Problem (Key Fob and Gauge lights)

Subscribe
May 24, 2008 | 12:09 AM
  #1  
I just bought a 1995 Lexus SC300. First of all let me say this car is absolutely awesome. But i have two problems.

First problem: When I bought the car gave me a standard key (no key fobs) it was just a regular key. Now I assumed that was just what it came with. But it dosen't open the trunk and it cant unlock the the glove-box. So my thoughts are: Maybe its a valet key? Like they broke the master key but didn't want to pay to replace it so they just used the valet key. Does that sound right? My other question is can they make another master key for the car (key fobs and all) off the valet key?

Second Problem: The display that shows the temp in the car and the fan speed is only about half visible so the bottom half is black and the top half you can see. Is there any way to replace it? and if so can anyone give me a cost estimate?

I would appreciate any answers. Thanks for the help.
Reply 0
May 24, 2008 | 12:18 AM
  #2  
Quote: I just bought a 1995 Lexus SC300. First of all let me say this car is absolutely awesome. But i have two problems.

First problem: When I bought the car gave me a standard key (no key fobs) it was just a regular key. Now I assumed that was just what it came with. But it dosen't open the trunk and it cant unlock the the glove-box. So my thoughts are: Maybe its a valet key? Like they broke the master key but didn't want to pay to replace it so they just used the valet key. Does that sound right? My other question is can they make another master key for the car (key fobs and all) off the valet key?

Second Problem: The display that shows the temp in the car and the fan speed is only about half visible so the bottom half is black and the top half you can see. Is there any way to replace it? and if so can anyone give me a cost estimate?

I would appreciate any answers. Thanks for the help.
First off, welcome and please use the search button up top. It's all been discussed before.

#1: Yes you can go to any lexus dealership as long as you take in proof of ownership they can cut you a new one. However if you want the wireless keyfob they have to reprogram your car to work with the key, and it costs a little too much than it should.

#2: Common problem. If you are handy with cars and electronics you can do it for about $12 i think from lexetech.com (sp?)
Reply 0
May 24, 2008 | 01:24 AM
  #3  
yup u got the valet key, lucky i got the real key + the valet.
you can order a blank key with remote off ebay and chance it working.
you will still need to go get it cut. the stealership can do it all, but it is expensive.

#2, pop dash out, start replacing bulbs. if your needles are gone you can replace those too
Reply 0
May 24, 2008 | 12:34 PM
  #4  
See that was just as easy as telling him to



SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRCCCCCCCCCCCCCHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHh

Now let me say that the Keyless entry fobs SUCK on this car. I have to open mine and resolder the antenna once a month or so to keep it working from 40-60 feet. Otherwise, its so finicky and only chooses when to unlock the door.

Right now I have the remote button off so I just use the key.
Reply 0
May 24, 2008 | 12:50 PM
  #5  
Sewell Lexus has the best pricing for the whole set of keys. About $300.00. You can "reprogram" the remote yourself and they will give you the instructions. It is really easy.

As for the climate control, another simple fix:

http://www.lextreme.com/SC400LCD.html

http://lextreme.com/tutorial/sc_inst...guide_v2_B.pdf

Good luck
Reply 0
May 24, 2008 | 04:58 PM
  #6  
cut him some slack, hes new. aha i was to, or still am
Reply 0
May 24, 2008 | 08:09 PM
  #7  
^Here it doesn't matter if you're new. Even people with no forum experience are expected to know everything.

I'm sympathetic to the n00bs
Reply 0
May 25, 2008 | 08:38 AM
  #8  
You can get a fob from ebay...just make sure its in the same FCC range as the car.

On my SC300 I had a fob from a ES and a SC400. Programming it to your car is easy...its a hokey poky list of open this, lock that, open this again....but it works. The procedure is listed in the electronics forum.

Removing the gauge assem is also pretty simple. Again there are numerous threads.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...emoving+gauges
Reply 0

ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

Explore
story-0

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

 Brett Foote
story-4

GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

 Michael S. Palmer
story-5

9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models

 Joe Kucinski
May 25, 2008 | 11:39 AM
  #9  
Quote: ^Here it doesn't matter if you're new. Even people with no forum experience are expected to know everything.

I'm sympathetic to the n00bs
I do not think you are expected to know everything, what you are expected to do is make an effort at finding what you need with the valuable resource you have here. Every time somebody makes a new thread on a subject that has been solved and talked about it ends up in your search, which then makes your search even longer and more frustrating using the search feature. This is why old timers like OLT have a sticky at the very beginning asking you to read, so you know how to search. A lot of the people on hear do not have the time or patience to hand hold every new person that asks a question. Take the time to research yourself not only on this site but all the sites that are available to the SC community. Here is OLT sticky, did you bother to read it?

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=266465
Reply 0
Subscribe
story-0

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-1

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-2

Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-3

Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-4

GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-5

9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-6

2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE
story-7

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)

Slideshow: reviewing the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ Luxury plug-in hybrid crossover SUV!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-05 19:04:47


VIEW MORE
story-8

Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus and Toyota model of the 1990s ranked.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-04 12:35:11


VIEW MORE
story-9

10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models

Slideshow: 10 Toyotas that could have been Lexus models.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 11:44:33


VIEW MORE