Good Evening, over the weekend i have seem to lost my master key/chipped key for my 1998 LS400 that allowed me to start my car etc. my spare does not have the electronic module and is only able to lock/unlock it. i have no clue what to do at the moment, i have called an auto locksmith to help me out but claimed to not be specialized in lexus or some bs. i called an out of town lexus dealership about a new master key, they priced me at $450CAD for key and programming, but they said if the ECM needs to be replaced they will rinse my pockets another $2000CAD. i am really trying to avoid having my pockets rinsed at the moment, i have ordered a set of uncut programmable keys so my main question is: Am i able to get a new master key programmed without having to get the ECM replaced??? im really not trying to have to go through all that bull**** rn when i was literally about to have my pockets rinsed on body work and paint. like am i able to go to a locksmith who can do all that without having to get my ecm replaced??

 

There might instances where the ecm refuses to cooperate / communicate properly with the programmer. It should be good, but they are looking at worse case scenario. I would really keep researching, and fine someone who has done this before with this model car if you can. It's 2nd gen so there more to it than 1st gen, its just programming but yes don't go to someone who is not familiar I would say.

 

You can get uncut keys with the transponder. The only problem with this is you need a transponder key already programmed to the ECU in order to program the new ones.

Your best alternative is to bite the bullet and order keys from the Lexus dealer, cut and programmed.