2003 Lexus ES300 programming key
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
2003 Lexus ES300 programming key
When I got my 03 ES300 it came with only the valet key(the grey one with no buttons) and I finally decided it was time to get another key with a remote. I got the key, got it laser cut, and programmed the remote so that I can lock and unlock the car. The only thing that I can't get programmed is the immobilizer and without that I can't turn on the car. I read immobilizer programming instructions online and they say I can't program the key with a valet key, it has to be a master key. Some say that I'll need techstream to program the key. Can anyone who's programmed a key for an 03 ES300 tell me if it's possible to program the immobilizer on a new key using the valet key? Please let me know
Thanks!
Thanks!
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 270
Likes: 46
From: ME
Yes, valet will work. I went through this last week. I have an '04 ES which only came with one cheap aftermarket (valet) key. Valet ONLY means it won't fit the ski-pass and glove box doors. Since I have an '04 ES 330, any this may not be applicable to your ES 300.
I bought a replacement key with remote off of eBay and also the "programing device" they offer. Paid $50 for the remote/key with laser cut. That mythical "device" is a OBD port plug and hacked version of Techstream download. It never worked, the software downloads were all glitchy, a scam. Paid $50 for the remote/key with laser cut. A real version of Techstream does have the option to program keys.
The dealership wanted to charge $140 to program a key. Locksmiths were about the same. I found the best price at Ace Hardware, $50.
I bought a replacement key with remote off of eBay and also the "programing device" they offer. Paid $50 for the remote/key with laser cut. That mythical "device" is a OBD port plug and hacked version of Techstream download. It never worked, the software downloads were all glitchy, a scam. Paid $50 for the remote/key with laser cut. A real version of Techstream does have the option to program keys.
The dealership wanted to charge $140 to program a key. Locksmiths were about the same. I found the best price at Ace Hardware, $50.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 270
Likes: 46
From: ME
I bought a new key/remote unit from eBay and programed it myself for the doors and trunk (instruction all over on line). The transponder (chip) key had to be programed in my case Ace Hardware. The valet key had nothing to do with anything except to drive the car to the location.
The only difference between a valet and master key is physical one, the valet being too wide by a hair to fit into the glove box and ski pass locks.
The only difference between a valet and master key is physical one, the valet being too wide by a hair to fit into the glove box and ski pass locks.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 168
Likes: 43
From: Nm
Most 03+ Lexus vehicles use a 4d chip. These are programmable onboard, but require either a master key or resetting the ecu to add. If your key is a master you can add keys using either the "pedal dance" method, or Techstream. If you don't have a master you will need to reset the ecu with Techstream. To check if you have a master insert your key into the ignition cylinder while watching the security light. If the light shuts off immediatly when the key is inserted you have a master. If the light stays illuminated for a couple seconds you have a valet.
You can't really tell if you have a master or a valet by looking at the key. Sub keys can be added to the ecu as a master.
You can't really tell if you have a master or a valet by looking at the key. Sub keys can be added to the ecu as a master.
Driver
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 86
Likes: 7
From: NY
Okay so my generic looking key without any buttons is a master. The light goes off immediately when Inserting it. I used that key to add my eBay fob using the pedal dance, but it's added as a valet key (security light stays solid for a couple of seconds). I've tried every procedure/variance of steps to try and add the fob to lock/unlock the car and trunk, but I cannot get it to work.
I did the open door, insert and remove key, lock/unlock manually 5 times, close and open the door, lock/unlock 5 times again, and then turn the ignition to ON once and then press the lock/unlock buttons on the fob at once. Everything works fine until the pressing on the fob buttons. The door cycles locks when I turn the ignition to ON, but nothing happens after that when pressing the fob buttons.
I did the open door, insert and remove key, lock/unlock manually 5 times, close and open the door, lock/unlock 5 times again, and then turn the ignition to ON once and then press the lock/unlock buttons on the fob at once. Everything works fine until the pressing on the fob buttons. The door cycles locks when I turn the ignition to ON, but nothing happens after that when pressing the fob buttons.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!
Joe Kucinski
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models
Joe Kucinski
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 168
Likes: 43
From: Nm
Yes, Techstream is the way to do it. On some like the 05 GX470 you can add remotes with Techstream of you have a master everything is easier.
Driver
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 86
Likes: 7
From: NY
Okay great. Last question: will I need a VXDIAG VCX NANO or can I just use a VCI MINI cable?
I ask because I read online somewhere that tech stream supports certain functions and not others depending on the type of device I use. Not sure if any of that seems right.
I ask because I read online somewhere that tech stream supports certain functions and not others depending on the type of device I use. Not sure if any of that seems right.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 168
Likes: 43
From: Nm
I use Techstream version 12 with a mini VCI cable. Works great.
Driver
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 86
Likes: 7
From: NY
okay I just added my key as a master but I think something is wrong with my car or vci cable. I only have like 4 options to choose from: Engine, immobilizer, airbags, and trc/abs. Under immobilizer utility, is customize, autoregistration disable, transponder erasure, and transponder registration.
i used registration to add my remote key as a master, but I don’t know how to add it as a remote.
i used registration to add my remote key as a master, but I don’t know how to add it as a remote.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 168
Likes: 43
From: Nm
okay I just added my key as a master but I think something is wrong with my car or vci cable. I only have like 4 options to choose from: Engine, immobilizer, airbags, and trc/abs. Under immobilizer utility, is customize, autoregistration disable, transponder erasure, and transponder registration.
i used registration to add my remote key as a master, but I don’t know how to add it as a remote.
i used registration to add my remote key as a master, but I don’t know how to add it as a remote.
Driver
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 86
Likes: 7
From: NY
Right. I’ve tried it over 10 times now but I can’t seem to get it working. It goes into programming mode after I do the door thing and set the ignition to ON once. It cycles the door locks once acknowledging that it’s in programming mode, but when I press the lock and unlock buttons, then lock button on the remote, nothing happens. Tried it for like an hour. Nothing. Maybe the remote is the issue?
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 168
Likes: 43
From: Nm
Right. I’ve tried it over 10 times now but I can’t seem to get it working. It goes into programming mode after I do the door thing and set the ignition to ON once. It cycles the door locks once acknowledging that it’s in programming mode, but when I press the lock and unlock buttons, then lock button on the remote, nothing happens. Tried it for like an hour. Nothing. Maybe the remote is the issue?