Willytrash

I hope I'm not beating a dead horse about programming a Smart key, the one with three functions, keyless start, open trunk and walk up to the car and the mirrors lights come on and just grap the door handle and open,

Anyway I just bought this new to me 2004 LS430 and it only came with one key, I assume the master key since everything works. So I went to the dealer and was going to buy a new key and have them program it. Well they told me it would be $300, which I thought was a little pricey but with a Lexus I should have expected as much. Well I went back home and tried to do some research and the most I could find was Oh ya you can program a new key to no you can't program a new key. So I decided to go to ebay and see what the vendors had to say. Well of course they all said you can program one because they're trying to sell me a Smart key.

Well I decided I would buy a used smart key and try to program it. The worst that would happen is I would be out $16 or maybe when I buy a new key from a dealership they could program the new key and maybe my new old one. Also I went to Sewell Lexus' website and it says they will sell me a new cut key for about $140 and I can program it myself. I wrote to them and said if I buy a new key from them do I get instructions on how to program it myself? No response.

So I'm asking has anybody ever programmed a Smart Proximity Key? And how would I do it? Or shall I just go to my local dealer and bite the bullet? Thanks

rkw77080

I believe there are several postings on this forum regarding Smart key programming - just do a search.

Here are instructions I found on the 2004 LS430 Repair Manual. Hope they are helpful...

Tom57

Pretty sure you need Techstream to program '04 - '06 SmartAccess key. '01 - '03 keys are DIY programmable following steps outlined in many forums. (I programmed my '01 keys; but need to use Techstream to program '06 SmartAccess keys.) You can purchase a Techstream mini on ebay or Amazon for as little as $30+ to use with a laptop. Search CL threads. Note: Techstream must be compatible with your laptop operating system (OS).

Willytrash

I did a search awhile ago and I come up with a lot of success with the 01-03 LS430's which doesn't have the Smart Access. The PDF file from the tech manual leads me to believe that the 04-06 needs to be done at the dealer. When somebody here has success with programing they don't always say what year they have or if it has Smart Access. Maybe I'm missing something. So I guess I'll be going to the dealer after the holidays.Rather pay off my Christmas bills then get an extra key at the moment.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Or pick yourself up a mini vci cable and a copy of Techstream and do yourself. Plus you can program any of your cbest settings.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ingertips.html

Willytrash

Well thanks Lavrishevo, I'm not sure if I'm that computer savvy. but since I'm not in a rush I'll look into it. Is this what the dealers use? And does it comes with enough instructions where a computer moron can figure it out? I'm in my 60's and yes I expect somebody in their 80's saying no problem and yes you are a moron.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I would either negotiate with your Lexus dealer, contact a Toyota dealer and / or talk to a locksmiths in your area. They often can program them as well and probably for $100 or less. I would do it for you for free if you were local. Takes 10 min or less. It is not very user friendly.

writes123

setting up is they key. win xp works pretty simple with the software. after the vci cable setup with drivers, takes less than 5 mins.

Tom57

The problem is Windows XP is an out-dated computer operating system (OS), no longer supported by the manufacturer. (Some VCI mini cables also don't work with 64-bit OS either.) Be sure to contact the seller of the VCI mini cable and ask what OS is compatible with the cable and compare to your laptop OS. Some newer cables work with Windows 7 & 8, either 32 or 64 bit.