Just bought my wife a '99 GS400. The key was mangled pretty bad. The transponder works but the keyless part does not. Thanks to another thread here I have found a cheap option for OEM key housings. However I am needing the remote portion also. Where is the best place to locate the remote portion? I really don't want to pay $240+ to a dealer for one. I also need a spare for my '01 IS300 and it should be the same remote. So ideally I will need 2. But if they are too much I will have to rethink this. Is there any drawback to using something like this:

 

Hate to be "this guy," but it's often the smallest things that get overlooked... Have you taken the key apart and verified that it isn't just a dead battery in the remote?

As far as non-OEM keys, plenty of people here have used them, so I would try searching the forums and getting some more details. I believe the keys can be programmed by you, just by following instructions that come with the keys. I think there's also a couple threads on this forum with programming/pairing instructions, so I would be more concerned with the cost to cut it. Call a couple local automotive locksmiths and see if they can cut it. If not, call your dealer and find out what they charge.

 

It's ok to be "that guy". But I'm pretty sure I need a new key. See the attachment.


I have located what I believe to be a decent set of keys from amazon for $50 for the pair. Plus a local locksmith can cut them for me for $30/key. A lot better than the dealer $200+ per key they want locally.

 

Just in case you need to program your key in the future.

KEY PROGRAMMING for 98-05 gs300 400 430 is a thread here in this forums.

 

Just an update on this. The keys from amazon work great! It was a little tricky programming the remote part but the trick was to manually lock/unlock the flip next to the handle, not use the switch. At least that worked for me. Hopefully this helps someone.

 

Thanks for the update. B-)
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