I have a 2004 LS430, and after 15 months of use one of the car keys is broken and the other one is about to break. The black plastic on the key I use everyday cracked and the metal part twisted out so you can no longer use it. The other key is only used a few times a month but it is already creaking when you turn it in the ignition and I would be surprised if it lasted another month. It seems like a poor design for the key to break so soon. My impression is that the black plastic on the key is poor quality.

Has anyone else experienced this problem with their LS430?

 

I guess you don't have SmartAccess because that's all I use, thus the key has never been in the slot more than once.

Too bad Lexus doesn't make the original LS key anymore...that was stronger but lacked all the accessory buttons.

Fortunately Lexus should replace it for you, right? It is under warranty...?

 

Lexus should replace the broken keys for you.

If not, you can get replacement shells and blades for around $65.00. They are aftermarket and have no Lexus logo but the plastic shell is a lot more durable.

Do a search for Lexus Keys on Yahoo.

Take care,

Tami

 

One of the keys for my 2004 ES330 broke. Dealer saw it before I did and ordered a new one. The next day, the key fell apart in the ignition switch; I put it back together and it worked fine. When they gave me the new key, they let me keep the old one.

I'd guess the keys are pretty much the same although there is a BIG difference between an ES330 and an LS430. Last week I traded the 04 ES for an 03 LS430 with 13,500 miles!

 

Yes, the dealer will replace my broken key under warranty. It's a PITA because I have to bring the car back in for a 1 hour service when the replacement key arrives so that it can be programmed by the dealer. Why can't they just mail the key to me? This Lexus has required more dealer warranty service than any other car I've owned!

Mostly I'm worried about what happens when the warranty expires. Have I purchased a car that will require me to buy a new key every 15 months for the rest of its useful life??? Not exactly what I had in mind when I chose Lexus reliability....

 

I'm guessing your talking about the normal key prior to smart acess. I have the same key for my 98, and have had NO problems WHAT so ever. I wouldnt be able to break that peice of plastic if i tried (KNOCK ON WOOD). Strange.

 

Because they need to have your car there to program the key... it gets programmed specifically for the ECU in your car.

There are procedures on CL for programming the key (not sure if it will work on an LS430) so you could probably do it yourself if you wanted to take the time.

No problems with either of the keys for my LS4 or GS4, but they are older/different.

 

The ES330 key crack and subsequent falling apart is the ONLY key problem I've had with six Lexii, so far (touch wood!). All the cars have been remarkably trouble free: 96 ES, 99 RX, 01 RX, 99 LS, 04 ES, 03 LS. Service is why I keep coming back.

I guess it helps a lot to have a responsive dealership. I have nothing but praise for Lexus of Dublin (OH). I cringe when I read horror stories from some owners of the service they receive at their dealer's hands. If you've read "The Lexus Story" you know the company's whole existance is based on the concept of service-first. I'll bet if more folks having problems with specific dealers wrote "Lexus Central" about their problems, they'd see some changes in dealerships. (One hopes!)

b.

 

No, they don't need to repgram the key.

Just take the screw out and replace the electronics. Put the already programmed electronics part into the new shell and blade and you are done.

Take care,

Tami

 

Exactly.........

 

Right, confirmed..

I went to the dealer, and they ordered me one $84 + tax. But of course I didn't have to pay because the warranty is still active. But yes, all they have to do is put what's inside in the brand new shell, no reprogramming needed.

 

Had the same problem with our '03 GX470 last year -- the stock key was pretty weakly constructed, IMO. My wife ordered a Lexus blank from an E-bay seller in the UK, where they apparently used much heavier duty construction so that it won't break so easily. The cost for the blank DELIVERED to our Florida address was about $12 or so IIRC (it was very inexpensive), then I took it to a local locksmith who is equipped to cut Lexus keys. He charged me a crazy amount of money to cut the key (like $29, IIRC, but he was about half the price of some other locals who can cut them). Then I moved the electronics over to the new key and for <$45 I finally have a 'heavy duty' Lexus key.