micdjunior

I just purchased a '99 SC4 last weekend, and included with it was only one three-button master key. I read here that if you lose/break/etc. the only master to your car, it can cause all sorts of headaches and money. So, I did a lot of searching on CL here, and online... got a lot of contradictory prices and opinions on what and where to get a new key, get it cut, get it programmed, etc. So I'll share my experience.

I called Lexus, and they wanted $210+ for a new uncut 3-button remote/key. No way. I ended up purchasing one from www.ikeyless.com for $98. Received it in the mail today, two days later. Looked good enough. Good quality, nearly identical to OEM, sans the Lexus "L" on the back. Both are made by Denso... fair enough. I took it in to my local Lexus dealer, Lexus North Shore in Milwaukee, WI. after calling for an estimate. $10.50 out the door to have it match cut to my original.... better than the huge amounts I'd been reading about.

I used the included instructions to both learn the three-button functions and program the transponder chip for the ignition. Took all of 3 minutes. Voila. $108.50 and I've got a new key/remote. Both the OEM and the ikeyless version work from over 100ft away.

Here's a crappy cell-phone photo to show the differences between the two (or lack thereof). The new one is on the right. I'm just happy to have a spare, now.

.

lilSCsteve

iTrader: (71)

Smart move, and this will definitely help some of the other members out when it comes to getting a spare key at a great low price!

Sfcyclist

So $10.50 to get it cut?

pieisgude

iTrader: (2)

Oh sweet! The only issue i've had is buying a new transponder. That's what i heard is expensive. Getting a new replacement key/shell and getting it cut is the easy part.

micdjunior

Yep, $10.50 with tax to have it cut. I was surprised. Very friendly, too.

scguy

ty i knw what to do t get a new key 4 mine

CrazySC300

iTrader: (16)

So we're essentially paying an additional $100+ just to have the Lexus emblem on our keys? lame!

Blkexcoupe

iTrader: (8)

The plastic is thicker on oem keys and the metal that the blade is made out of is different (not worth $100 dollars, but there is a difference in quality). I've broken 4 aftermarket keys in the past 3 years.

ehaze

i have the three button fob and two other keys.

the three button fob/key won't unlock the valet lock (where the trunk and gas release are).

safe to assume all my keys are valet keys?

Tred92sc

Yea I have seen a couple of aftermarket key sites I just don't trust the quality of the key from these sites.

Blkexcoupe

iTrader: (8)

Does your key unlock the glove box and the trunk itself? Do the buttons on the key work?

ehaze

guess i don't have a master key.

can a locksmith make a new master key?

Blkexcoupe

iTrader: (8)

What year is your car?

A locksmith can only make a new master key if you have a master key available for him to duplicate. You can have a dealer cut a key with the master cut instead of the valet cut, so that you can open the glove box, turn off the valet switch, and open your trunk. However just having a master cut won't allow you to start the car if your vehicle is a 98-00.

horent135

iTrader: (10)

Lexus has program, once per car life, they will replace all your equipment for the keys, labor is free but parts are not

AlphaMotor

iTrader: (5)

NIce work my man!