Hello, recently gifted a 2004 by my loving aunt, and the ignition key is different than the door key. Ignition key doesn’t have a fob, door key does. Have 1 of each. Wondering if the ignition cylinder can be made to match the doors again without replacing all of the lock hardware.

The key situation happened because she unfortunately has dementia, and thought my uncle (who has been deceased for several years) had a key was taking the GX on joyrides. She had a local shop replace just the ignition key cylinder so my uncle could no longer drive the car, but still get inside if he wanted. Anyway, new to the Lexus brand, and not at all familiar what my options are. I would at least hope to get a 2nd set of keys made. Any advice or ideas are appreciated.

 

Find a local locksmith that works on cars, and get them to rekey the ignition to match the door locks (which should be the pattern of the key with the remote). You might even get the one your aunt used..

You will likely want a spare key. The locksmith can cut a blank to fit the lock, and probably can code the remote in the new key to the car, but depending on how many keys have been coded to the immobilizer (ECU) over the years, you might need a dealer for it.

Chip H.

 

I had an Automotive Locksmith come over rebuild my key and make a new one. He had to read the system seeing as I had no info or books and do some reprograming. He made me a door only key in case I ever needed it as well.

 

Found local locksmith that was able to key the ignition to match the doors, and program a 2nd fob. Now have 2 keys with fob, 1 is aftermarket but looks like a Lexus fob and consider it my spare, also a spare ignition key. No issue with immobilizer/ecu. $380. Not sure if I got a deal, however don’t care because it was next day service and done in 1 hr. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

That's not a bad price for the work that was done.

Chip H.