Cost of replacing Door Locks and Keys of 02 RX 300
08-10-09, 10:52 PM
#16
Moderator
Master key [qty 2] (typically) are Black shell [with electronics built in for remote and imobilizer-deactivator (double negative)].
Valet key [qty 1] gray shell has special personalization (groove cut in the middle) which prevents it to used for glove-box. It also has the imobilizer-deativator.
The wallet key [in '99] has the personalization of the master key but does not have the imobilzer-deativator ... that prevents the key to be used to start the RX. In later models, Lexus started providing a small piece that needs to be brought close to the ignition switch.
The ECU is programmed to:
Match with the id of the imobilzer-deactivator.
It listens to the remote_in_the_keys and if the key is registered, it responds to the commands.
The key must be registered in the ECU, before the ECU will accept to be reprogrammed .... this is why the master key is required.
You can get Key-blanks and have them cut (personalized) to match the current cylinders. But then you are on your way to Level1 (see my post). What is needed is the electronics and programming the ecu. You can buy the electronics with the key blank. The trouble area is that you dont have the Master key and without it, you can not get the ECU to accept new keys. Posts here indicate that some shops have the know how to flash without the master key. [Lexus most probably will not and will ask you to buy new ECU]. Improper handling of ECU can render it useless. So make sure you deal with people who know what they are doing.
Before you cut key blanks to current locks, explore Level2. Since the keys were stolen from home, I would think Level2 is the right call. Had you lost them away from home, the likelihood of some one finding the keys and matching with your RX would have been low ... but not in your case.
Salim
So how the AAA guy get in to disable the starter?
Valet key [qty 1] gray shell has special personalization (groove cut in the middle) which prevents it to used for glove-box. It also has the imobilizer-deativator.
The wallet key [in '99] has the personalization of the master key but does not have the imobilzer-deativator ... that prevents the key to be used to start the RX. In later models, Lexus started providing a small piece that needs to be brought close to the ignition switch.
The ECU is programmed to:
Match with the id of the imobilzer-deactivator.
It listens to the remote_in_the_keys and if the key is registered, it responds to the commands.
The key must be registered in the ECU, before the ECU will accept to be reprogrammed .... this is why the master key is required.
You can get Key-blanks and have them cut (personalized) to match the current cylinders. But then you are on your way to Level1 (see my post). What is needed is the electronics and programming the ecu. You can buy the electronics with the key blank. The trouble area is that you dont have the Master key and without it, you can not get the ECU to accept new keys. Posts here indicate that some shops have the know how to flash without the master key. [Lexus most probably will not and will ask you to buy new ECU]. Improper handling of ECU can render it useless. So make sure you deal with people who know what they are doing.
Before you cut key blanks to current locks, explore Level2. Since the keys were stolen from home, I would think Level2 is the right call. Had you lost them away from home, the likelihood of some one finding the keys and matching with your RX would have been low ... but not in your case.
Salim
So how the AAA guy get in to disable the starter?
08-11-09, 05:19 AM
#18
Lexus Test Driver
08-11-09, 06:27 AM
#19
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08-11-09, 06:32 AM
#20
Lexus Test Driver
However, it sounds like this is not the case and you are looking at one of the other solutions and the priority is to get into your car. My suggestion yesterday was to order a non-remote key cut to your vin for around $50 plus the overnight shipping. (The key you provided the link to was a more expensive remote key.) This way you would be able to unlock your car today. I figured the cost of this key was cheaper than trying to find someone to unlock the car. I assumed it wasn't easy to unlock being that AAA didn't do it.
Where are you located in NJ?
I remembered this previous discussion about someone in the same situation. It may help you in deciding what to do.
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...&hl=theft&st=0
08-11-09, 06:52 AM
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Master key [qty 2] (typically) are Black shell [with electronics built in for remote and imobilizer-deactivator (double negative)].
Valet key [qty 1] gray shell has special personalization (groove cut in the middle) which prevents it to used for glove-box. It also has the imobilizer-deativator.
The wallet key [in '99] has the personalization of the master key but does not have the imobilzer-deativator ... that prevents the key to be used to start the RX. In later models, Lexus started providing a small piece that needs to be brought close to the ignition switch.
The ECU is programmed to:
Match with the id of the imobilzer-deactivator.
It listens to the remote_in_the_keys and if the key is registered, it responds to the commands.
The key must be registered in the ECU, before the ECU will accept to be reprogrammed .... this is why the master key is required.
You can get Key-blanks and have them cut (personalized) to match the current cylinders. But then you are on your way to Level1 (see my post). What is needed is the electronics and programming the ecu. You can buy the electronics with the key blank. The trouble area is that you dont have the Master key and without it, you can not get the ECU to accept new keys. Posts here indicate that some shops have the know how to flash without the master key. [Lexus most probably will not and will ask you to buy new ECU]. Improper handling of ECU can render it useless. So make sure you deal with people who know what they are doing.
Before you cut key blanks to current locks, explore Level2. Since the keys were stolen from home, I would think Level2 is the right call. Had you lost them away from home, the likelihood of some one finding the keys and matching with your RX would have been low ... but not in your case.
Salim
So how the AAA guy get in to disable the starter?
Valet key [qty 1] gray shell has special personalization (groove cut in the middle) which prevents it to used for glove-box. It also has the imobilizer-deativator.
The wallet key [in '99] has the personalization of the master key but does not have the imobilzer-deativator ... that prevents the key to be used to start the RX. In later models, Lexus started providing a small piece that needs to be brought close to the ignition switch.
The ECU is programmed to:
Match with the id of the imobilzer-deactivator.
It listens to the remote_in_the_keys and if the key is registered, it responds to the commands.
The key must be registered in the ECU, before the ECU will accept to be reprogrammed .... this is why the master key is required.
You can get Key-blanks and have them cut (personalized) to match the current cylinders. But then you are on your way to Level1 (see my post). What is needed is the electronics and programming the ecu. You can buy the electronics with the key blank. The trouble area is that you dont have the Master key and without it, you can not get the ECU to accept new keys. Posts here indicate that some shops have the know how to flash without the master key. [Lexus most probably will not and will ask you to buy new ECU]. Improper handling of ECU can render it useless. So make sure you deal with people who know what they are doing.
Before you cut key blanks to current locks, explore Level2. Since the keys were stolen from home, I would think Level2 is the right call. Had you lost them away from home, the likelihood of some one finding the keys and matching with your RX would have been low ... but not in your case.
Salim
So how the AAA guy get in to disable the starter?
Again thanks a lot, guys for your valuable inputs, I learn a lot about keys in last couple of days.
10-13-09, 08:56 PM
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...
The wallet key [in '99] has the personalization of the master key but does not have the imobilzer-deativator ... that prevents the key to be used to start the RX. In later models, Lexus started providing a small piece that needs to be brought close to the ignition switch.
...
The wallet key [in '99] has the personalization of the master key but does not have the imobilzer-deativator ... that prevents the key to be used to start the RX. In later models, Lexus started providing a small piece that needs to be brought close to the ignition switch.
...
My question is whether this is like the valet key, or master.
These stories are making me paranoid about maybe getting another master and storing it in a safe deposit box. If the wallet key counts, it will make life simpler.
10-13-09, 09:23 PM
#23
Moderator
^ The question is best answered by Lexus.
I doubt the wallet key can be considered as master key, as it doe not have the electronics (remote). Now can you fake it with valet key electronics .... yikes I am going crazy
Salim.
ps: It is a good idea to own 2 master keys.
I doubt the wallet key can be considered as master key, as it doe not have the electronics (remote). Now can you fake it with valet key electronics .... yikes I am going crazy
Salim.
ps: It is a good idea to own 2 master keys.
10-14-09, 06:59 AM
#24
Lexus Test Driver
I am not sure Lexus is the best one to answer this question. Lexus corporate defers these questions to the dealer. Others have reported that the dealer claims the wallet key will not work as a master to program other keys but it worked fine for others when they tried it.
Last edited by mikey00; 10-14-09 at 04:47 PM.
