Smartkey - Reprogrammable???
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: New York
Smartkey - Reprogrammable???
I lost the spare smartkey for my '07 ES and was hoping to not have to pay over $200 for a new one. Does anyone know if a programmed smartkey(i.e. one being sold on ebay) can be reprogrammed for my vehicle. I saw some posts saying it is possible, but when i call the dealerships in my area(Long Island) they say "no". Has anyone had experience with this?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 83
From: AZ
Having tried this I can tell you that the short answer to your question is that while it can be done your dealer is not going to cooperate and buying a previously programmed smartkey off of ebay is probably not advisable. Actually I have at least one that I would sell you but as stated it is not worth the agravation. I understand good locksmiths in some parts of the country can do this as well with the proper equipment.
Dave Mac
Dave Mac
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 3
From: IL
Pay up! 
If you can find a used smart key AND your dealer agrees to use it, they have to reprogram the entire car and your existing key. I guess it can be tricky and that's why they don't like to even attempt it. If they end up going that route, the cost is the same or more than just buying a new key and having them program that one.
My '07 only came with one key and I didn't let it out of my sight... meant to eventually get a second one but wrecked the car before I had a chance.. oh well!
Yeah - I didn't like hearing this either when I inquired about it a year ago.
If you can find a used smart key AND your dealer agrees to use it, they have to reprogram the entire car and your existing key. I guess it can be tricky and that's why they don't like to even attempt it. If they end up going that route, the cost is the same or more than just buying a new key and having them program that one.
My '07 only came with one key and I didn't let it out of my sight... meant to eventually get a second one but wrecked the car before I had a chance.. oh well!
Yeah - I didn't like hearing this either when I inquired about it a year ago.
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: GA
I lost the spare smartkey for my '07 ES and was hoping to not have to pay over $200 for a new one. Does anyone know if a programmed smartkey(i.e. one being sold on ebay) can be reprogrammed for my vehicle. I saw some posts saying it is possible, but when i call the dealerships in my area(Long Island) they say "no". Has anyone had experience with this?
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