I accidently grabbed the spare key and valet key out the key box the other day and when I went to use it my 4Runner cranked for 15 seconds and wouldn't start, it did this 3x, then on the 4th attempt it finally started. This was the first time this has ever happened, and the only thing different was the use of the valet key. Do these keys have some kind of chip in them? Or why else would it had not started on the first 3 attempts? It's never not started before and since that day, I've used my regular key and it fires immediately.

(This is on a 2k LTD 4WD w/ 30k miles.)

 

yeah, the LTD's have a chip. a key w/ NO chip will NOT start the vehicle. it will turn over and just never fire. maybe it didn't recognize the chip at first or something else quirky...

 

wow a 2000 with only 30K miles...

 

Do all LTD's 3rd Gen have it or just 99 and up?

 

my 98 limited definately doesnt have a chip in it. the key i got when i bought it was just metal and we didn't need to put one in a box when we did my remote start.