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Smart key programming

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Old Nov 7, 2025 | 04:15 AM
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Default Smart key programming

Key programming assistance.
I had a new key cut from Lexus at my local dealer $191, took two days. I’m trying to avoid a trip back and $200 programming fee($185 at a local Toyota). I purchased this Creader reader to turn off my DRL and adjust my door locks. It appears to have the programming function. Has anyone used this? Trying to avoid blanking my good(old working) key out and a trailer ride to Lexus in shame. https://a.co/d/gocnaih




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Old Nov 7, 2025 | 06:39 AM
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Just curious - what did Lexus do again? Did they provide just the key and the cut or just cutting the key for $190.00? Thx
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Old Nov 7, 2025 | 10:42 AM
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Pretty sure only a locksmith or dealer can do it as they have to log in to get a code I think. That or just having techstream would have worked on older cars like the LS430.
Sorry I posted this thinking I was in 2020 ES forum.

Last edited by alextv; Nov 8, 2025 at 06:40 AM.
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Old Nov 8, 2025 | 03:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Holden53
Just curious - what did Lexus do again? Did they provide just the key and the cut or just cutting the key for $190.00? Thx
I purchased the Key at my local Lexus in NY, producing your license, registration and vehicle will get you a new key fob with the metal blade cut for your door/trunk. Lexus dealer wants $200 to program, local Toyota $185. I was able to use my Creader code reader for $129 from Amazon to program the key. Took about 5 minutes of following a few timed prompts of pushing buttons on both keys in a sequence. Worked first try. I was also able to turn off DRLs and adjust my door locks to how I want them opening and closing. It has a myriad of customization options for the car. I’m aware you can do this with Techstream and a $20 plug, this is a godsend for those who aren’t computer savvy and need to get in to the system.
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Old Nov 8, 2025 | 06:34 AM
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Good job.

Last edited by alextv; Nov 8, 2025 at 06:38 AM.
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Old Nov 8, 2025 | 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Kenn1926
I purchased the Key at my local Lexus in NY, producing your license, registration and vehicle will get you a new key fob with the metal blade cut for your door/trunk. Lexus dealer wants $200 to program, local Toyota $185. I was able to use my Creader code reader for $129 from Amazon to program the key. Took about 5 minutes of following a few timed prompts of pushing buttons on both keys in a sequence. Worked first try. I was also able to turn off DRLs and adjust my door locks to how I want them opening and closing. It has a myriad of customization options for the car. I’m aware you can do this with Techstream and a $20 plug, this is a godsend for those who aren’t computer savvy and need to get in to the system.
What year of LS430 do you have again? 2004? Thx (edit) Never mind - I see in your profile it's a 2006. I got quoted all kinds of prices for a Master key - I only have the Valet. I am going to try Lexus next and see what they want down here in Florida. Thx for posting

Last edited by Holden53; Nov 9, 2025 at 05:44 AM.
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Old Nov 9, 2025 | 05:50 AM
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Good morning...

On the key programming topic I was able to load the 32-bit Techstream version 12.xx and look at the keys. I didn't disturb anything because this is the first time I used this and don't even know if it could program a key.
I have a 241 key on the way and will try to add it using the Techstream interface and there is a way to add a key.
I don't want to disturb the existing valet key and just want to see if the program will allow adding a new key.
Now I don't know if I don't have a master key it probably will ask for it but I will check.
In the mean time I was able to customize a few settings and it worked ok. I changed the use of the telescoping and shut off the steering wheel motors to save them from moving everytime I use the car.
I also trimmed the interior light to 7.5 seconds and all these setting worked.
On the Lexus Dealership Key Issue: - I called the service manager and left a VM on Friday at TreasureCoastLexus. More to follow




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Old Nov 9, 2025 | 06:27 AM
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For what I remember you have to have a master. Be carefull as you don't want to delete the valet key.
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Old Nov 9, 2025 | 06:30 AM
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Originally Posted by alextv
For what I remember you have to have a master. Be carefull as you don't want to delete the valet key.
rgr that
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Old Nov 10, 2025 | 06:23 AM
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Good morning everyone...

RE: Update on programing a master key

Treasure Coast Lexus just gave me a cost of $500.00 - programming only for a master key.
I have the 241 part number (new)...
That is more than what the local guy who provided the key. He quoted me $550.00 with a key.
Still working this issue.
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Old Nov 10, 2025 | 03:01 PM
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That's insane.

We get master fobs with cut key from Lexus for around $100.
We do programming for $100.

https://bit.ly/SMART-KEY

You can't program keys with just techstream. If you have the original master you might be able to add a second key. We usually do programming with NO keys or NO original master.
You need NASTF subscription and credentials to get IMMO and SMART seeds and reset keys from Lexus in order to access the ecus in the car.

https://wp.nastf.org/

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Old Nov 11, 2025 | 03:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Holden53
Good morning everyone...

RE: Update on programing a master key

Treasure Coast Lexus just gave me a cost of $500.00 - programming only for a master key.
I have the 241 part number (new)...
That is more than what the local guy who provided the key. He quoted me $550.00 with a key.
Still working this issue.

Does the key you have now open the doors and start the engine? If so you’ll be able to program a new key with the Creader.
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Old Nov 11, 2025 | 06:23 AM
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Originally Posted by LILEVO
That's insane.

We get master fobs with cut key from Lexus for around $100.
We do programming for $100.

https://bit.ly/SMART-KEY

You can't program keys with just techstream. If you have the original master you might be able to add a second key. We usually do programming with NO keys or NO original master.
You need NASTF subscription and credentials to get IMMO and SMART seeds and reset keys from Lexus in order to access the ecus in the car.

https://wp.nastf.org/
So glad you chimed in - I used to live in Milwaukee and follow you on YT - it's just too dang far to drive to see you in South Milwaukee unless I drive up to see my sister in Oshkosh. Yeah - $500 from Lexus here in Florida and another key guy here wants $550 who is an independent. I have a new 241 master key (not programmed) from Bell Lexus and only the original Valet key (auction car). - Thx for sharing - I have heard if the ECU and immobilizer is sent out it can be done? Is that true? Let me know what works - thx - Seems like this should be easier but with the 04/05/06 smart keys its different. Mine is the FCC HYQ12BZE frequency.

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Old Dec 18, 2025 | 02:11 PM
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Default Smart Programming

I've been a member for 15 years but not active on the forums'cause I haven't had the greatest luck searching. But I thought I would share this recent programming experience with everyone. I've only tried this on a 2005 ES 330, so your results may vary with different models.

I purchased a key programmer and two keyless entry master keys that work with about a dozen different Toyota and Lexus models. The total cost including laser cutting both keys by photo and delivery was less than $75.

Programming the 2 new keys to start the vehicle was a straight forward, seamless process that I completed on the first try. The programmer is a palm size plug in device that uses the OBD II diagnostic port below the steering wheel.

Programming the keyless entry functions was frustrating and more time consuming, but I eventually succeeded. The instructions included by the seller we're very detailed but didn't work for me after multiple attempts. I found another set of instructions on the Internet that were virtually identical but with one apparently crucial difference. I can only surmise that there were running changes with the 2004 to 2006 model years and that the programming procedure very slightly. I don't think my problems were due to operator error.

All in all, a worthwhile exercise for me based on cost. The local Lexus dealer charges $350.00 per key, the local locksmith charges $175 per key and one or two hardwares in the area also charge between $150.00 and 175 dollars.

Sorry about posting in the LS forum rather than the ES forum, but I couldn't figure out how to relocate my reply to the original post.

HTH.

Steve in Ohio
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