Buy new key from dealer or swap ecu with key?
02-11-17, 11:42 AM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Buy new key from dealer or swap ecu with key?
So I have a 2000 GS400 and got it from an auction for pretty cheap problem is it didn't come with a key and I'm trying not to have to get it towed to a dealer I was quoted $556 for one key and ecu reflash I saw that some people on here swap ecu's that come with the key which one would you all recommend thanks
02-11-17, 05:45 PM
#2
We r simple...we like the route that saves us the most money..so im confused, do you have the ecu without they key? If u have the ecu with no key, just buy an uncut key with the empty ecu case on ebay and just have your local key cutter cut it for 35-40 bucks. And then add the ecu inside the case.
02-12-17, 12:36 AM
#3
Driver School Candidate
Just had the same issue. I was lucky and tracked down the previous owner from the original books that came with the car and he still had a spare master key and valet key.
2nd hand ECU with key will get the car going but obviously all the door/boot locks will different on the car.
If you want all the locks to match you could get key cut from car's original door lock (or VIN number might work) then use immobiliser chip from from key that came with swapped ecu.
Once you've done that you should get another master key made so you don't have to go through this again if you lose that key! (you can program the immobiliser and remote central locking yourself, just need to get key cut
)
2nd hand ECU with key will get the car going but obviously all the door/boot locks will different on the car.
If you want all the locks to match you could get key cut from car's original door lock (or VIN number might work) then use immobiliser chip from from key that came with swapped ecu.
Once you've done that you should get another master key made so you don't have to go through this again if you lose that key! (you can program the immobiliser and remote central locking yourself, just need to get key cut
02-12-17, 07:39 AM
#4
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
We r simple...we like the route that saves us the most money..so im confused, do you have the ecu without they key? If u have the ecu with no key, just buy an uncut key with the empty ecu case on ebay and just have your local key cutter cut it for 35-40 bucks. And then add the ecu inside the case.
02-13-17, 01:58 PM
#5
Lexus Test Driver
Don't try and go the cheap route on this one. I would bite the bullet and have it done correctly by the dealer. When you think about it $556 is not that bad - those keys are expensive!
02-14-17, 09:01 PM
#6
Driver School Candidate
I was quoted $140 for valet key, and $360 for complete master key from an aftermarket place in town today. Not sure if u have looked at other places other then dealer.
02-14-17, 09:14 PM
#7
Driver School Candidate
After watching the video this seems pretty self explanatory to try my self. My problem is that when I hit my lock and u lock switch on the driver door non of my doors react to the press of the button, I can hear all the motors acting like they want to move but non actually lock and unlock. Will this be a problem for programming it my self?
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02-22-17, 11:24 PM
#8
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
We r simple...we like the route that saves us the most money..so im confused, do you have the ecu without they key? If u have the ecu with no key, just buy an uncut key with the empty ecu case on ebay and just have your local key cutter cut it for 35-40 bucks. And then add the ecu inside the case.
02-23-17, 01:55 PM
#9
The dealership out of goodwill will give you a free ECU you you just pay for the master key and labor, around 300$ out the door,do a search this has happened before to other CL members.
03-02-17, 09:30 AM
#10
After watching the video this seems pretty self explanatory to try my self. My problem is that when I hit my lock and u lock switch on the driver door non of my doors react to the press of the button, I can hear all the motors acting like they want to move but non actually lock and unlock. Will this be a problem for programming it my self?
