2000 Toyota 4Runner Key Replacement

The 2000–2002 4Runner uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Toyota 4Runner key guide.

2000 Toyota 4Runner: key facts

Key type: Transponder chip key
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: 4C
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

4C fixed-code chip where the immobilizer is fitted; some base trims may be non-transponder — we confirm from the security light.

What kind of key does a 2000 4Runner use?

The 2000 4Runner is a turn-key vehicle. There is no push-to-start and no smart key. Where the immobilizer is fitted, the key has a 4C transponder chip inside the plastic head. That chip is a fixed-code type: the car's immobilizer reads it when you turn the ignition and will not let the engine run unless it recognizes the chip.

In practice this means a key that only looks right is not enough. A blade cut at a hardware store may turn the ignition and even unlock the doors, but the engine will not start without a properly programmed chip. We see this often with owners who thought a cheap copy had solved the problem.

The 4C chip family on this year is verified against published transponder references. Some base trims may have been built without the immobilizer and use a plain metal key. We tell the difference by checking the security light on the dash, and we do that before we cut or program anything.

Key type: transponder key, 4C fixed-code chip
Ignition: turn key, no push-to-start
Programming: done through the OBD port, with no dealer-only equipment needed
A mechanical backup key blade exists for this vehicle

Duplicate key or all keys lost: what changes?

For this setup, both situations can be handled by a locksmith. The difference is the starting point.

If you still have a working key, we can duplicate it. The original is needed so we can copy the blade and program a new chip alongside it. This is the simpler and usually more economical route, and it is worth doing before the last key is lost.

If every key is gone, a replacement is still possible. We cut a key to the ignition or door lock, then program the new chip to the vehicle through the OBD port. It takes more steps than a duplicate, which is why it generally costs more.

Confirm the vehicle and check the security light to see whether the immobilizer is fitted.
Check the ignition and door lock condition, since a worn lock can affect how a new key behaves.
Cut the key blade, from the original key if you have one or from the lock if you do not.
Program the 4C chip through the OBD port.
Test the key in the ignition, door and any other locks before we finish.

What affects the price of a 2000 4Runner key?

We do not quote numbers on a web page, because the real cost depends on your situation. Here is what moves it up or down:

Whether you have a working key to copy or all keys are lost
Whether your truck has the immobilizer chip or is a base trim with a plain key
How many keys you want made
Condition of the ignition and door locks; a worn lock can need repair before a new key will work properly
Where the vehicle is and whether we come to you with a mobile van or you come to our Westwood storefront
Time of day, if you need service outside normal hours

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

We answer around the clock, every day of the year.

Call (213) 577-1366

Worn keys, worn ignitions and what we confirm by VIN

Three problems come up on this year. High-mileage trucks can have worn ignition wafers, which makes the key stick or turn roughly. A worn key blade can stop turning the lock at all. And non-transponder copies will not start the truck. If your key has started to feel loose or inconsistent, getting a fresh key cut from the original is better than waiting for it to fail.

One honest note: the verified data tells us the immobilizer is fitted on some trucks and not others. We do not guess. When you call, give us the VIN if you can, and we confirm the right key type from that and the security light in person. If it turns out the truck is a non-transponder base trim, there is no chip to program and the job is simpler.

We handle this at our Toyota 4Runner key page for other model years, and the wider Toyota key service page covers the rest of the lineup.

Why call Wilshire Lock & Key for this

We have been in business since 1987 and work from a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles, with mobile vans for customers who cannot bring the truck in. You reach one company, not a dispatch service passing your call along. David, the owner and lead technician, oversees the work.

California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license, and you should ask any locksmith for it before they start. You can reach us at (213) 577-1366 around the clock, or use the contact page to send details about your truck.

Frequently asked questions

Does a 2000 Toyota 4Runner have a transponder key?

Where the immobilizer is fitted, yes. It uses a 4C fixed-code chip. Some base trims may be non-transponder, so we confirm from the security light on the dash and the VIN.

Can you make a 4Runner key if I lost all of them?

Yes. All-keys-lost is possible for this setup. We cut a key to the lock and program the chip through the OBD port. It involves more work than a duplicate, so it typically costs more.

Do I need my original key to get a copy?

For a duplicate, yes, the original key is needed. If you no longer have one, we treat it as an all-keys-lost job instead.

Why won't my copied key start the truck?

A hardware-store copy has no programmed chip. It may turn in the lock, but the immobilizer will not let the engine run unless it recognizes a 4C transponder.

Is dealer-only equipment required for this year?

No. Programming a 2000 4Runner is done through the OBD port, and no special dealer-only registration is needed.

My key turns roughly or sticks. Is that the key or the ignition?

It can be either. Worn ignition wafers are common on high-mileage trucks, and a worn blade can also stop the key turning. We check both before deciding what to replace.

Will you come to me, or do I have to bring the truck in?

Either works. We have a storefront in Westwood and mobile vans. Call (213) 577-1366 and tell us where the truck is.

We cover all these cities

Reviewed by David, Owner & Lead Technician, Wilshire Lock & Key — in the locksmith trade since 1987.

Last updated 2026-10-11.