Replacement master key?
05-10-11, 09:43 AM
#16
The dealers here in the NorCal area has different options. Best case scenario, your valet key is programmed to be a master key. Will cost $147 for key and $25 for reprogramming +tax of course. (ask if they can waive the reprogramming fee, they waived it for me as a 1 time courtesy).
Next scenario would be your vehicle has never had its ECU changed (bring it to the dealer and they can tell you). Dealer would change this one time only and charge you just $130 for the labor plus cost of a key $147 +tax.
Worse case scenario, previous owner had the ECU changed. Now you would have to to pay for the actual ECU + Parts + labor + key etc... Around $700 to $2500.
Next scenario would be your vehicle has never had its ECU changed (bring it to the dealer and they can tell you). Dealer would change this one time only and charge you just $130 for the labor plus cost of a key $147 +tax.
Worse case scenario, previous owner had the ECU changed. Now you would have to to pay for the actual ECU + Parts + labor + key etc... Around $700 to $2500.
was unaware you can program a valet key at all....
have heard the second scenario but wonder if its a "urban legend"
third one would suck
Last edited by sakataj; 05-10-11 at 09:47 AM.
05-10-11, 10:09 AM
#18
Call Lexus of Sacramento. They have excellent customer service, been going there for years. If you plan to buy some other DIY parts look at their website and they might still have a 15% coupon good till 5/15/11.
05-10-11, 10:44 AM
#19
I would second the recommendation that if Lexus is unable to help without replacing the ECU for a high price, then try to find a locksmith before pulling the trigger.
The dealer that quoted 2hours+parts to reflash that MigzzGS mentioned is not a bad choice, unless when you get there,they switch their story when they see your actual model, and say they can't do it. I think even from locksmiths you aren't going to get out for significantly less than that for the job.
The "second option" where the Dealer does it basically for free, only happens if somehow you are an extremely valued customer or had a previous relationship or somehow convinced Lexus corporate to give goodwill repair. It is definitely YMMV.
Locksmiths are more experienced in doing reflashing or hacking the existing ECU, compared to Auto Mechanics who will just follow the book and replace the parts.
50% or more of locksmith work is automotive related, they deal with automotive locks more than even dealers. Either they know or if they have been in the industry awhile (secret society/guild of locksmiths?); they should know someone who knows and can refer you.
Unfortunately I don't know of any actual locksmith recommendations. If you search locksmith+lexus+ECU you get plenty of hits from google; otherwise time to go through the yellowpages and get on the phone.
The dealer that quoted 2hours+parts to reflash that MigzzGS mentioned is not a bad choice, unless when you get there,they switch their story when they see your actual model, and say they can't do it. I think even from locksmiths you aren't going to get out for significantly less than that for the job.
The "second option" where the Dealer does it basically for free, only happens if somehow you are an extremely valued customer or had a previous relationship or somehow convinced Lexus corporate to give goodwill repair. It is definitely YMMV.
Locksmiths are more experienced in doing reflashing or hacking the existing ECU, compared to Auto Mechanics who will just follow the book and replace the parts.
50% or more of locksmith work is automotive related, they deal with automotive locks more than even dealers. Either they know or if they have been in the industry awhile (secret society/guild of locksmiths?); they should know someone who knows and can refer you.
Unfortunately I don't know of any actual locksmith recommendations. If you search locksmith+lexus+ECU you get plenty of hits from google; otherwise time to go through the yellowpages and get on the phone.
Last edited by raytseng; 05-10-11 at 11:19 AM.
05-10-11, 10:54 AM
#20
01-up GS430 (02-up GS300) can be dealer programmed without a master or having to buy a new ECU.
05-10-11, 11:04 AM
#21
BTW, we charge .5hr to program with a master and 1hr to program without a master. For certain cars that are capable for that anyways. Older cars (varies by year and model), we (the dealer) have to have a master to program any other key.
05-10-11, 11:18 AM
#22
really good info to know
05-12-11, 04:20 AM
#27
I live in Milpitas and Sac is atleast a couple hours away from me. Just saving myself a trip if Lexus dealers does price matching.
05-12-11, 09:14 AM
#28
