I decided to try this out because I was tired of the OEM key rubbing against my pants leg. I'm very pleased with the flip keys I purchased from 1010keys on eBay. The process was easy. I sent a photo of my OEM key blade with my order. I received the remotes two days later. The next step was to take the pod out of the OEM key and put it in the new fob. Total time = 10 mins.

 

Nice.... but what was the total cost? How much for this transformation?

 

Total cost = $46.99. This includes two fobs/keys (including the cutting) and an extra battery.

 

That's not a bad deal at all... thanks for the info...
I'll need to look into this as I too, hate to carry the keys in my pocket...
Excellent find and thanks for sharing.

 

How much thicker is the flip key compared to original?

 

This key looks a lot slimmer and cooler.
How does the electronic part fit and what dose the reverse side look like?

Thanks.

 

OEM: 3" x 1 7/16" x 7/16"

flip key: 2 3/4" x 1.5" x 9/16"

 

To insert the OEM electronic pod, you remove the two screws from the back of the fob, slide it in, and reinsert the screws. The vendor supplies Lexus labels to cover the screw holes.

 

well done. looks nice. Ill do this if i break/ Lose one of mine.

 

Ok, I found an image from ebay.
It looks much bulkier than original key but definitely better looking and to OP's point eliminates issue with keys rubbing.
I am probably going to go with the original design. I thin kit is $37 for 2 keys on ebay.

 

Got mine over the weekend. Thanks for the great find

 

nm...there is Lexus logo on Switchblade flip keys as per comment above

 

For those of you that have purchased this switchblade key, did you guys also have to program transponder to get the new cut key to start the car? Mine is 02 and I have followed below programming remote instructions after purchasing a used remote from Ebay seller. It programmed perfectly but not sure about the transponder portion of the key if I were to purchase this switchblade style key. Does each key have some sort of a chip built in, and same goes for aftermarket keys sold on Ebay?


01-03 Lexus LS 430

Program transponder:
1. Make sure all doors and windows are closed.
2. Insert Master key into the ignition cylinder.
3. Cycle the ignition cylinder from On to OFF five times.
4. Open and close the driver side door 6 times.
5. Remove the Master Key and insert the new duplicate key.
6. The new key will be registered after 60 seconds. The THEFT light on the dashboard will go out, indicating that programming has been completed.

Note: Steps 3 and 4 were done very quickly( ie. 15 seconds). Slower did not work after numerous attempts.


Programming Remote:
1.Driver door open, other doors closed, no key in ignition
2. Insert and remove key in ignition twice (without turning it on)
3. Close and open drivers side door twice
4. Insert and remove key from ignition
5. Close and open drivers side door twice
6. Insert key in ignition and close driver’s door
7. Turn ignition to on then off(once)
8. Remove key. The locks will cycle once
9. Within 1 second after locks cycle - Press lock and unlock on the key at the same time for 2 seconds.
10. W/in 1.5 seconds press lock on the key for one second.
11. To stop programming- Open and close drivers door. Put key in ignition and pull out.

 

The switchblade key referenced in this post uses your existing remote "guts". No programming is required or needed. If your old remote does not work-neither will this one.

 

I understand that you are utilizing your existing remote, but don't you still have to program the key itself so the car would recognize the key, turn off the security light and allow you to start the car?