Alright, I don't know much about the security systems in cars so bear with me. Anyway, I went to a security shop to look at some systems, and I asked about remote start. The guy tells me he needs one of my keys to start it, and I told him when I bought it from a private party I only got one. He tells me there's supposed to be three, so now I'm concerned because maybe the original owner has the others. So I figure the sooner I get a security system the better. He looks at my key and says it doesn't look right. I know I don't have an original Lexus key, it's actually looks like this key right here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1990-...QQcmdZViewItem
He tells me that that looks like a valet key, but I tell him it works on everything, including the trunk (which I believe a valet key has no access to). Anyway, I want to know that if I simply buy that key above, will I be able to simply go to a key cutter to duplicate my key and have it work or do I need to code my key? I have a 94 SC400. Like I said, I'm not sure of the security on this Lexus, so does it also have that chip feature where if the key is not coded or doesn't even have a chip it will not turn the engine on? I'm a bit confused on the key issue now...

 

Yeah, that is definitely not an original key. You should have a key that looks something like this:

The Valet key can't open the trunk and can't unlock that little key thing in the drivers seat I believe. You should just go to Lexus and order a new key.

 

he told you incorrectly.

i have remote start on my 95 SC and there was no extra key needed

 

So does the 94 SC400 not have that chip thingy inside the key that prevents the engine from starting?

 

It does not. I believe the transponder key started in either 97 but definately by 98+.

 

So I'm guessing that I don't even need another key for remote start? The guy I was talking to had a newer Lexus so I guess he assumed I had a new Lexus too. He said the key was needed to put into the system somehow so the code from the chip can help start the car. Alright, thanks guys...

 

nope, no exta key needed. it the newer ones you would have to take a key and put it under the dash so that it would read the resistance of the transponder key to allow the car to start.

or they could just use Compustar's system where no key is needed at all. they just have smarter modules that can be designated to your car via a computer.