Looking: Replacement Key Fob Shell

[LeaveMyHatOn]

Does anybody know a cheap source for a replacement keyless entry remote fob, or even just a shell? My existing fob is for 03, I'm not sure what other model years used the same style.

[ehoff121]

ebay.

You can also get a fob from a Matrix, which will have a Toyota logo and a panic button on the back that works.

Make sure you search by the FCC ID on the back of the remote and you will get a compatible fob.

[LeaveMyHatOn]

ebay.

You can also get a fob from a Matrix, which will have a Toyota logo and a panic button on the back that works.

Make sure you search by the FCC ID on the back of the remote and you will get a compatible fob.

Please excuse my ignorance, works for what?

And thank you for the FCC ID tip. Googling that brings up several results MUCH cheaper than ordering a new one.

[Rayven01]

Please excuse my ignorance, works for what?

It makes the horn go off over and over until you hit the button again.

[LeaveMyHatOn]

Is this something that works on every trim level? I don't have any panic button or alarm on my 03 Base. Would this still work?

[kostby]

Yes, the panic alarm works for any Vibe with keyless entry.
If you touch a coin to an upper/lower pair of the contacts on the back (battery side) of the bare Vibe fob circuitboard as shown on the left below, it activates/deactivates the 'panic' alarm.

And since you mention just the shell, if you don't need the whole fob, just the case, is it because he plastic loop at the top cracked and broke off?
I repaired mine.
I filed off the broken edges, drilled a couple of holes in what remained of the front (side with the button holes) and bent a piece of strong paperclip into a U, then inserted it then bent the 'legs' into place so they cleared the circuitboard.

[jake75]

Does anybody know a cheap source for a replacement keyless entry remote fob, or even just a shell? My existing fob is for 03, I'm not sure what other model years used the same style.

Try eBay.

[LeaveMyHatOn]

Yes, the panic alarm works for any Vibe with keyless entry.
If you touch a coin to an upper/lower pair of the contacts on the back (battery side) of the bare Vibe fob circuitboard as shown on the left below, it activates/deactivates the 'panic' alarm.

And since you mention just the shell, if you don't need the whole fob, just the case, is it because he plastic loop at the top cracked and broke off?
I repaired mine.
I filed off the broken edges, drilled a couple of holes in what remained of the front (side with the button holes) and bent a piece of strong paperclip into a U, then inserted it then bent the 'legs' into place so they cleared the circuitboard.

This just may be the most perfect answer I've even gotten anywhere online, for anything. You guys are all amazing, thank you very much.

[LeaveMyHatOn]

Now that I know the fob I have has the guts necessary for a panic button, I'm wondering if there's a write-up on installing your own button on the back.

Nevermind, guys! I actually found something on my own for once! If anyone hasn't seen the thread and is interested, viewtopic.php?t=13042

(I'm not sure how to link to another thread using phpBB3 (viewtopic.php?t=xxxxx) so if someone is bothered by the full link, please feel free to PM me instructions on how to do so!)

[LeaveMyHatOn]

I'm sure the question has been answered countless times, but I've been unable to find a definitive answer. Since keyless entry programming alters the receiver instead of the fob, can you pair ANY fob with your car, such as a switchblade (4 button, with board) or the one pictured below?

[Rayven01]

The RF transmitter in the fob has to be compatible with the car's receiver (same frequencies, etc). The one you pictured is the style that is used on the 2nd Gen Vibes so if anything is going to work it probably would. Might be worth a shot since the blanks are pretty cheap. If it doesn't work you could probably sell it to someone on here with a 2nd Gen who needs another key. Just don't get it cut before you program it.

[LeaveMyHatOn]

The RF transmitter in the fob has to be compatible with the car's receiver (same frequencies, etc). The one you pictured is the style that is used on the 2nd Gen Vibes so if anything is going to work it probably would. Might be worth a shot since the blanks are pretty cheap. If it doesn't work you could probably sell it to someone on here with a 2nd Gen who needs another key. Just don't get it cut before you program it.

Assuming there's a special style key blade that fits these, do you know where you can get a blank if need be?

[Rayven01]

The key blade is built into this style. The electronics of the fob is a separate insert that goes inside the hollow outside plastic which is attached to the blade. You can get the whole thing guts included uncut for like $35 on ebay. I'm pretty sure the remote part will work on Gen 1s since the programming is the same the only thing I'm not sure on is whether the key blank is the right shape.

Here's a post with programming instructions.

[Rayven01]

Actually I just noticed the picture you posted has a hatch unlock button. The Gen 2s do not as the hatch doesn't open with the remote. It looks to me like the one you picture is a Camry key. Still about $35 on ebay.. worth a shot in my opinion. I like the integrated remote so much better than the separate fobs that always break. I went through three of those on my Oldsmobile, even after doing the hack job to add a metal loop.

[LeaveMyHatOn]

Actually I just noticed the picture you posted has a hatch unlock button. The Gen 2s do not as the hatch doesn't open with the remote. It looks to me like the one you picture is a Camry key. Still about $35 on ebay.. worth a shot in my opinion. I like the integrated remote so much better than the separate fobs that always break. I went through three of those on my Oldsmobile, even after doing the hack job to add a metal loop.

I hope it'll work. I always thought the integrated key/fob would be too bulky, but my brother's Dodge Dakota has the same type, only a larger style fob and you don't even notice, really. I'd LOVE to have a switchblade, but after browsing the forums, it seems like anything anyone has gotten to work only held up a short while. Bummer.

[jeff_j1701]

I lost my keys about 4 years ago and ordered one from [urlhttp://www.chipkeys.com/Default.asp][/url]

I ordered the used one (since mine was used anyway ) and you couldn't even tell that it was used. There was only a little tiny scratch (about 2 mm long) on the back of the fob.

I also ordered one for my wife about two years ago from the same site. Neither of us has had an issue.