New Key and Programming Costs?
Option 1: Buy new key from dealer and have them program it.
Option 2: Buy used key with matching FCC# on ebay and have a local locksmith program it. Would like the dealer to program it, but not sure if they would program a used key...
I would like to go the cheaper route. Need the money for my next monthly payment.

Then, I told him that LexusPartsNow.com was selling a new key for $134.53. And a used key could be had from ebay for around $65.
I asked him how much it would cost for just programming, and he quoted me $50 but couldn't guarantee that it would work.
I'm wondering how they got the number $315?!?

So, it looks like I'm going to buy a used key with matching FCC# and have Lexus program it and my current key after they've deleted all existing keys first.

Then, I told him that LexusPartsNow.com was selling a new key for $134.53. And a used key could be had from ebay for around $65.
I asked him how much it would cost for just programming, and he quoted me $50 but couldn't guarantee that it would work.
I'm wondering how they got the number $315?!?

So, it looks like I'm going to buy a used key with matching FCC# and have Lexus program it and my current key after they've deleted all existing keys first.
$50 to program your key is pretty cheap. I think Nissan wanted $100+ when i lost one of my keys.

Then, I told him that LexusPartsNow.com was selling a new key for $134.53. And a used key could be had from ebay for around $65.
I asked him how much it would cost for just programming, and he quoted me $50 but couldn't guarantee that it would work.
I'm wondering how they got the number $315?!?

So, it looks like I'm going to buy a used key with matching FCC# and have Lexus program it and my current key after they've deleted all existing keys first.
I had two options:
1) Get a key fob that is programmed to operate my car but does NOT have the physical key cut for my car
2) Get the key fob that is programmed to operate my car and ALSO has the physical key cut for my car
I chose option 2, which I know for sure was an $80 premium over option 1. The cost of option 1 is what I can't recall, but I believe it was roughly $165. If you are interested, I can pull my receipt tomorrow and tell you the exact costs.
New electronic fob through ebay but from OEM Lexus in Scottsdale. Cost: $140.00
New metal key pre-cut through ebay from 1010keys. Cost: $16.00
TIS Techstream and MVCI cable from AliExpress: Cost: $25.00
Total Costs: $181.00
Oh yeah, after doing all this, I found out that I could have bought a used fob instead of a new one. Also, I'm glad I programmed the fob myself because I can now customize the dealer settings too.
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New electronic fob through ebay but from OEM Lexus in Scottsdale. Cost: $140.00
New metal key pre-cut through ebay from 1010keys. Cost: $16.00
TIS Techstream and MVCI cable from AliExpress: Cost: $25.00
Total Costs: $181.00
Oh yeah, after doing all this, I found out that I could have bought a used fob instead of a new one. Also, I'm glad I programmed the fob myself because I can now customize the dealer settings too.
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Thanks for any help!!
Oh one more thing. If you have a really nice service manager then he can help you out with that too. Bring your virgin keyfob to the dealer and just say that the keyfob stopped working for some reason. They may cover it under warranty. So in total I spent around $110 or so for a new keyfob programmed
Make sure you check if it's G or AG
http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-BOARD-VIRG...BV6gmd&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AG-BOARD-VIR...BV6gmd&vxp=mtr
The same guy will cut your key for you too. He used to do it for cheaper hmm..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231628381578
Last edited by Prinny; Dec 13, 2015 at 10:44 AM.
With Techstream, you can program a NEW or USED key fob yourself. However, the key fob must have the same FCC number as the original (ECU compatibility issues).
I used Techstream version 10.10.018, but I think other versions will work as well because the guy in the youtube video linked below is using version 8.11.06.
The video is a tutorial on how to access the key programming menus and reprogramming the key.
Here is the link to the latest version of the Techstream (version 10.20.030):
http://www.toyota-tech.eu/GTS/Wizard...-Software.aspx
Please note that the MVCI cable usually comes with Techstream albeit an older version.
Here are the 2 links to the tutorials that I used to install Techstream onto my Windows 8 64 bit:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/genera...-8-64-bit.html
and
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73034
As for the MVCI cable, I want to clear up the controversy regarding which one to get. People have said that you need the MVCI cable with firmware version 2.0.4 to have K-line protocol. I want to say that there are no MVCI cables with K-line protocol and you DON'T need it to reprogram key fobs.
I bought 2 MVCI cables; one of the cables (from Amazon) contained firmware version 1.4.1 and the other cable (bought from Aliexpress) contained firmware version 2.0.4.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Origi...248128688.html
I tested both cables and they both are able to program smart keys. I want to repeat that the utility check function within Techstream states that both of these cables do NOT have K-line support, but the good news is that you don't need it to program keys. However, I can confirm that the PCB circuitry do look different from one another but doesn't seem to affect their functions.
Also, you can get these cables from ebay. I messaged a bunch of sellers on ebay to see which one of them were selling the cable with firmware version 2.0.4, and almost none of them knew what I was talking about. They thought I was talking about the Techstream version. However, one of the sellers understood what I was talking about; ebay seller named autotech365. He confirmed that he was selling the cable with firmware 2.0.4.
Anyways, I hope this helps. And good luck.
1. Finding matching circuit boards.
2. Buying a Immobilizer reset code
For number one, I suppose I got lucky? I bought eBay FOBs. I made sure the FCC numbers matched, but the tutorial above states they must have matching circuit boards. When I opened them, the all matched with my original.
For number two, you either need to have a TechStream Security Professional license, or go through a middle man and pay $30 to generate the SEED code. I went through the middleman. It worked. Note: Be sure you have a middleman compatible version of TechStream. Compatible versions are listed on the page.
Bottom Line: Used key reprogramming is possible for an extra fee and hassle. Good luck!
If your car is a CPO, definitely recommend you following up with the original dealer and looking into them covering your costs. If not, I'd buy the fob online and call dealers around your area getting estimates on programming. My experience is that these labor costs tend to differ by dealer.
Good luck!
With Techstream, you can program a NEW or USED key fob yourself. However, the key fob must have the same FCC number as the original (ECU compatibility issues).
I used Techstream version 10.10.018, but I think other versions will work as well because the guy in the youtube video linked below is using version 8.11.06.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmY-yBvYCvg
The video is a tutorial on how to access the key programming menus and reprogramming the key.
Here is the link to the latest version of the Techstream (version 10.20.030):
http://www.toyota-tech.eu/GTS/Wizard...-Software.aspx
Please note that the MVCI cable usually comes with Techstream albeit an older version.
Here are the 2 links to the tutorials that I used to install Techstream onto my Windows 8 64 bit:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/genera...-8-64-bit.html
and
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73034
As for the MVCI cable, I want to clear up the controversy regarding which one to get. People have said that you need the MVCI cable with firmware version 2.0.4 to have K-line protocol. I want to say that there are no MVCI cables with K-line protocol and you DON'T need it to reprogram key fobs.
I bought 2 MVCI cables; one of the cables (from Amazon) contained firmware version 1.4.1 and the other cable (bought from Aliexpress) contained firmware version 2.0.4.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o08_s00
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Origi...248128688.html
I tested both cables and they both are able to program smart keys. I want to repeat that the utility check function within Techstream states that both of these cables do NOT have K-line support, but the good news is that you don't need it to program keys. However, I can confirm that the PCB circuitry do look different from one another but doesn't seem to affect their functions.
Also, you can get these cables from ebay. I messaged a bunch of sellers on ebay to see which one of them were selling the cable with firmware version 2.0.4, and almost none of them knew what I was talking about. They thought I was talking about the Techstream version. However, one of the sellers understood what I was talking about; ebay seller named autotech365. He confirmed that he was selling the cable with firmware 2.0.4.
Anyways, I hope this helps. And good luck.








