JacksonHal

Hello, So I recently lost all my keys + masterkeys to my LS400 1999.

i was going to purchase a key here
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...1999/2782.html
but.. if i do.. is it 100% my key will work right away? I'm not sure how to program the key..

thanks guys

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Welcome...ouch on losing the keys.

You will need to contact them, supply the VIN and FAX proof of ownership to verify the order. They will order a pre-programmed cut key and the cost should hit about $3XX. Call to verify costs, this is off my memory.

From there, then buy uncut masters or valet keys and have spares to program to the car with. Obviously, you will need to have a good locksmith or dealer cut these keys. Cost to cut is $10-$30 depending on dealer willingness. I paid $15.

dc2loco

Go to the closest dealership with your VIN and proof of ownership and they will cut you a key for 50$ I think.

Imperium11

you can also go to larger locksmiths, they can usually do it for cheaper
this is why i have 3 keys and they are all seperate

JacksonHal

damn.. only if it was that cheap..
i called a lexus dealer.. they said they needed to replace the whole computer or something.. and they said 1800 dollars ._.

So i can just bring my VIN and proof and they can cut me a key correct? but will the key work?

dc2loco

Yes the key will work lol. I recently just had this done

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

except your LS is a '91, which doesnt have an immobilizer.

OP, you're out of luck, either try a pre-programmed master, or have the ECU reprogrammed i believe.

nthach

The 1990-1994 cars have a ROM on a little PCB which slid into the keyless entry control module in the trunk. This means you can't program keys to the car as the ROM chips are paired to the remote keys.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

My recollection is that he can obtain a properly programmed key but the programming to car sequence in the absence of the original master is ? I thought somebody here recently had a locksmith flash the ECU for the new key. Like $150. This thread might have been around Nov or so. PD, you recall that one?

JacksonHal

ugh this is very depressing...

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Within the limits of your forum experiences, this is what we know thus far. Make a few calls to some top locksmiths and see if there is a work-around.
Call and see if they can flash the lock/security ECU for the new key. If so it sure beats buying a new ECU. All fixable by throwing $$ at it and then once you get that new key, have 3 more cut. Give them to a trusted friend/family to keep safe for you.

GL and let us know.

Note to all other 97+ owners: avoiding these situations is an easy $45 or so.

Kansas

The attached programming instructions for the 98-00 LS400 would lead me to believe that it is not necessary to have a working key in order to program new ones -- see "Prohibition Mode" on page 2.

JacksonHal

thank you!
on Prohibition Mode..
Insert key.. does it have to be the master key? or can i just get one cut and it will work

Kansas

Attached is a page from the 2000 LS400 owners manual -- the same information is likely in yours. Both the master and valet keys have transponder chips in them so in any case you would need keys that have the same capabilities as OEM keys.

I was always under the impression that a existing master key is required to program a new key for a 98-00 LS400 so I'm finding the TSIB I posted confusing.

The owners manuals says: "For your Lexus dealer to make you a new key with built–in transponder chip, your dealer will need your key number and master key."

I don't understand what this means. Does the dealer need an existing master key only to cut a new master key that has the additional cut needed to open the trunk and glove compartment or is the transponder in the existing key somehow needed to create the new key?

My suggestion would be to visit a Lexus dealer and take the TSIB i posted with you and maybe do a little grovelling! All Lexus dealer people are not evil and you might find someone there who is knowledgeable and helpful. I suspect that the cost of getting just one new master and valet key set will run you over $250 at a Lexus dealer which was where I obtained a third key set when I bought my 2000 LS in 2003.

After you get out of this mess, have at least one extra set (master and valet) of keys made and keep them in a safe place. My wife has one set, I have one set, and the other set has never left the house -- this has reminded me that I should put my extra key set in our fireproof safe.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

He can try, I suspect not though. If it does not register with the ECU, he will not get a confirmation beep at the end of the sequence.

Definitely have more keys cut. This is a hard lesson to go through.