devin_ch

Hey Guys!
I just bought a 2004 RX330 in Toronto, Canada but it only came with one key! I was wondering what is the most economical way of getting another transponder key for it. I saw the key for $50 on ebay but still need to take it to the dealer to program it but I am wondering if anyone has done it themselves etc. or there is a better way to do this...

Any suggestions will be appreciated!

Lex2000TL

I purchased blank key on EBay (I don’t recall $$) and had it cut at local locksmith for $30. Then I searched for programming instruction here, on CL and programmed the key myself. That was for our old RX300.
However, for programming, as I recall, you’ve got to have at least one master key.

triplecore

if it is CPO the dealer has to give you 2 sets of keys.

mandyfig

Did you get yours from a dealer? Or private seller? Or a used car place? As mentioned, if it came from the dealer, they owe you one more key.

devin_ch

No I bought it from a used car dealer and he said he only got one key from the auction he bought it from. The dealers in Toronto area are quoting $400 to get a new key. There must be a better way to get a new key.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Thannks!

mandyfig

It will be $250 by the time you are done, cheapest.

Lex2000TL

Keep asking for help? Read replies. As I suggested previously, visit eBay and get your key with cut and programming.

Lil4X

Lex2000TL, I removed your ebay link. The link you provided was to an RX 300 key. devin's looking for a key for his RX 330 - they are considerably different. That seller has no current offering of a 330 key blank.

There are several available on ebay - just search ebay motors for Lexus RX330 remote key

Lex2000TL

Sorry, my bad. You are right, I did not pay attention to model number.

Ivan330

Just thought I would share our experience about getting a copy made of our master key for a 2004 RX330. At first we expected to pay a hefty price for the service.

1. I bought a brand new blank key with transponder off eBay for ~$65 (Denso OEM key)

2. Called dealer (Seattle area), asked for a price quote to:
a) Cut the key
b) Program it to lock/unlock, use power door, etc.
c) Register it with the ignition so that it can start the car
Service guy gave me a quote of $12.50 ! I was a little skeptical, thought that maybe he made an error...?...

3. Today we went to the dealer and for $12.50+tax they did a+b+c.

It was a pleasant surprise. I read so much about the $2xx dollar costs for a replacement key...

So, all in all, with shipping and taxes it came out to be a little under $80 for a functional second master key.

The G Man

Does the 05 RX have the engine immobilizer in it, if it doesnt, that would explain the price.

Ivan330

Um... well, our 2004 RX has the engine immobilizer system, as stated in the manual. I also tried to start the car with the key - after it was cut and before programming - and the ignition would not turn over.
So, like I described, the programming was done for the engine to turn over and the alarm+door-locks to be enabled/disabled.

Cheers.

mandyfig

Not bad, not bad at all! Can you please let us know the vendor at ebay? Thanks.

The G Man

Thats great, did you buy just the car there? Maybe thats why they did it for so cheap.

Ivan330

Sure. The eBay seller's store is here:
http://stores.ebay.com/THE-REMOTE-KEYLESS-ENTRY-STORE
The seller is midwestkeyless

A good thing about them is that they had an 866 number in their listing, I gave them a call, and they provide info on the key before you buy and tech support, if needed.

I searched around a little more on eBay, and found a few sellers that are selling the same key for $5-10 cheaper - the same denso shell + OEM transponder. But midwest-keyless has the reliability with a 60 day warranty and the info/tech support, FWIW.

The G Man:
Nope. The dealership has never seen us before, nor we - it.