I Bought my spare FOB and hard key from Sewell Lexus when they had their online parts site. I had to give them my VIN to have the hard key cut and paid my local Lexus dealer the flat rate $50 to program the FOB.

 

Yes! That is exactly what I did. I purchased a physical (flat) steel key from my local locksmith and had them cut it. As mentioned above, this side cutting does cost quite a bit more because it's a specialized machine and performs a milling process with a very small mill bit to make the slot rather than the traditional key cutting method we've all seen before.
But in the end, it is a much cheaper option for a "hide-a-key".
Note: it will not allow you to start your car. It will only get you in. You'll still need the key fob, ideally hidden in a RFID/Faraday pouch kept in your arm rest or glove box (or wherever).

 

Would there be any reason a Lexus dealer selling online wouldn't be able to program a key FOB based on the VIN? I hate the thought of going to the dealer just for this.

 

Unfortunately they can't do that. I don't know the process but I am sure someone here will chime in that used TS. Guessing you have to press a FOB button during the enrollment procedure.

 

Makes sense and sorry to anyone if this is a silly question. What about the credit card key without buttons? For me, the thought of paying $250 (or more) for the credit card key + the cost of the hard key, cutting it and then programming it is kind of nuts....but I want it.

 

Having just used TechStream to program my two new fobs, the process requires holding the established (programed and working) key fob next to start button (read: touching the push button). It will then beep and a timer will start that will give you about 30 seconds to hold the new key (un-programed) key fob touching the start button until you hear another beep. Give TechStream about 15 seconds to do its magic (you'll see a loading bar on your computer screen) and then it's done.

So given the process described above, I don't think a key fob can be done remotely.

 

 

You can even perform the advanced active tests the high end scanners can do for troubleshooting. Turning on/off functions on demand.

 

it’s probably been discussed here before but I’m looking to extend the range of my factory key fob. I recently installed a new energizer battery and I still have to go to the window closest to my driveway to activate the remote start or lock/unlock the doors. There are times I’m 50 feet away and in direct view of my truck and I have to walk closer to activate. My wife’s Honda can be started from inside a mall while parked in the garage and it’s a fob not a phone app.

 

New 2019 GX460 ... lucky if the key fob works beyond 30-40 feet away ... sometimes need to hit 2-3 times when only 30 feet away. The range sucks.

 

Have you tried holding your fob to your lower chin and pressing the button?

 

Just in case someone thinks that i am crazy: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/tec...care-rem-83663

 

turns you into a resonance antenna.
maybe put a 1/4 dipole between the remote and the vehicle.

 

it works, but not for the reason given in that article.