the plastic housing on the key cracked
I observed that when I turn the key the crack opens further and it looks like it will not hold much longer.
The stealer tells me the key is actually fused to the plastic housing and needs to be cut new. They want 90 bucks for it.
Anybody with an experience with it? And how to solve it?
what happens with the electronics inside the fob?

 

Key shell replacements can be purchased on ebay for much cheaper. I just purchased this key off ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Upgrade-Flip...tT21BO&vxp=mtr

Had it cut at a local locksmith and moved my electronics over. Electronics inside the key is a self-contained module that can easily be moved between key types.

This key is a little beefier, but love the flip feature and the entire key/flip portion is one piece and seems to be very sturdy. Does not have a weak neck like the OEM key. I've used this same flip key for both a 98 LS400 and a 2001 LS430. No issues.

Little tricky to drop in the electronics but if you don't open it up all the way and just tilt up the case opposite the key and slip it in. Piece of cake. Really like the key.

This cracked key thing is pretty common when they've been used a lot. My key was not fused to the housing but attached with the screw at the base of the housing. If more metal from the key was used in the housing, like this flip key, then I think we would not be having these problems. Just my 1.5 cents.

 

great info
First went to the stealer (path of least resistance), they wanted 90 to replace the worn plastic shell including the cutting.
Ordered the flip case from Amazon for 8 and had the key cut for 30.
Found out that not all key services can cut this type of key. They need a machine that cost 8000. Understandable not everyone wants to invest in it.
New key works perfectly.

 

Yea, my 2001 keys cracked, both of them, SO I went on ebay, found 2 key blanks (looks like OEM), for $7 each. Called about 4-5 places to see who could cut them, Found a small hardware store, who had a really good locksmith and could cut them.,

Cost me $10 each to cut.... $17 a key vs $90+ at Lexus... and I bet you could not tell the difference...btw this was a year ago and they still look like new...

 

I have an Eternity Key. Supposed to be 'military grade' plastic. Very solid. Dealer goofed up my Ebay key so I got this for like $15. But shop around, obviously some different prices/styles out there.

I like my bulletproof key :-D

 

Glad you guys found some better deals than me. Not a question if your key will eventually break, just a matter of when based on the design. As long as you've got good working electronics to swap into the key case, there are plenty of other alternatives.
Personally, I'm really liking the flip key.

 

Was not saying that to say "I got a better deal" More of other people who come here with a broken key and think their only option is $90+ through the dealer...

I like the look of the flip key but, I also like the OEM logo on the back of the key...and the 2 I did, work fine still.(I only use 1, so if it breaks I grab the 2nd one), and as they say... IF it Aint broke, Dont fix it...