Are you interested in buying an after market fey fob that functions well but also looks a little more rugged than the standard? I have researched every brand out there and I am going to talk you through a few of my favorites.
AJT Designs and Meso Customs are really the only aftermarket key fobs out there for a 5th generation 4Runner. If you are looking at other years you will run into one or two more options. AJT Designs was the first one to market with their injection molded key fob. It took a couple years, but Meso Customs came to market with their flip fob. This brought a whole new idea to the market turning a standard key into a flip out key fob. Both companies offer a aftermarket fob for the smart key if you have a limited or a 2020 or newer 4Runner. Obviously there is no need for a flip fob with the smart key, so choose the one you like the looks of better. 08
These are the Top Toyota 4Runner After Market Fey Fobs for 2021:
- Meso Customs (Click for Current Pricing) : Turn your standard key into a Flip fob. Fidget factor with this product is through the roof.
- AJT Designs (Click for Current Pricing) :Why mess with a good thing? This fob in my opinion is the way to go. Get that customs look while having the same function and feel of the factory key.
Why I Picked the AJT Designs Key Fob
I originally bought the AJT Designs fob when they were released. When the Meso Customs flip fob came out a few years later I grabbed one. I wanted so badly to like the flip fob, but it just didn’t work for me. I ended up ordering a new AJT Designs to get a refreshed look. (The white has gotten a little dirty over the years). The Meso Customs flip fob while a great idea just fell short for me in the end. It would routinely flip open in my pocket, and adding extra keys to it made it very cumbersome in my pocket. When I was carrying the flip fob I needed to just have the fob and no other keys in my pocket. The flip fob may be great for some people, it just wasn’t there for me.
Installation of After Market Key Fobs
Time needed: 30 minutes
Tools needed: An Allen wrench, and sharp knife, and a flathead screwdriver.
- Taking Apart Your Key Fob
You will need 3 things out of the factory one for the AJT Designs one and 2 for the flip fob, unless you want to avoid going to have the blank key cut. Taking apart the factory key is as simple as opening it up like you are going to change the battery. You will pull out the brains of the buttons and set it aside.
- Take metal key portion out of plastic case
If memory serves me correctly I think you need to do a little cutting to make this happen. Nothing a sharp knife or wire cutters can’t handle.
- Getting Chip out of Key Fob
This next step is that hardest. You need to get the little chip out of the factory fob. This will be difficult because it is glued in. If you damage the little chip you will need to get a whole new key as that chip will prevent your truck from starting with that key. I slowly cut the chip out with a razor blade. I took my time and somehow managed to not damage it in the process.
- Move Everything Over to New Key Fob
This is pretty straight forward. The buttons go in the fob, then the brains go in. The brains only fit into the fobs one way so just make sure that the button side goes to the buttons. You will insert the chip into a little slot on either one.
If you chose the AJT Designs one then the key will slide in one way and you screw everything together.
If you went with the Meso Customs flip fob then you choose to shave down your key to put in the flipper or go get the blank cut. Once assembled go test it out in your Truck. If the truck doesn’t start you may have ruined the chip, or you are like me and forgot to install it in the new fob.