Toyota Tacoma (N400, 2024-2026) Owner's Manual: Smart Key System and Entry

The following operations can be performed simply by carrying the electronic key, including the card key, on your person, such as in a pocket or bag. The Toyota Tacoma smart key system detects the electronic key within the applicable operating range, so the driver should always carry the electronic key when using the vehicle.

• Locks and unlocks the doors using the smart key system.
• Locks and unlocks the tailgate when the applicable function is available.
• Allows the Toyota Tacoma engine to be started without inserting a conventional key.

 Antenna location

1. Antenna located outside the cabin on the driver's side.
2. Antenna located outside the cabin on the passenger side (if equipped).
3. Antennas located inside the Toyota Tacoma cabin.
4. Antenna located inside the rear bumper on vehicles equipped with a power tailgate.

 Effective range (areas within which the electronic key is detected)

1. When locking or unlocking the doors

The smart key system can be operated when the electronic key is within approximately 2.3 ft. (0.7 m) of the driver's side door handle or the front passenger side door handle, if equipped. Only the door that detects the electronic key within its effective range can be operated.

2. When starting the engine or changing engine switch modes

The Toyota Tacoma smart key system can perform these operations when the electronic key is detected inside the vehicle.

3. When opening/closing the power tailgate (if equipped)

The power tailgate smart key function can be operated when the electronic key is within approximately 2.3 ft. (0.7 m) of the tailgate handle.

 If an alarm sounds or a warning message is displayed

The Toyota Tacoma uses audible alarms and warning messages on the multi-information display to help prevent unintended operation, possible accidents, or vehicle theft caused by incorrect smart key system use. If a warning message appears, read the displayed information carefully and take the appropriate corrective action indicated by the system.

If only an alarm sounds without a warning message, identify the circumstances under which the alarm was activated and follow the corresponding correction procedure shown below.

• When an exterior alarm sounds once for approximately 5 seconds.

• When an interior alarm sounds continuously inside the vehicle.

 If "Key Detected in Vehicle" is shown on the multi-information display

This message indicates that an attempt was made to lock the Toyota Tacoma using the smart key system while the electronic key was still detected inside the vehicle. Remove the electronic key from the cabin, make sure it is in your possession, and then perform the door locking operation again.

 Battery-saving function

The battery-saving function is designed to reduce unnecessary electrical consumption from both the electronic key battery and the vehicle battery when the Toyota Tacoma remains unused for an extended period.

• Under the following conditions, the smart key system may require additional time before the doors can be unlocked. The interior lights may also remain off when the unlocking operation is performed.
  • The electronic key has remained within an area approximately 11.5 ft. (3.5 m) from the outside of the vehicle for 40 seconds or longer.
  • The smart key system has not been used for 5 days or longer.
• If the Toyota Tacoma smart key system has not been used for 14 days or longer, the doors cannot initially be unlocked from any door other than the driver's door.

  In this situation, grasp the driver's door handle, or use either the wireless remote control or the mechanical key, to unlock the Toyota Tacoma doors and restore normal access to the vehicle.

 Turning an electronic key to battery-saving mode

• When battery-saving mode is activated, electronic key battery consumption is reduced by stopping the key from continuously receiving radio waves. This function is useful when the electronic key will not be used for an extended period.

Press twice while pressing and holding . Confirm that the electronic key indicator flashes 4 times to indicate that battery-saving mode has been successfully activated.

While battery-saving mode is active, the Toyota Tacoma smart key system cannot be used through the electronic key. To cancel battery-saving mode and restore normal key operation, press any button on the electronic key.

• Electronic keys that are not expected to be used for a long period can be placed in battery-saving mode in advance to help reduce unnecessary battery depletion while they are stored.

 When electronic key function stops

If the electronic key remains in the same position for a certain period of time, such as when it is left stationary on a table or another surface, some electronic key functions may automatically stop to reduce battery consumption.

When this occurs, normal electronic key operation can be restored automatically by changing the position of the key, such as by picking it up or moving it to another location.

 Conditions affecting operation

The Toyota Tacoma smart key system communicates using weak radio waves. Under the following conditions, communication between the electronic key and the vehicle may be interrupted or reduced, which can prevent the smart key system, wireless remote control, or engine immobilizer system from operating correctly.

• When the electronic key battery is depleted or has become too weak for reliable communication.
• When the Toyota Tacoma or electronic key is near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large electronic display, airport, or another location that produces strong radio waves or significant electrical noise.
• When the electronic key is touching, stored with, or covered by metallic objects such as the following:
  • Cards with aluminum foil or another metallic layer attached
  • Metallic wallets, cases, or bags
  • Coins
  • Hand warmers made from metal
  • Media such as CDs and DVDs
• When another wireless key or similar device that emits radio waves is being operated nearby.
• When carrying the Toyota Tacoma electronic key together with devices that emit radio waves, including the following:
  • Portable radios, cellular phones, cordless phones, or other wireless communication devices
  • Another vehicle's electronic key or another wireless key that transmits radio waves
  • Personal computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs)
  • Digital audio players
  • Portable game systems
• When metallic window tint or other metallic material is attached to the rear window, or when the electronic key is placed close to a battery charger or other electronic equipment.
• When the vehicle is parked in a pay parking area or another location where radio waves are continuously transmitted.

If the Toyota Tacoma doors cannot be locked or unlocked normally using the smart key system, try locking or unlocking them by performing one of the following operations:

• Bring the electronic key close to either front door handle and operate the entry function again.
• Use the wireless remote control to lock or unlock the doors.

If the doors still cannot be locked or unlocked using the methods described above, use the mechanical key to operate the Toyota Tacoma door locks manually.

If the engine cannot be started using the smart key system, use the applicable emergency starting procedure for the electronic key.

 Note for the entry function

• Even when the electronic key is within the specified effective range or detection area, the Toyota Tacoma smart key system may not operate correctly under the following circumstances:
  • The electronic key is positioned too close to a window or outside door handle, near the ground, or at a relatively high location when attempting to lock or unlock the doors.
  • The electronic key is near the ground, positioned at a high location, or too close to the center area of the rear bumper.
  • The electronic key is placed on the instrument panel, on the floor, inside a door pocket, or in the glove box when starting the engine or changing the engine switch mode.
• Do not leave the electronic key on top of the instrument panel or close to the door pockets when leaving the Toyota Tacoma. Depending on radio wave reception and the exact position of the key, an antenna outside the cabin may detect it. In this situation, the doors may be locked from outside even though the electronic key remains inside the vehicle.
• As long as the electronic key remains within the effective detection range, another person may be able to lock or unlock the applicable doors. However, only a door that detects the electronic key can be used to unlock the vehicle through the entry function.
• Even when the electronic key is not physically inside the vehicle, the Toyota Tacoma engine may be able to start if the key is positioned very close to a window and can still be detected by the system.
• The doors may unexpectedly lock or unlock if a large amount of water strikes the door handle, such as during heavy rain or while washing the vehicle, when the electronic key is within its effective range. If none of the doors are opened and closed afterward, the doors will automatically lock again after approximately 60 seconds.
• If the wireless remote control is used to lock the doors while the electronic key is close to the vehicle, the entry function may not immediately unlock the doors afterward. In this situation, use the wireless remote control to unlock the doors.
• Touching the door lock sensor while wearing gloves may delay the locking operation or prevent the sensor from recognizing your touch. Remove the gloves and touch the lock sensor again directly.
• When the door locking operation is performed using the lock sensor, recognition signals may be provided for up to two consecutive operations. After that, additional recognition signals may temporarily not be given.
• If a door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the effective range, the door may repeatedly lock and unlock because the wet sensor area can affect detection. When washing the Toyota Tacoma, use the following procedures to help prevent unintended smart key operation:
  • Place the electronic key at least 6 ft. (2 m) away from the vehicle before washing it. Make sure the key is kept in a secure location where it cannot be lost or stolen.
  • Set the electronic key to battery-saving mode to temporarily disable smart key system operation while the vehicle is being washed.
• If the electronic key is left inside the vehicle and a door handle becomes wet during a car wash, a warning message may appear on the multi-information display and an exterior buzzer may sound to alert you to the detected key and door condition.

  To stop the alarm, lock all of the Toyota Tacoma doors securely.

• The door lock sensor may not operate correctly if ice, snow, mud, dirt, or other material is covering or contacting the sensor surface. Clean the affected lock sensor carefully, then attempt the locking operation again.
• Approaching the effective detection range or reaching for the door handle too suddenly may prevent the doors from unlocking immediately. If this occurs, return the door handle to its original position, wait for the system to recognize the electronic key, confirm that the doors have unlocked, and then pull the handle again.
• If another electronic key is present within the same detection area, the Toyota Tacoma smart key system may require slightly more time to identify the correct key and unlock the doors after the door handle is gripped.

 When the vehicle is not driven for extended periods

• To help reduce the risk of vehicle theft, do not leave the electronic key within 6 ft. (2 m) of the Toyota Tacoma when the vehicle will remain parked or unused for an extended period.
• The smart key system can be deactivated in advance when automatic entry operation is not required.
• Placing the electronic key in battery-saving mode helps reduce unnecessary key battery depletion during long periods of storage or non-use.

 To operate the system properly

• Always carry the electronic key with you when using the smart key system.

  When operating the system from outside the Toyota Tacoma, avoid holding or placing the electronic key unnecessarily close to the vehicle body or door handle, as its exact position can affect detection.

Depending on where the electronic key is positioned, how it is being held, and the surrounding radio wave conditions, the key may not be detected correctly and the smart key system may not operate as intended. In some situations, the alarm may activate unexpectedly, or the function designed to prevent the doors from being locked with the electronic key inside the vehicle may not operate correctly.

 Customization

Certain Toyota Tacoma smart key system functions and operating preferences can be customized according to the available vehicle settings.

 If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting

• To lock or unlock the doors or open the tailgate when the smart key system has been disabled, use the wireless remote control or the mechanical key as applicable.

WARNING

Caution regarding interference with electronic devices

• People who use implantable cardiac pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers, or implantable cardioverter defibrillators should maintain an appropriate distance from the Toyota Tacoma smart key system antennas.

  The radio waves generated by the smart key system may affect the operation of these medical devices. If necessary, the entry function can be disabled. Contact your Toyota dealer for detailed information, including the radio wave frequency and the timing at which radio waves are transmitted. After obtaining this information, consult your doctor to determine whether the entry function should be disabled for your specific medical device.

• Users of electrical medical devices other than implantable cardiac pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers, or implantable cardioverter defibrillators should contact the manufacturer of their medical device for information about how it may operate when exposed to radio waves.

  Radio waves from the Toyota Tacoma smart key system could potentially have unexpected effects on certain electronic medical devices, depending on their design and sensitivity.

Contact your Toyota dealer for additional information about disabling the smart key entry function and the available Toyota Tacoma customization options.

NOTICE

Head-up display projector

• Do not place drinks, open containers, or other liquids near the head-up display projector. If the projector becomes wet, electrical malfunctions may occur and proper Toyota Tacoma head-up display operation may be affected.

• Do not place objects on the head-up display projector or attach stickers, labels, or similar materials to its surface.

  Doing so may obstruct the projector and interfere with the head-up display indications projected onto the windshield.

• Do not touch the inside of the head-up display projector or insert sharp objects, pointed edges, or similar items into the projector opening.

  Doing so may damage internal components and cause mechanical malfunctions that could prevent the Toyota Tacoma head-up display from operating correctly.

Using the head-up display

 Changing settings of the head-up display

The following head-up display settings can be changed through " Settings" on the multi-information display, allowing the driver to customize supported display characteristics.

• Enabling/disabling the head-up display
  Select this setting to enable or disable the Toyota Tacoma head-up display according to the driver's preference.
• Brightness and vertical position of the head-up display
  Select to adjust the brightness and vertical position of the projected head-up display image for comfortable visibility.
• Head-up display type
  Select to change the head-up display type and choose from the available presentation modes.
• Display angle
  Select to adjust the angle of the head-up display so that the projected information can be positioned appropriately for the driver.

 Enabling/disabling of the head-up display

If the head-up display is disabled, it will remain disabled even after the engine switch is turned off and then returned to ON. The selected Toyota Tacoma head-up display state is therefore retained between engine switch operations.

 Display brightness

The brightness of the head-up display can be adjusted through " Settings" on the multi-information display. In addition to manual adjustment, the display brightness is automatically adjusted according to the surrounding ambient brightness to maintain suitable visibility.

 Head-up display automatic position adjustment

If the preferred display position has been recorded in memory, the Toyota Tacoma head-up display will automatically adjust to the stored position, helping restore the driver's preferred viewing arrangement.

 When the battery is disconnected

If the vehicle battery is disconnected, the customized settings of the head-up display will be reset. The preferred Toyota Tacoma head-up display settings may therefore need to be configured again after battery power is restored.

WARNING

Caution for changing settings of the head-up display

If the engine is operating while changing certain head-up display settings, make sure that the vehicle is parked in an area with adequate ventilation. In an enclosed location such as a garage, exhaust gases containing harmful carbon monoxide (CO) may accumulate and enter the Toyota Tacoma cabin. Exposure to carbon monoxide may lead to death or a serious health hazard, so sufficient ventilation must be maintained whenever the engine is running.