2Darkness

Has anyone had an experience in getting a smart key cut and programmed? I just bought my second LS. It's a 2004 430 but it only has the one smart key. No flat keys. I'm freakin' out I might misplace this one key then I'll just have an abandoned car. I was thinking ordering a spare fob from Fob Keyless website, fobkeyless.com. They have a cutting service but don't program. Sooooo ..... Has anyone had an experience with their service and if so, how did it pan out. Or maybe there are other options someone can suggest. In advance, thanks for any direction you may be able help with.

rkw77080

Here are the programming procedures for 2004-2006 LS430 Smart Keys, they are:
1) Engine Immobilization System:
2) Smart Key System: Registering a smart key code enables both the smart key system and the wireless door lock control system to be operated.

Also check out the link below for more useful information
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...lp-needed.html

BradTank

If the price is close, just have a Lexus dealership do it. I had a bad experience with a locksmith.

There's definitely locksmiths that can do it, I had one for my 2004 w/Smart key made. But if I could have done it all over again, I would have gone through the dealership and just paid a little more.
The locksmith I used really struggled with it, and when I purchased the car, the locksmith service was part of the sale as he was fixing his mistake for the previous owner. This series of keys are not very common, I believe it was only made for the 2004-2006 LS430.

My advice would be call around and get the "out the door" price and make sure they are familiar with what needs to be done. I'm sure all sorts of independent shops that service Lexus can also do it.

Some dealerships may discount the programming if you buy through them, or it might make sense to buy the new blank key and then pay the dealership to program, etc.
The cost savings at the time weren't much, they both want about the same rate for the service and the part. But that was a long time ago and maybe things have changed.

Johnhav430

Since you have only one key, be careful when/if changing the battery. I got two masters with my car, and one simply broke apart, the spring portion, the other was fine, when changing the batteries (I get the feeling that the one which broke was the one that the previous owner primarily used). I used a knock-off 2032 and it died in mos.--when it died, I absolutely needed the blade portion to unlock the car, and since it was broken, it was tricky to do....part of me does want to buy a new key online, remove the insides, and put my insides into the new one, and get the blade cut....if I didn't have a 2nd smartkey, I probably would do it sooner than later, just in case....