ES330 Master Key Replacement Questions
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 9
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From: MD
ES330 Master Key Replacement Questions
Just bought my 2004 ES330, and the dealer (who bought the car at auction) only has the valet/sub key. All the other keys are lost or missing. He did give me an extra master key that belonged to another Lexus, so I could try to get it programmed as a remote for my car, even if I can't use it as a key.
What are my best options for getting a replacement master key? I've seen Sewell's site (and sparecarkeys' site, for half the price) that will cut a key from the VIN number, is that the way to go? I see very conflicting info about what to do in order to get a new key matched to the ECU, so I want to make sure I take the most likely to work path.
Thanks!
What are my best options for getting a replacement master key? I've seen Sewell's site (and sparecarkeys' site, for half the price) that will cut a key from the VIN number, is that the way to go? I see very conflicting info about what to do in order to get a new key matched to the ECU, so I want to make sure I take the most likely to work path.
Thanks!
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 26,090
Likes: 4,345
From: Alberta
You need at least one working master key or it is not possible to program more. If you have no master key, then the ECU will either have to be replaced or reflashed to accept new keys. On your car I believe the programming can also be done through the OBDII port.
To get a working master key you can call locksmiths in your area, or look on Ebay for an ECU with master key. I thought Lexus had a program where they will give you an ECU for free if you lost your keys you just have to pay for keys and labour. Don't know if they still do that.
To get a working master key you can call locksmiths in your area, or look on Ebay for an ECU with master key. I thought Lexus had a program where they will give you an ECU for free if you lost your keys you just have to pay for keys and labour. Don't know if they still do that.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 48
From: Montreal, Canada
here is a link to a site that I had found to be accurate in the past.
Hope that helps
http://www.keymam.com/ru/news_view.asp?newsid=58
Hope that helps
http://www.keymam.com/ru/news_view.asp?newsid=58
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: MD
here is a link to a site that I had found to be accurate in the past.
Hope that helps
http://www.keymam.com/ru/news_view.asp?newsid=58
Hope that helps
http://www.keymam.com/ru/news_view.asp?newsid=58
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Alberta
There is a chip, but the computer knows the key is a valet and as such will not allow a master key to be made. This is done so that for example at a hotel they can park your car for you but not be able to make themselves a key and steal your car later.
Ahh my mistake, that's what the dealer told me I could do if I ever lost the 2 master keys, so i figured he knew what he was talking about. Guess that's what I get for believing everything they tell me
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: MD
So I contacted a locksmith today, who programmed a newly cut master key, using the chip guts from the key the dealer gave me that didn't work with my car, and reprogrammed the ECU to recognize both the new key and the valet key as masters so that if I ever need to get another key, all I need is one cut from my VIN, and then I can use either my master or my valet key to make the car recognize a new key as another master key.
Bonus - I now can remotely lock and unlock the car, which was my biggest issue with only having the valet key. Total cost: $75.
Last edited by seanglenn; Mar 29, 2014 at 01:57 PM. Reason: Fixing info
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 271
Likes: 47
From: ME
Ugh...I am in the same boat. My car came with only the valet key (and no remote as a bonus). Does anyone know for sure if this car, a 2004 ES 330, must have a master key in order to get a copy? I was hoping to order (eBay) a transponder key with remote, have it programed and cut locally but I'm finding out it was a blunder to not make sure the car came with a master key.
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