so my mom lost her master key and no there are no spare keys. so i went to the dealership in glendale and they want 1500.00 to replace the computer on her 2001 rx300 plus about 300.00 for a new key and programing. as i'm leaving giving my dad the news the guy that was in line behind me at parts says that he knows a guy out in sunvalley who can flash the computer for 150.00 and it would be just fine. now the guys at the dealership said this wasnt even an option until after 2002. any advice would be greatly appreciated. did a few quick searches but no luck. any help with removing the computer would be great as well.

 

My earlier understanding was that you could program/register only a certain number of keys and then you need to get a new ecu. Some one posted a while back that it is possible to erase the old settings and thus, you can keep on reprogramming it.

Even if my earlier understanding is correct then you should have a few slots open. [Note: This option does not erase info so, if some one finds the lost key, they can open and start the vehicle. So confirm that is not the reason why dealership is suggesting that you buy the new ecu].

All of the above can be model specific, so the most realiable source will be the dealership. If possible go to another dealership.

ps: I would only let trusted folks mess with the ecu.

Salim

 

good point and thaks for the info. i though the same which is why i was hesitant to pay for ecu if i could avoid going that route and just reprograming. anybody els wanna chime in with any info? thanks in advance.

 

There is someone on Ebay that charges around $500 to reprogram your ECM and gives you two new keys. Search for "rx300 ecm" (without the quotes).

Has good feedback and a phone number, so maybe give them a call.

 

thanks for the tip. just so you guys know i contacted lexus usa and got a little advice from them. they told me that there is a national program where the dealer can replace the ecu for you once and they pay for the cost of the part (at their discretion), the catch, you have to buy at least 2 keys from them and pay the cost of labor which runs about 500-700.00 total. rough estimate of course. still beats paying 1500.00 for the ecu and another 300.00 plus for keys and labor. now the cost of the keys are quite different depending on where you call. i was quoted 280.00 per key at one dealership and 180.00 at another. 100.00 difference is a lot for the exact same key. plus the drive/ tow to the more expensive dealership with traffic and gas prices...no thanks.