Need Master Key for ES300

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Aug 2, 2010 | 10:01 AM

mzikram

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Driver School Candidate

Joined: Jul 2010

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From: TX

Need Master Key for ES300

I just bought a 2001 ES300 and the previous owner only had a velt (grey) key. I called a few dealerships and they said that since I do not have a master key, the computer (ECU) has to be replaced. The replacement will be paid bu Lexus but I still have to pay around $600.00 for the labor and two replacement master keys. I thought this is really too much for a key replacement.

Does anyone have a better and more economical way or experience of getting a replacement master key?

Thanks in advance

Aug 2, 2010 | 02:51 PM

offroad200

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 905

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From: SC

Try a local locksmith and see if they have the equipment to "flash" your ECU. Besides ECU replacement, that's the only way I know of.

Aug 2, 2010 | 05:13 PM

PlatES300

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Joined: Apr 2005

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From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by mzikram

I had the same issue when I got my car. 600 actually is a good price considering it's from the dealer. When I tried to get my key done, the dealer wouldn't even touch it. They wanted to rip apart the entire ignition system and replace it (quoted around 2500).

What I ended up doing was buying a transponder key from a vendor on here, and I had a third party program the key for me. All they really have to do is reflash the computer. The key was about 150 at the time and another 300 to reprogram. So if the dealer is charging 600 for 2 keys and a reflash, then that's actually very good.

Aug 2, 2010 | 09:37 PM

LarryParker

Driver

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 110

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From: California

Quote:

Originally Posted by mzikram

Does anyone have a better and more economical way or experience of getting a replacement master key?

Thanks in advance

If you search the threads here you will see many posts on the topic, including many by me. What I did when I had the same problem was to order two cut master keys online (using my VIN) (without remote buttons--buttons quadrupled the cost, $51 each vs $190 each), the I drove to Locksmith Charley's place
http://www.locksmithcharley.com/
in Phoenix.

I removed my car's ECU/ECM (Engine Control Unit or Engine Control Module) from behind the glovebox, he re-flashed it using his computer, (so it would accept the programmingnew master keys), I reinstalled the ECU, and Charley programmed the two new master keys plus the valet key I already had. This was far, far, cheaper than what Lexus wanted, which was for me to buy two new keys WITH BUTTONS, also known as remote keys, plus they wanted to install a new ECU at some very very high price. Lexus acted like the only keys the car was supposed to use were remote (expensive) keys. WRONG, Lexus!!!!!!!