KEY PROGRAMMING for 98-05 gs300 400 430
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 520
Likes: 34
From: MI
Keys set, and lessons learned
Finally got the key programmed today!
Transponder: I could get the ECM in to programming mode (security light stays out, after removing working master key), yet it would never start blinking, after inserting the new key. Decided to try again today, and still no blinking. Then thought... just try the darn thing, maybe it was programmed during these 50 attempts, and I missed it. And it worked! Why? Best guess, when we took the key in to the dealership to have them program the transponder and remote, they said since they couldn't program the remote, they weren't going to charge me... yet they failed to tell me that they had programmed the transponder first, and I failed to ever check if they did. Super-duh. Lesson learned: if the key won't program, maybe the key is already programmed. Started the car just fine.
Remote: victim of the "actuators are weak, lock not going all the way to full-lock position, and the KRE system thinks nothing happened". Lesson learned: close doors, remote lock all doors, then manually push all (4) lock-rockers to full lock position. Then do the manual-unlock, open-door, key in/out, manual lock/unlock 5x, close/open-door, manual lock/unlock 5x, key in-ON-out. And the locks finally did their single lock/unlock, to show in programming mode. Also victim of double lock/unlock while programming, took two tries, first try held the lock/unlock button too long. Second try, quick lock/unlock, then lock, and got the single lock/unlock to indicate success.
So... make sure your key hasn't been programmed all this time, 20yr old cars will have old actuators that require manual lock/unlock, and it might take more then one try to get the remote programmed.
Transponder: I could get the ECM in to programming mode (security light stays out, after removing working master key), yet it would never start blinking, after inserting the new key. Decided to try again today, and still no blinking. Then thought... just try the darn thing, maybe it was programmed during these 50 attempts, and I missed it. And it worked! Why? Best guess, when we took the key in to the dealership to have them program the transponder and remote, they said since they couldn't program the remote, they weren't going to charge me... yet they failed to tell me that they had programmed the transponder first, and I failed to ever check if they did. Super-duh. Lesson learned: if the key won't program, maybe the key is already programmed. Started the car just fine.
Remote: victim of the "actuators are weak, lock not going all the way to full-lock position, and the KRE system thinks nothing happened". Lesson learned: close doors, remote lock all doors, then manually push all (4) lock-rockers to full lock position. Then do the manual-unlock, open-door, key in/out, manual lock/unlock 5x, close/open-door, manual lock/unlock 5x, key in-ON-out. And the locks finally did their single lock/unlock, to show in programming mode. Also victim of double lock/unlock while programming, took two tries, first try held the lock/unlock button too long. Second try, quick lock/unlock, then lock, and got the single lock/unlock to indicate success.
So... make sure your key hasn't been programmed all this time, 20yr old cars will have old actuators that require manual lock/unlock, and it might take more then one try to get the remote programmed.
Last edited by sbagdon; Jul 31, 2018 at 09:33 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 690
Likes: 25
From: South Austin, Texas
I was about to give up on programming the remote for my new key after I couldn't get into program mode (door locks never cycled), but I found somewhere else (not on CL) the procedure called for manually cycling the driver's door lock instead of using the switch. I believe the problem is that if your door lock actuators are worn out (as all of mine are...), the electric lock switch won't work in this procedure. Must have something to do with the alarm not arming unless all the doors are locked.
Anyhow, manually locked all the doors first, then proceeded by manually locking and unlocking the driver's door during the applicable steps and SUCCESS. the door locks cycled and I programmed the key
Anyhow, manually locked all the doors first, then proceeded by manually locking and unlocking the driver's door during the applicable steps and SUCCESS. the door locks cycled and I programmed the key
I tried using the electronic switch but my actuators couldnt keep up with all of the cycles over and over and would not allow me to get in “programming mode”.
Its a old post but still relevant today. It worked for me!
Last edited by wbmx1981; Oct 13, 2018 at 08:59 AM.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: TN
There is a locksmith on eBay...1010keys, that will pre-cut OEM (DENSO) keys, compete with battery, and ship to you.
All you do is email a photo of the existing key (both sides), and within a few days..perfect OEM cut keys.
I did this last year for my 2001 GS300...it cost $17.99 for two (free shipping).
(Two cut DENSO keys with MAXELL batteries)
He also will sell the pre-cut key with the chip (new OEM never programmed) for around $22.00.
It WORKS...and is far far cheaper than LEXUS dealer prices....
Here is a link to his eBay store:
http://www.ebay.com/usr/1010keys?_tr...53.m2749.l2754
or
http://www.ebay.com/usr/1010keys?_tr...53.m2749.l2754
Hope this helps....
All you do is email a photo of the existing key (both sides), and within a few days..perfect OEM cut keys.
I did this last year for my 2001 GS300...it cost $17.99 for two (free shipping).
(Two cut DENSO keys with MAXELL batteries)
He also will sell the pre-cut key with the chip (new OEM never programmed) for around $22.00.
It WORKS...and is far far cheaper than LEXUS dealer prices....
Here is a link to his eBay store:
http://www.ebay.com/usr/1010keys?_tr...53.m2749.l2754
or
http://www.ebay.com/usr/1010keys?_tr...53.m2749.l2754
Hope this helps....
Sounds like you drivers door lock is sticking. Why don’t you try the manual lock unlock method. Don’t use the power door lock switch
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 127
Likes: 13
From: North Carolina
Quick Question.
Does programming (Doors and Lock functionality) on a couple new remotes make the previously working remote stop working?
I just programed two new remotes and now my current remote has stopped locking and unlocking the car?
Does programming (Doors and Lock functionality) on a couple new remotes make the previously working remote stop working?
I just programed two new remotes and now my current remote has stopped locking and unlocking the car?
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 356
From: Utah
I am pretty sure you can only have 2 remotes programmed at anytime. It just pushes anymore out.
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 127
Likes: 13
From: North Carolina
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 33
Likes: 4
From: OR
Sewell Lexus Keys
Yes, I'm responding to an old post in an old thread, but here's an update.
I just (Nov. '21) got off the phone with the Parts Depts. at Sewell Lexus of Dallas. They will ship me a blank smart key, but will not cut the key unless I bring the car to them to prove ownership, even though, with my 2004 LS430, a cut key will not start the car. The key would still need dealer programming. My nearest dealer is over an hour away and wants over $300 to provide a programmed key.
I just (Nov. '21) got off the phone with the Parts Depts. at Sewell Lexus of Dallas. They will ship me a blank smart key, but will not cut the key unless I bring the car to them to prove ownership, even though, with my 2004 LS430, a cut key will not start the car. The key would still need dealer programming. My nearest dealer is over an hour away and wants over $300 to provide a programmed key.
1st Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Hello I bought my car at auction (03 Lexus GS 430)and I only have ONE key ( don't know if it is a master key or not) when I enter the key in the ignition, the security light doesn't go off and when I turn on start, the car crank but won't start. The remote doesn't work. Can you please help me start my car??l
Last edited by firelizard; May 31, 2022 at 08:28 PM. Reason: edited for legibility, please use default font colour and proofread
All instructions worked great - I programmed a new key Fob and chip to my car. The next day both my Master key and newly programmed key no longer deactivate the security light or start the car. Now what? 
Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 355
From: CA
Paul
Thanks for the good suggestion Paul. I actually did try disconnecting the battery (I use the brake pedal to fully drain system) and no joy.