TOYOTA ECHO 2003 lost immoboliser - is there anything I can do?

[zinga03]

EDIT: Lost alarm key (for the title) :)

So last year the chip part of my key went missing - literally just fell out at some point or another.

I contacted Toyota to discuss getting another chip/key made and they said the only solution they had to fix that problem was to pay the hefty 1k new imoboliser system fee since I only received one key from my car dealer. I had hoped to explore other options like maybe an auto electrician - could create another key? has anyone had any experience with this sort of stuff? sounds pretty redic - the way toyota built the system if it's near impossible to replace if someone lost their key etc :(

I am writing to seek info on if anyone else might have had a similar issue and what the solutions they found for the situation worked best.

Want to make sure I'm fully informed before getting a new system installed if not necessary.

Thanks so much for your help!!! :)

Edited May 20, 2011 by zinga03

[daniboy]

where abouts are you located?

[zinga03]

where abouts are you located?

based in Canberra.