Hi. I need a new key for my car because the casing has cracked. I have a 1998 GS400 and Lexus dealership here in Canada says I have to order a new key and new chip which will cost me $350CDN. My question is why do I need a new chip? I can open my current case and take out the chip and then just place my old chip it into the new cut key and drive. The chip is reusable. I just need a new cut key. Are they taking me for a ride? (pardon the pun). Thanks for your help.

Take care.

 

I just did this for one of my keys.

Yes you can just replace the case but you will have to have the new blade cut. Then you just take your guts and replace them. I think Sewell can cut the key for you with a VIN# if you don't have a locksmith that can do it.

 

+1, kind of.

buy any of those key blanks off of ebay, have it cut at a hardware store matching the blade profile of your current factory key, then just transfer the brain over from the cracked case to the new case, which really isnt all that difficult. then, you should be good to go.

 

There are different size blanks on ebay. Make sure you buy one that works for our 2nd gen GS.

 

yeah i bought a key here in fresno from Fresno Lexus for $205 bucks. and then she said if i want the key programmed it will cost another $55. i said no thanks ill use my old chip. its expensive... i shoulda just taped and glued my cracked casing.

 

ehhh .. cutting the key is the hard part. ordering the key is gravy

I have a blank with chip 55.00 shipped, guaranteed to be the right key

 

You Can By A Key From The Dealer With No Chip In It And Reused Your Oil Chip For $110.00 All Ready Cut.

 

Folks, I PM'd Landarc about this, but for the millionth time, just get a blank shell off e-bay, go to Ace Hardware and have it cut.

Just one example. There are many.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LEXUS...mZ370095543327

Open the shell and put in the transmitter from the broken key. No dealer BS, no VIN issues, nothing. If you spend more than $25 usd, you have wasted money.

 

My only key to a 1998 GS 4000 is lost and I do not have another to duplicate, what is my best option to get a key made to operate my car?

 

dealer will do it for free 1 time only,you just pay for the labor, look it up.

 

Without the transponder chip, Even with a cut key you wont be able to get past the immobilizer. You will need a new ECU. Dealers will typically do 1 ECU replacement but not sure what the specific rules or limitations on that is. I'd suggest contacting Lexus Corporate for more details.