Champstar

my gs400 came with the valet key only
i called Lexus and they said i would need a new ecu ($1000) to go with a new keyless entry($200) then i hung up on them

were can i buy an aftermarket keyless entry remote for my car without installing an aftermarket alarm?

hate having to open the door with the key everytime

HuyMan751

There is no way for you to go aftermarket i believe be the lexus has a very unique ecu where if you lose the master key the whole ecu gotta be replaced for a new keyless entry:-( so it's either you replace the ecu or you stay with your valet:-) that's one thing you must look out for on these Gs400, never buy one unless theres a master key:-)
Good Luck

raytseng

you should try calling around to your local locksmiths. Hopefully you'll find one skilled on Lexuses.
They may be able to flash the existing ecu with their locksmith magic for cheaper then the dealer quote to replace the unit.

Search the internet ("lexus ecu or ecm reflash") and you'll find locksmiths that will do this by mail, but it'll probably be easier if you can find someone local to do it so you don't need to remove parts yourself and make sure everything works in one shot.

example I found:
http://www.a-1mobilelockandkey.com/l...ngservice.html
or
http://www.toy-lex.com
or
http://www.transponderkeys.net/ser_lexustoyota.html
...many others

SorrGwa

iTrader: (1)

my car came with 1 key.

i bought a blank chipped key + remote off ebay.

i had it cut locally, and the ebay seller even provided instructions on programming the key (you like hit the unlock and lock something like 5 times, touch ur nose, do the macarena and country line dance) some sort of thing like that, i dont quite remember...

but if i remember correctly, the key+remote (denso) cost about 70 bucks, cutting cost me about $20 bucks, programming was free (did it myself via the instructions)

dealer wanted 350 for the key, 50 bucks for programming, 50 for cutting.

Trav7414

You can get aftermarket key off ebay and cut them at the dealer(I have Sewell of Fort Worth cut it twice and charge me like $15 each). Second, you also can buy an already cut key off ebay with a tramsmitter(make sure it's the correct part numbers for your car). Put the transmitter into your new cut key and use your wallet key to re-program your key(you can use the tramsmitter that come with the wallet key to re-program your master key), just put the tramsitter next to the ignition when they tell you to put your master key in. Trust me I don't it before and they work. Not that I don't have a master key, but I try it before and they work. Good luck!!

joshoowa

iTrader: (1)

So let me get this straight, when initially programming the new master key... you put your new cut master key (without new transponder in) into the ignition and had the valet key next to it so that the car would read the valet transponder? In sense this would be the first part where they ask you to put in your old master key in.

HuyMan751

i believe you have to have the exisiting master key to program a new key.

Trav7414

I forgot what the instruction tell you what to put in but when they tell you to put in your wallet key make sure the transponder is next to the igintion(just like when you try to start your car using the wallet key you need to put the transponder next to the ignition). I believe the instruction tells you to put the master key in first(this case you put in your wallet key with the transponder next to it). Basically, the transponder is the main thing here. You don't need a Master key to do it.

Just follow the instructions and when they tell you to put the master key in, you use your wallet key+transponder that goes with the wallet next to each other.

raytseng

2 points:
1) You WILL need a master key otherwise you will need to get ecu/ecm work done.
2) The card key (wallet key) is a master key. It is not the same as a valet key.

The http://www.toy-lex.com site seems to have the programming instructions, although searching CL will also bring up random instructions.

ElitistK

iTrader: (4)

you are pretty screwed. without the master key you will need a new ecu w/ matching transponder key.

Trav7414

I don't know what's the different between the 2, but I only have one that sit in my glove box that snap onto and plastic card with a little transponer chip on the card. Is that wallet or valet?

raytseng

That is a wallet key/card key. It is also a master key. It is not a valet key

ElitistK

iTrader: (4)

only if the case holder has a transponder in it. Unless it came with the car brand new from the Lexus dealer, there are versions of the plastic wallet key holder does not have a transponder inside.

Champstar

what if i install an aftermarket alarm in my car?
will that allow the use of keyless entry?

(had it done on a 99 Acura CL 3.0 before)

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

x2.....if i remember right....there was a post bout they (dealers) would cover the cost of ONE free replacement ecu if you bought the key from them. i dunno i had a master and bought a spare from sewell for like 118 and programmed it myself