Context: After buying my IS350, I only had one smart key. In my attempt to obtain a second key, I've managed to stumble into several obstacles, and I noticed there isn't one central repository for this knowledge here on CL.

I'll add more information as it comes into my memory.

Price

From Sewell (all prices include CL discount):
Smart Card Key: $250.51
Key Fob (does not come with master key): $127.50
Master Key: $53.87 (uncut), $54.73 (cut with VIN)

From Ebay:
Smart Cards: ~$200
Key Fobs (most eBay key fobs are programmed, and in NEW CONDITION only): From $20 - $80
Master Key (Uncut key blade): ~$10.00
Key fobs and key blades are interchangable with 2006 - 2007/2008 - 2011 ES350 keys. Make sure they have the same FCC ID and numeration on the back.

Programming:

Dealership: Usual charge at around $160 (used key reset), ~$50 - $60 for new keys.
Locksmith: If you find a locksmith with the available computers/tools, they will be able to do both program and key cut for ~$85.00

General Notes:

1. Master Key/Key Blades: these are keys that are cut in coordination with your specific VIN, and therefore would require proof of ownership in dealerships. These MUST be cut with Laser key programs, and can be cut by locksmiths with the necessary hardware.

2. It is MUCH easier to simply add a completely NEW and UN-PROGRAMMED key fob/smart card to your vehicle ECU than to reprogram it for a used key. The process of pairing un-programmed key fobs to the vehicle is fairly straight forward as a add on to the current number of keys associated with the ECU.

2a. The process for adding previously paired/used key fobs and smart cards require a reset of the ECU (16 minute wait per immobilizer reset), along with setting up EACH INDIVIDUAL KEY (including your previously existing keys/original keys) to the vehicle. Furthermore, the ECU would allow a total of 10 resets, before requiring a COMPLETE replacement of the unit - so do so sparingly.

3. IMPORTANT: There is a difference between keys and key fobs manufactured for MY 2006 - 2007 and 2008 - 2011.

3a. Keys: The key blades manufactured for MY 2006 - 2007 are two sided, and therefore incompatible with 2008+ vehicles. 2008 - 2011 key blades are cut ONE side only, and the other side is left blank with a pre-existing valley, therefore incompatible with Pre-2008 vehicles.

3b. Key Fobs/Smart Cards:
Source.

What does that mean for you and me? That means there are Smart Cards that are ONLY compatible with MY2008+ vehicles and ones that are compatible with pre-2008, and certain key fobs only work with MY2008+ vehicles. Other than seeing if the key has already been cut (and if it hasn't, you're relying on the third-party description), there is NO PHYSICAL DIFFERENTIATION between the 2008+ and 2006-07 key fobs. They both have identical FCC ID and frequencies listed.

Here is the interesting part, if you purchase a key from Ebay, or from another member, they may have no idea that there is an inherent design difference in the keys, and therefore may list all keys as being 2006 - 2011.

Please discuss as I am not an expert, and this is my general understanding from my experience.

 

Pics included:

2008 Top vs 2006 bottom:




2008 Top vs 2006 Bottom:


2008 Top vs 2006 Bottom, notice the lack of key valleys on the 2008.

 

Main correction (or clarification really) I'd make is on your programming pricing.... if it's a new, unprogramed, key, the dealer should only hit you for 1/2 hour of labor, which is 50-60 bucks... and that's what mine charged to add my brand new smartcard key to my 08.

I could see em maybe ask 160 if it was programming a used key, since as you note that takes a considerable amount more work

 

Thanks for the clarification! Just hope this is good info for others as well. Just so happened that I ended up with a not-very-useful 08 key.

 

Nice writeup and thanks for the info.

 

so to clarify--and if Sewell can chime in that is great.....

are you saying that my 2006 IS cannot ever get the SmartCard wallet key that is offered from dealers like Sewell?

http://is.sewellparts.com/accessorie...2006/1861.html

they say 06-08...

Wait--i see they sell different ones for 09-11

http://is.sewellparts.com/accessorie...2010/1860.html

NEVERMIND.....just need to buy right one...

 

I would be interested in this as well (for me 07) as I was planning to purchase one soon.

 

Rolling code differences. Buy the right one and avoid not having it pair with your ECU. There is actually a Smart Card that was made for the 06 LS430, I believe, that works with the pre-2008 vehicles.

 

i already got my key blades, how much will dealer charge for cutting?

 

Find a locksmith with a Laser cutter. He'll enter the code with your VIN and it'll do the rest. Should be cheaper than dealer, my locksmith quoted me $5 a key just for cutting.

 

Hi,
I have a 2008 Lexus IS 350, my first Lexus, The dealer I bought it from only gave me one smart key. I asked for a second and they gave me the runaround, least to say I didn't get it. Then I noticed the smart key I do have says denso on the back. So it is not even the original smart key. I would like a second smart key to have as a spare. I have read the thread and responses, I will definitely use some the ideas here. Does anyone have any updated information? Thank you in advance and I love my Lexus!

 

The factory key has Denso written on it, so that is likely an original key.

I'm not sure exactly what your question is though? Are you trying to find a cheaper key, or program it yourself, or what?

Jeff

 

what if i have the master key and want to add a smart card key?

I have tech stream...