I was wondering if an ML has the green blinking light on the FOB?
After watching the YT page and The Car Care Nut talk about the FOB system I realized the FOB on this YT blog is blinking.
Mine never blinks - and since I am a noob LS430 owner ( since February) I just thought the car worked ok by inserting the smart key fob into switch and that was all it could do.
So the oscillator is mentioned along with the receivers - is this the key to an issue I have with no blinking FOB? Am I following this YT blog correctly and the 2004 has the blinking light?
I did change the battery, checked the fuses, re-added the FOB using the special door open/close tech note - no blinking light yet. This auction car did have a moisture/water issue where the nav is right next to the rear receiver and oscillator.

 

There is no green light on the fob. There may be red one when in range or if pressing a button on the fob. There is a blinking green on the left side of the dash, but I never think about when that turns on. What is not working? A specific area like the trunk, but doors and starting without inserting the key does work ? If nothing smartkey-related works, do you have the smartkey system turned on via the button under the dash?

 

- On the video posted the FOB will blink green when in proximity of the vehicle outside the door. I was wondering why my FOB does not blink nor can I just turn the ignition starter without inserting the key. I will review the buttons under the dash and have pushed the smart button but I still have to insert the smart FOB into the ignition. And the screen will display "Key not found" (something to that effect) and I simply cannot just turn the ignition without the smart FOB in the ignition. I was under the impression that I should be able to keep the FOB in my pocket and the car will know that I have the FOB in the car and then I could simply turn the ignition on without the key.

 

The light that blinks was red in the video, not green.

you may be using the spare key. Or need to get it programmed at the dealership if it is in fact a smart fob. I received 2 fobs when i purchased mine, 1 smart fob and 1 spare(they both look very similar). Only my smart fob operates with proximity access like you mentioned, ie: mirror courtesy lights illuminate when i walk up, doors sensor on handle unlocks door, ignition turns with fob in my pocket, and door lock button on handle locks car(unless it senses the fob still in the car).

Left is smart fob and right is the spare

Hope this helps in some way

 

I probably have a spare - This 2004 is an auction car - Thx for reply -
Found one on eBay brand new and he is asking $140 bucks - still looking - I am not shocked at the price but wondering what key can be purchased as a Master Key and to make sure it is a "Master Key"
I noticed mine does not have the trunk icon so yeah - it must be the 2nd spare key
Regarding the light - I must be color blind - it blinked green when he was at drivers door I thought but will check again

Reddit has this link for programming which I tried with a different link but this Reddit link is more detailed in the steps
https://www.reddit.com/r/LS430/comme...advice_please/

I searched and didn't catch this Club Lexus thread which is going over the same stuff:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...mart-keys.html

Thx for the help - GG

 

Well good news - kinda - Last night in the dark I did hit the button but failed to notice that the red light is now at least working on the one FOB I got with the car.
But - it doesnt work like a master fob - so yeah - still going to have to figure out if this is possible to get one.
I did get a reply from an eBay seller who said he could not guarantee that his key he is selling (brand new in the package for $141.00) is a master key even though it has a trunk icon on it.
A user here on Club Lexus called V8_Fan says you cant get a master key without getting a new ECU? Geez - this is an old thread - I hope this isn't true.

 

It is my understanding that you can only program a key if you have an existing master key so if it programs with same functions that will make it a master also. Did not realize there were any New Lexus OEM keys out there. Did he give a part number that you could verify for your car?

 

I looked up probably what you see on ebay and it does say proximity sensor. Call a locksmith and see if you have to have a master to program and or he might have options.
Saw a post saying it was a corroded connector in trunk passenger side near tail light. What I would do to see if key is working is put right near an oscilloscope set to minimum voltage on probe and push button. Most likely cannot measure the frequency depending on scope but will give a good idea if key is working and problem is in car.

 

I think this is only the valet key and yes alextv you are on track with the testing and master key issues - So I went to chatgpt - amazing - I am calling my locksmith that does work at the bodyshop I use - He cut the trunk key for me when I got the car ( that should have given me a huge hint but being an LS430 noobie I didn't put it all together on what was happening with the FOB) The blade in the valet key that came with the car never fit the trunk so what came with the car is a very limited valet key - no master -
Chatgpt:

Quick summary

• If the working key you have is a master key, you can usually program an additional/master key yourself using the on-car programming procedure for a 2001–2006 LS430 (2004 included). [url alt="https://bee-mfg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Key-and-Remote-Programming-Procedure.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com"=https://bee-mfg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Key-and-Remote-Programming-Procedure.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com]BEEngineering+1[/url]
  
• If the key you have is a valet/sub key (or the system is a smart/proximity system), you cannot make/program a new master key yourself — you’ll need a dealer or an automotive locksmith with the proper diagnostic / transponder programmer (and proof of ownership). [url alt="https://www.locksmithkeyless.com/pages/lexus-keyless-remote-and-key-programming?srsltid=AfmBOoo5NtcG_F0b3C0yKiUhwmgvYiCvJY_WSGBzafKUd59MnoIbgbbW&utm_source=chatgpt.com"=https://www.locksmithkeyless.com/pages/lexus-keyless-remote-and-key-programming?srsltid=AfmBOoo5NtcG_F0b3C0yKiUhwmgvYiCvJY_WSGBzafKUd59MnoIbgbbW&utm_source=chatgpt.com]Locksmith Keyless+1[/url]
  

How to tell whether your existing key is a Master or Valet/Sub key

Try either (or both) of these quick checks:

1. Security-light test (easy and reliable):
   
   • With the key out, watch the red SECURITY / theft light on the dash.
     
   • Insert the key into the ignition (don’t turn it).
     
   • If the security light stops blinking and immediately goes out → that indicates a master key.
     
   • If the light stays solid for ~1–2 seconds then goes out → that indicates a valet/sub key. [url alt="https://tomskeycompany.gorgias.help/en-US/master-key-or-valet-key-distinction-for-toyota-scion-and-lexus-456985?utm_source=chatgpt.com"=https://tomskeycompany.gorgias.help/en-US/master-key-or-valet-key-distinction-for-toyota-scion-and-lexus-456985?utm_source=chatgpt.com]Tom's Key Company+1[/url]
     
2. Glove-box / trunk test: a true master key will operate the glove box lock (if equipped) and often has full remote/trunk buttons. Valet keys sometimes look different (grey head) and may not open glove box/trunk. [url alt="https://tomskeycompany.gorgias.help/en-US/master-key-and-valet-key-471241?utm_source=chatgpt.com"=https://tomskeycompany.gorgias.help/en-US/master-key-and-valet-key-471241?utm_source=chatgpt.com]Tom's Key Company+1[/url]
   

If you tell me what the security light does when you insert the key, I can tell you whether you have a master key.

If you do have a master key — owner (on-car) programming steps (typical for 2001–2006 LS430)

(These are community/technical procedures reported for these model years; timings/counts can be picky — follow steadily.)

1. Close all doors (trunk too).
   
2. Insert the programmed master key into the ignition (leave it in).
   
3. Turn the ignition OFF → ON → OFF five (5) times, finishing with the key removed or OFF depending on the exact write-up.
   
4. Open and close the driver’s door 6 times.
   
5. Remove the master key and insert the new key you want to program (leave it in OFF).
   
6. Turn the ignition to ON and wait ~60 seconds. The security/theft light should blink while learning and then stop — when it stops the key is registered.
   
7. Test the new key: it should allow starting; if the remote functions (lock/unlock) aren’t working, there is usually a separate remote-programming sequence. [url alt="https://bee-mfg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Key-and-Remote-Programming-Procedure.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com"=https://bee-mfg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Key-and-Remote-Programming-Procedure.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com]BEEngineering+1[/url]
   

Important: Many writeups stress: use a true master key for this procedure (not a valet key), move deliberately, and if the security light behaves oddly stop and start over. [url alt="https://bee-mfg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Key-and-Remote-Programming-Procedure.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com"=https://bee-mfg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Key-and-Remote-Programming-Procedure.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com]BEEngineering[/url]

If your key is a valet / not a master, or if the on-car procedure fails

• You’ll most likely need a dealer or professional automotive locksmith with a transponder programmer (Autel, Tango/KeyTool, etc.) to add/master keys — especially if you need the immobilizer memory erased/reflashed or if all master keys are lost. [url alt="https://www.locksmithkeyless.com/pages/lexus-keyless-remote-and-key-programming?srsltid=AfmBOoo5NtcG_F0b3C0yKiUhwmgvYiCvJY_WSGBzafKUd59MnoIbgbbW&utm_source=chatgpt.com"=https://www.locksmithkeyless.com/pages/lexus-keyless-remote-and-key-programming?srsltid=AfmBOoo5NtcG_F0b3C0yKiUhwmgvYiCvJY_WSGBzafKUd59MnoIbgbbW&utm_source=chatgpt.com]Locksmith Keyless+1[/url]
  
• Expect them to ask for proof of ownership (title/registration + ID). Costs vary by region and whether they must reprogram ECUs; a locksmith is often cheaper than a dealer. [url alt="https://www.ebay.com/itm/286057256646?utm_source=chatgpt.com"=https://www.ebay.com/itm/286057256646?utm_source=chatgpt.com]eBay+1[/url]
  

Next steps I recommend

1. Do the security-light test I described and tell me the result (what the light does when you insert the key). I’ll confirm whether you have a master key.
   
2. If it’s a master, I’ll give you the exact step-by-step sequence to program an extra key (and note any gotchas).
   
3. If it’s a valet key, I’ll list trustworthy locksmith/dealer options and what you’ll need to bring.
   

Tell me what the security light does when you insert your working fob key (no need to turn it) and I’ll guide you the rest of the way.

 

Mine is 2001 but this is what my valet key looks like with no buttons. I am thinking it is more the car fault. My previous post about corroded connector from different thread had exact same keyless problems. What that connector did was short out signal for trunk lock to ecu which affected all the keyless functions.

 

I will pull the receiver and occillator out from lower right trunk and inpsect before I order the master key flash - I called my locksmith and it's $350 to flash ECU for master key and they will provide the key.
I am positive that this is a valet key because the security light goes 2 seconds - . Thx for the info - still working this.

 

Here is the link where I saw the problem. Scroll down till you see the connector that was causing the problem and it was on passenger side near tail light from water damage. What they did to verify was unplug that connector and keyless started working. You will probably have to reprogram yours since you tried the programming maybe. If all checks out ask locksmith if they can verify it is not car problem.....https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...working-3.html

 

Yes - I know about this watching Car Care Nut - he pulled the receiver plug and had a bunch of gremlins on the connector. Thanks for the link to that other thread - it has good information on it esp. the schematic showing the receivers around the car.

 

Well called one local locksmith - he quoted me $350 and had to check a few things out - He called me back and said he can't do it but Nick his other locksmith friend can for $575. I said I would take Nicks name and get back with him. So I cruszed on Google and put in Lexus locksmith for my area and called one guy - he says $150 - and I say "You better check this out because that seems kinda low" - He says nope I can do it. He shows up and I show him the smart key and whamo - "Oh - that key? I can't do that" lolz - the journey continues

 

Can you show a picture of what your key looks like