macmom

we recently bought the 2000 ES 300. It only came with the valet key so we can't get into the glove box (and to the CD player) and no remote to unlock the doors. I see that alot of owners purchased keys over the internet as it is cheaper than through the dealer. Once you get the keys, do you need to take them to the dealer to be be cut for your particular car? Or can you just follow the steps that I see in other threads? Sorry, I know a stupid question but I am confused!

deezes300

I have the same issue....the problem from what ive been told is for the 2000 es you will need to either replace the computer or get someone to flash the ecu...i only found one person here local to me in va that flashes the ecu and he charges 500 just for the flash and the other option is through the dealer and its around 1000.....if im wrong someone please correct me

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

I don;t know for sure on Lexus, but for the same year Camry the above poster is right, you have to replace the ECU. For Toyota, they usaually have a cortesy in which if it is the 1st time this is happened, they will give a free ECU, but you will still need to pay for the new keys. Like I sai,d this is for Toyota, not sure on the Lexus.

PlatES300

iTrader: (1)

you don't need to replace the ECU. You just have to find someone that can reflash the ECU to program the new keys. I had this done a couple of years back and it ran me about $200 to reflash and program 2 new master keys. good luck.

*you cannot program a new master key without an original master key. the valet key you have cannot be used to program a new master key, thus having to reflash the ECU.

LeX2K

PlatES is correct, you have to get your ECU reflashed, there is no other way.

macmom

thanks for all the great info. So, can I order keys off the internet for use when the ecu is reflashed? Then do I just take the keys to the dealer and they do the ECU thing?

LeX2K

As long as you get a genuine Lexus part, you can order from wherever you want. But the locksmith that does the ECU reflash should be able to also program the keys for you, call around and find one that will. If you post your specific location, others here may be able to point you to a shop that can do what you need.

JSM

So I only got one master key with my car recently. So after reading this, I think I should get a backup asap. Can I get a read of my current key and save that as a backup?

Kinda thread jacking here but what does a replacement key and program run?

PlatES300

iTrader: (1)

You need to find out how many keys have been programmed for your car. Someone on here might know the number but I think the ECU only allows 2 master keys and a valet key to be programmed to start the car. If you want additional keys because your car only came with a single master, then you will also have to get the ECU reflashed and a new set of keys reprogrammed.

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

WTF? I can;t make sense over what is being posted here. I deal with this crap at work, and right now I just got a headache. WTF is this reflashing crap? You program keys to the car. The early way of doing it was that ECU and Key Transponder were one in the same, so if you lost the keys, you need a new ECU. Soon after they got smart and made the ECU and Transponder 2 seperate parts, and the made it programable. So if you lost all keys, it's just a matter of programing the new keys to the car. Some cars you can also prgram yourself by doing a sequence of events while sitting in the drivers seat.

I should probably also add there are now several different types of chips in keys which are not interchangeable. Some are DOT keys, some are G, some are L, and some early ones don;t have a marking at all.

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

And call the damn dealer and ask them. Like I said, they sometimes will do it for just the cost of labor and the new keys. So this can often be the cheapest way. We just did one on a Solara last week at work.

LeX2K

If you have NO master key, then it is not possible to go out and get a new, random key and program the ECU. You must have at least one working master key to instruct the ECU to accept another one. When you program a new key, you first insert a working master key, then remove it. Reflashing allows the ECU to accept a new key as the master, after that point, the cycle repeats you will still need the master key to program additional keys.

autoXlex

Same deal here. Called the dealer and found that you have to pay for a new set of master keys ($65ea = $130 total) they will give you a new ECU for free, program the new keys all for the $130 price.
The parts guy didnt know if you had to leave the car in the shop and that I had to ask the service writer. Will do soon, don't wanna be without a car for a week...

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

They give you a new ECU for just $130, what the heck?!

reidcc

Hello folks-

first post- have been looking at ES300/ES330, or RX series, but until I can get my Solara straightened out and maybe sell it- gotta keep driving it.

This Master Key issue has grabbed my attention.

When I bought my 2000 Solara SLE 2 yrs ago- I had no history. I did not even realize they keys I received were different until after I'd driven the car home 100 miles.

I received 1 Master Key(black- big head plastic), and two cheap metal keys. The metal keys work in trunk, doors, and glove box, and the "Master key" works only in the ignition. I asked a bunch of questions over on Toyota Nation, but not much in response.

I had assumed that both keys were actually different- but now after reading this I am not so sure. The metal keys will slide into the ignition switch- but it just will not turn. The Black headed key I have will also slide into doors, glove box, and trunk, but will not turn.

Is there a chance that I only have a Valet key and not a Master Key?

When I questioned the small shop about it - a week after Ibought it- he did say that he bought car at auction, and received no key for it. He did not have any clue as to what a locksmith did to get him a key.

Thank You-
Chris