dropped my key today and broke it... anyone know how much a replacement is?

Why year and model do you have? If it is the 3 button remote head key I can get you a replacement. http://www.frankslocksmith.com/reflash.html

Tami
Frank's Locksmith

If you're inclined, you should be able to get a used (i.e., cut) cut on Ebay very inexpensively and swap the defective case and/or innards (i.e., electronics) with those in your key; and then program the new electronics to go with your car's electronic key system. You need another master key for your car to do this. Instructions on how to do the programming are in the service manual and have been explained on this site in the past.

I take it just the shell is broken and the electronics are still good?

I have a black aftermarket replacement shell and blade. No Lexus logo but the plastic is a lot more durable than the OEM.

If you can email me a picture of your key blade (as close as you can get while still remaining in focus) I can decode the key and cut you a new one. $65.00 and that includes the cutting and shipping.

Take care,

Tami

I was assuming that he didn't break the metal blade of the key or the back of the housing (which the blade is attached to. I think it's more likely he either broke the removable side with the buttons or the electronics inside broke. Anyway, my reply was based on that assumption, which I think is a greater than 60% probability.

Actually the key is molded into the front of the key not the back. And as many broken RX keys I see I would say it is closer to a 98% probability that he broke the shell and not the electronics.

Take care,

Tami

I stand corrected. I looked inside my key a few days ago, and I guess I remembered incorrectly.

this look like a common problem because i did exactly that. but i was ghetto and glued it back.

Key is in three pieces:

1. Metal blade embedded (molded) with plastic front (plastic has holes cut out to actaute buttons on the electronic modulet).
2. Electronic module. Gets sandwitched between piece 1 & 3.
3. Plastic back shell (this has the pass through hole for the screw).

Depends on what broke.

Item #3 is the part that gets broken most of the time. Visit you Lexus part dealer and you can buy a replacement for roughly $13.00. Some time they have a junk box and can find a canabalized part for free.

I dont know how much the dealer would ask for item 1 & 2. I have seen them advertised on *bay and places.

Item 1 generally comes as a blank and it needs to be personalized (with proper cutting tool) to enable you to lock-unlock doors and ignition. You will need to contact a key-smith to do this.

Item 2 has to be programmed to mate with the ECU. Remember to take ALL keys to the dealer for programming.

Lastly: Be aware that for item 1 & 2 it is more than just buying/obtaining the part(s) and you may have to incur more cost to make them useful.

Salim

honestly all that broke was the plastic up by the key ring and I don't wanna use it cuz I'm scared I'm gonna lose my other keys. I have a 2004 rx330. I checked out the locksmith people and shells are 30 bucks or for 65 I can get a silver one.... someone check out the site and tell me if it looks cheesy

From what i've seen, 9/10 master keys that are broken (as in the metal piece is loose) requires key replacement. The piece where the metal meets the plastic is what cracks. There is no good fix for this unfortunately.

also, the plastic back can crack sometimes. Not always servicable separately for some models (RX300) but for the 330, yes you can get the plastic back cover separately.

usual dealer price for a master key is ~200 give or take

I looking for a replacment blade only for my remote head key. The one I have is bent, but the plastic case is good. I just would like to replace it and have it recut off my new key from lexus so I can keep the new one as a spare. Hell at the $200 I paid for it i might just have it mounted and put on my wall to display. I took the bent key apart and you can just snap out the bade. So if anyone knows where I can find the blade only, I would greatly appreciate any help. Its for a 98 gs400 and has the short blade.