the fob for keyless entry only. Shame on Toyota.

[@SelladorOfficial]

Sure bud let me just get hundreds of dollars worth of tools and somewhere to store those tools so I can do all this for a key

[@FrankZen]

Still cheaper than the key bro. Just get Harbor Freight.

[@jeannettesneed]

This is too much...