AJT/ TRD 4Runner Key Fob Case

5th Gen 4Runner TRD Key Fob Case (AJT Design)

5th Gen 4Runner Key Fob Case (TRD Key Fob), Made by AJT Design

Wow. I was really thinking of another way to start this overview, but “wow” is all that came to mind. If you are looking for an upgraded key fob for your 4Runner, this should be high on the list of choices. The 5th Gen 4Runner Key Fob Case, made by AJT Design is a thing of beauty.

This key fob needs to be held, felt and caressed in person to really understand just how impressive it really is. For general 4Runner accessories, this is a favorite. I am blown away by the precision and perfection that is now encased on my 4Runner key.

The AJT Design case comes in a wide variety of colors to match your 4Runner. Ranging from Cavalry Blue to Super White, you are sure to find your color in the AJT lineup. What is also pretty impressive is that you can further customize it with different color hardware. You can customize your Top Color, Bottom Color, Button Color, and Screw Color. If you are looking for the exact color options, go check out the AJT Design Website for Color Options.

The AJT Design key fob ships as a remote shell, not with the battery and transponder chip. You have a couple options for using the AJT Design 4Runner key fob.

You can use the fob with the key blade or without the blade.

AJT Design with Key Blade

If you want to use the AJT Design fob with your key blade, you need to essentially damage your OEM fob to get the blade out. You can either damage your OEM fob or buy a blank from Amazon or eBay. With a blank, you will need to have the key cut and then use that key blade.

The nice thing about buying a blank is that you don’t need to “damage your OEM key fob”. I say that with quotes because you still need to extract your transponder chip and this is a whole new task. It is possible to keep your OEM key fob intact and remove your transponder, but it will be very difficult. It was incredibly hard to remove the transponder without damaging anything.

AJT Design without Key Blade

If you use the key fob without your key blade, you still need to remove the transponder. This will ultimately require you to damage the OEM fob, unless you have precision cutting skills and the patience of a Munk. I was not able to keep the same structure of the OEM key fob when removing the transponder. The transponder is glued to the OEM fob and takes some effort in getting loose. See the installation instructions below. When using the key fob without the key blade, you will need to use your valet key to start your 4Runner.

Key highlights

The AJT Design key fob looks like a TRD add-on. Not only does it scream TRD design, it has TRD imprinted on the back. Again, incredibly impressed with the design and thought process that went into this product.

Quick Note: Do not use thread locker

• Made in the USA
• High strength and impact resistant ABS plastic
• Re-cutting a key is not necessary
• Run as FOB only or FOB and Key
• Multiple Face Color Options
• Multiple Screw/ Button Color Options
• TRD logo imprint on reverse side

Where can you buy this?

• AJT Design Website: Check Price

Head straight over to their website and check out the pricing and color selection.

What you need for pulling apart

• Small flathead screwdriver set
• Utility knife (box cutter utility knife)

AJT Design Color Options

There are really too many color combinations to list. You can customize your key fob in almost any direction you can imagine. From red to blue and black to quicksand, AJT Design has some pretty rad color combinations.  AJT Design also offers different color screw options that you can choose to customize your case. You can choose your top color, bottom color, and screw color to create any color combination you can imagine.

AJT Design color options to choose from

• Black
• Red
• White
• Inferno
• Quicksand
• Cement
• Cavalry Blue

Swapping Out (Be patient)

Be patient. The process of extracting your transponder and key without damaging your key fob is tedious, to say the least. About 5 minutes of being gentle and trying not to damage anything, I gave up. I started cutting the key apart and tore all of the plastic from the fob away from the key blade and the transponder.

You can buy a blank from Amazon and damage that key fob to extract the key blade if you are looking to keep your OEM key fob and key blade together. But even this method does not prevent you from damaging your fob when removing the transponder. If you do purchase one of these, just plan on damaging your OEM piece. You will need a utility knife (box cutter) to get the transponder out and to cut everything away from your key blade.

The transponder is glued into a little housing. Gently work around the transponder chip with a utility knife or a tiny flathead screwdriver until you have loosened it on all sides. Work your magic with them and pull that transponder out when it is ready to come out. Try not to force it and damage your transponder chip.

Removing Key Blade & Transponder

1. Pop the Tab on your OEM Key Fob
2. Use a fresh blade on your utility knife to cut the plastic away from your key blade
3. Remove the key blade from the OEM fob
4. Press your utility blade in between the transponder and sidewall of the transponder. Repeat this step all the way around the transponder. Try not to bend your utility blade or else the tip will break off between the transponder and the sidewall (like I did below).
5. Once you have loosened the edges of the transponder, pry it out with a tiny flathead screwdriver. Do not force it. If the transponder is not coming out, keep working on it with your utility knife.
6. Once you have your transponder out, start putting your new key back together.

Close up Shots