seanglenn

Just bought my 2004 ES330, and the dealer (who bought the car at auction) only has the valet/sub key. All the other keys are lost or missing. He did give me an extra master key that belonged to another Lexus, so I could try to get it programmed as a remote for my car, even if I can't use it as a key.

What are my best options for getting a replacement master key? I've seen Sewell's site (and sparecarkeys' site, for half the price) that will cut a key from the VIN number, is that the way to go? I see very conflicting info about what to do in order to get a new key matched to the ECU, so I want to make sure I take the most likely to work path.

Thanks!

LeX2K

You need at least one working master key or it is not possible to program more. If you have no master key, then the ECU will either have to be replaced or reflashed to accept new keys. On your car I believe the programming can also be done through the OBDII port.

To get a working master key you can call locksmiths in your area, or look on Ebay for an ECU with master key. I thought Lexus had a program where they will give you an ECU for free if you lost your keys you just have to pay for keys and labour. Don't know if they still do that.

seanglenn

Thanks, I'll call the dealer tomorrow and see what they say. I assume some locksmiths are set up with the equipment to flash the ECU, too, right?

LeX2K

Some locksmiths can do programming yes. Was this purchased at a Lexus dealer?

seanglenn

No, it's not a CPO car.

PFB

here is a link to a site that I had found to be accurate in the past.

Hope that helps

http://www.keymam.com/ru/news_view.asp?newsid=58

seanglenn

According to this, for the 2004 ES330, the remote functions need to be done by the dealer (I knew the master key setup needed to be done that way). Thanks.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Isn't there a chip in the valet key that would allow you to use it the same way you would a master when making a new key

LeX2K

There is a chip, but the computer knows the key is a valet and as such will not allow a master key to be made. This is done so that for example at a hotel they can park your car for you but not be able to make themselves a key and steal your car later.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Ahh my mistake, that's what the dealer told me I could do if I ever lost the 2 master keys, so i figured he knew what he was talking about. Guess that's what I get for believing everything they tell me

seanglenn

The valet key can't unlock the trunk or the glovebox or the access to the trunk through the back seat. The chip in the valet key and master key interact with the immobilizer and allow the car to be started. Without the correctly programmed chip, even a duplicate master key won't start the car.

So I contacted a locksmith today, who programmed a newly cut master key, using the chip guts from the key the dealer gave me that didn't work with my car, and reprogrammed the ECU to recognize both the new key and the valet key as masters so that if I ever need to get another key, all I need is one cut from my VIN, and then I can use either my master or my valet key to make the car recognize a new key as another master key.

Bonus - I now can remotely lock and unlock the car, which was my biggest issue with only having the valet key. Total cost: $75.

FromFL

Ugh...I am in the same boat. My car came with only the valet key (and no remote as a bonus). Does anyone know for sure if this car, a 2004 ES 330, must have a master key in order to get a copy? I was hoping to order (eBay) a transponder key with remote, have it programed and cut locally but I'm finding out it was a blunder to not make sure the car came with a master key.