Missing Master Key
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: CA
Missing Master Key
I recently purchased a used '99 GS300. I am only in posession of a Valet Key. When I bought the car I wasn't aware of the fact that the master key is missing, and that I had to pay about $2K to the dealer to get me a master key. Can someone PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me regain a master key with the remote? I really can't afford 2G's for a new set of keys and ECU unit. I assumed the master key would cost $200 MAX to order from the dealer!!!
Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Last edited by RelaxJoe; Dec 24, 2002 at 01:09 AM.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: CA
By the way...
By the way...
I saw a master key with remote buttons for $143 on www.lexus-parts.com . Can I buy the key and have it programmed to my car (without having the original master key)???
I saw a master key with remote buttons for $143 on www.lexus-parts.com . Can I buy the key and have it programmed to my car (without having the original master key)???
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: DE
Joe I think you got the wrong information. I know you can purchase a new master key from www.lexus-parts.com for $143. The key is supposed to come precut for your car. You would only have to have the key programmed by your dealer.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: CA
OK
Say I order the key for $143 from lexus-parts.com and have them cut it via my VIN#, then how much will the dealer charge me to program it, or will I be able to program it myself? Any ideas? I just dont wanna spend $143 on a key that won't do me any good.
Has anyone been through this situation before?
Thanks
Say I order the key for $143 from lexus-parts.com and have them cut it via my VIN#, then how much will the dealer charge me to program it, or will I be able to program it myself? Any ideas? I just dont wanna spend $143 on a key that won't do me any good.
Has anyone been through this situation before?
Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 957
Likes: 13
From: Texas
Re: Missing Master Key
Originally posted by RelaxJoe
I recently purchased a used '99 GS300. I am only in posession of a Valet Key. When I bought the car I wasn't aware of the fact that the master key is missing, and that I had to pay about $2K to the dealer to get me a master key. Can someone PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me regain a master key with the remote? I really can't afford 2G's for a new set of keys and ECU unit. I assumed the master key would cost $200 MAX to order from the dealer!!!
Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
I recently purchased a used '99 GS300. I am only in posession of a Valet Key. When I bought the car I wasn't aware of the fact that the master key is missing, and that I had to pay about $2K to the dealer to get me a master key. Can someone PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me regain a master key with the remote? I really can't afford 2G's for a new set of keys and ECU unit. I assumed the master key would cost $200 MAX to order from the dealer!!!
Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Every Lexus owner will be provided a new ecu from the dealer once in the lifetime of the car. So, you could tell the dealer you lost both keys, they will provide you with a new ecu at NO charge, then you just need to buy the keys. If they wont match the sale price, then just order them directly from lexus-parts... 
Trending Topics
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: nm
Free ECU? How about a free car!
Since you don't have any master keys, there is no way to program a new key. The only way to program new key is to get the new ECU wich comes with 2 master keys! New ECU cost $2000. There is no way around it. I hope you got a very good deal on your car
Since you don't have any master keys, there is no way to program a new key. The only way to program new key is to get the new ECU wich comes with 2 master keys! New ECU cost $2000. There is no way around it. I hope you got a very good deal on your car
Originally posted by PlayboyzGS
Every Lexus owner will be provided a new ecu from the dealer once in the lifetime of the car. So, you could tell the dealer you lost both keys, they will provide you with a new ecu at NO charge, then you just need to buy the keys. If they wont match the sale price, then just order them directly from lexus-parts...
Every Lexus owner will be provided a new ecu from the dealer once in the lifetime of the car. So, you could tell the dealer you lost both keys, they will provide you with a new ecu at NO charge, then you just need to buy the keys. If they wont match the sale price, then just order them directly from lexus-parts...
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: IL
i was in the same situation as you...i bought a 98 gs400 with only a valet key.....i called up lexus customer service, and they said they would swing the price of the ecu, but i would just have to pay for the master remote key and the programming which came out to like 225.00. They even referred me to the closest Lexus dealer.
you can't program any keys without a master so you need to get the the ecu.
So give lexus customer service a call.
you can't program any keys without a master so you need to get the the ecu.
So give lexus customer service a call.
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: nm
Was your car under 4/50K warranty at that time?
Originally posted by LudEcrous
i was in the same situation as you...i bought a 98 gs400 with only a valet key.....i called up lexus customer service, and they said they would swing the price of the ecu, but i would just have to pay for the master remote key and the programming which came out to like 225.00. They even referred me to the closest Lexus dealer.
you can't program any keys without a master so you need to get the the ecu.
So give lexus customer service a call.
i was in the same situation as you...i bought a 98 gs400 with only a valet key.....i called up lexus customer service, and they said they would swing the price of the ecu, but i would just have to pay for the master remote key and the programming which came out to like 225.00. They even referred me to the closest Lexus dealer.
you can't program any keys without a master so you need to get the the ecu.
So give lexus customer service a call.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: California
This place says that they can reprogram the ECU without having to replace the entire unit. They do it for $150.00 and include 2 uncut non-remote keys to boot.
http://www.transponderinnovations.com/ecu.htm
The can reprogram both the Denso ECU (16 or 32 Bit) and the Delco ECU. They have a bunch of transponder goodies too.
- Bob
http://www.transponderinnovations.com/ecu.htm
The can reprogram both the Denso ECU (16 or 32 Bit) and the Delco ECU. They have a bunch of transponder goodies too.
- Bob
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: California
Here's another place that can reprogram or "flash' Lexus ECU's (they call them ECM's) when there are no master keys available.
http://www.nvo.com/natl/toyotoecm/
They also charge $150.00.
- Bob
http://www.nvo.com/natl/toyotoecm/
They also charge $150.00.
- Bob
