I recently had my plastic case on my key for my 2003 ES300 break.

I found a replacement for it here:

http://amzn.to/1wf9kit

I just unscrewed the key cover (Very Small Phillips head), then loaded the electronics into the new key shell.

Next, I got the key on the shell cut for $45.

Before I started using it again, I put the whole thing into a new cover

http://amzn.to/ZfT2uR

FWIW, during the process, I attempted to start the car with the old key, but without the chips inside it. The car would crank, but wouldn't start.

I'd strongly recommend that all Forum members take a good look at the plastic surrounding their keys and see if its in good shape.

If not, then at the very least, tape it up, and put the whole thing into one of those covers. Otherwise, you're looking at a $300 key from Lexus, along with who knows what kinds of hassles if it happens when away or on a weekend.

 

FWIW, you can get the key housing replaced and cut at the Lexus dealership for around $70. No programming necessary.

Also, PLEASE don't super glue the housings. If the transmitter (the guts of the key) can't be removed because of glue, you might be stuck buying a whole new key too.

 

Another aid is to use blue Loc-tite on the screw.

The plastic is more prone to breaking once it loosens a bit and allows the shell halves to wiggle when turning. I went through this with a Land Cruiser key a few years back and this made the replacement shell rock-solid.

 

Do those covers even protect it. They're at Toyota and Lexus dealerships.

 

I don't really think so and that's why I don't bother w/one. It seems to me they protect it if you drop the single key and the head hits pavement and cracks. But they don't at all protect it from what actually causes the heads to crack - daily use and twisting them in the ignition or lock (if not using remote).

That is what the blue-loctite is for; it keeps them from loosening and cracking faster/more easily. Not foolproof, but it helps a lot.

 

When I bought my Lex I got a valet key and a clicker. The clicker was a key with the key part broke off. and it had one of these covers on it so nope, they don't keep the key from breaking.

 

Oro, where and how exactly do you put that on?

 

Ok, so when you put the clamshell 1/2's back together, dab a very small amount of blue loctite on the screw. Turn it backwards slowly 1/2 turn (or whatever it takes) until it "clicks." - this is the threads lining up with the threads in the shell. Now you are ready to tighten it. This is standard procedure when putting steel screws in plastic holes - it prevents you stripping the plastic threads, which is often very easy to do. Always do this with steel screws into plastic, etc.

Now just snug the screw; don't go crazy. The loctite will prevent the screw from loosening and then your shells starting to twist against each other when you use the key.

 

Thanks Oro