DrewSRX

I just purchased a 1997 ES300. I have both master keys, remotes, and wallet key. The 1997 ES300 keys do not have transponders in them correct?

I was wondering if it is possible to get a blank integrated remote key from Ebay and use it on my car? All I need to do is have the key cut and program the buttons right? Is this possible at all? Thanks...

I guess the FCC ID has to be the same?

lexusk8

Drew, congrats with your ES purchase, and welcome to the forum. To answer your key question, yes all master remote keys have transponder chips in them, thus the meaning of "remote"

You can certainly get those often-seen blank uncut Lexus keys for your car, but IMO it's a lot of hassle to send the key out to be cut and to get it programmed. If you call up your Lexus parts dept and ask for a spare remote key, they can cut the key and have it ready for you at only the charge of the part. You can find programming instructions here in this forum if you use the search engine and type in "key programming". This way, you don't need to have Lexus do the programming for you and charge you extra for that

DrewSRX

Thanks for the welcome & reply!

I am a little bit confused about something.

I keep on reading on the internet that the 98-03' ES300's have transponders, but the '97 and below cars do not. On the 98-04' ES300's there is a little radio transmitter in the key like what is shown below:

http://www.locksmithcharley.com/transponder.html

But, the 1997 ES300 does not have this it seems. They key is just regular plastic with nothing inside and a seperate keyless entry remote alarm system. The 98-03 ES300's go one step further with this key embedded transmitter.

Now, what I am wondering is if I can use a newer Lexus remotekey that has a transponder on my non-transponder car? It seems like it would work?

DrewSRX

Here is more info on how that transponder thing works:

http://members.aol.com/leedobbs/tpdisc.html

http://www.athco-locks.co.nz/transponder.html

lexusk8

Drew, OK I see what you're confused about. Yes I remember the '97 ES comes with a 2-pc master key system (1 pc for the key itself, and the other pc for the alarm and trunk open buttons). Unfortunately I do not know if a '98-'03 ES master key would work on your '97 ES. You could use the search engine and do a search for "key transponder" and see what threads have been talked about in the past. Sorry I can't be much more help than that

DrewSRX

Thanks for the help anyway. I decided it isn't really worth it. The 97' master key and remote are so small that I don't even notice them. I just picked up my car yesterday and I love it!

I decided to spend $5.99 and get this keychain off Ebay instead. LOL!

What do you think?

booby79

Did anyone figure this question out. I want to use the all in one key on my 97 ES which has the key and remote seperate.

Thanks

Bob

za3879

Its my understanding that those larger remote keys do not work on the 97. I bought a spare one for the 98LS but ended up not needing it, asked the dealer if it would work and they said no. Maybe that peon behind the counter was wrong though...who knows.

z