Folks,

One of the familiy members lost the one master remote for my 99 Rx300. I called Lexus and they said it's about $200 for the key and $46 to program it.

My question is this: The master remote I see on Sewell's site is $185, which is not that much of a difference between them and the dealership.

How hard is it to program these keys, if I were to dive in and get a key from Sewell and try to program it myself. Anyone have experience with this?

Many thanks,
JBL

 

I took advantage of a Christmas sale that Sewell had a few years ago and purchased a new master key for my RX300. The directions for programming a key are here in the forums somewhere. It involves locking and unlocking the door, pressing on the brake pedal, and other ballet-type maneuvers. It's not difficult, just takes a few minutes. That's for the immobilizer registration. The remote lock/unlock programming is a different sequence. Those instructions are on here as well.

 

You will need to have the key cut too.

Salim

 

When I ordered my extra from Sewell, they took my VIN and everything and I received the key pre-cut. I think the dealer has to order it that way. A valet key I ordered from the local dealer came packaged pre-cut.

 

I think you might be reading this wrong. He said he lost the one (i.e., only) master key.

 

Promo code 909RK will take it down to $159 and they are awesome to deal with.

 

Hopefully not the case. If it is, then a new engine ECU is in order.

 

BGRX- At one time Lexus gave you a one time pass on the loss of the last MR. Don't remember what it was but it was a very good deal compared to replacing the ECM and MK. It seemed like it was at least $2k+ at regular price. The car may be old enough that they would no longer offer that deal because of age. I am almost sure I have read of locksmiths where you could take the ECM out and send it to them and they could make the keys and reprogram the ECM for a WHOLE lot less than Lexus wanted. A search would probably turn up that information, if I'm correct in that.

 

I believe Burnished Gold is correct in that if the key was the ONE EXISTING MK, the only options are what I outlined in my post above this one.

 

All: Thanks for the info. Sorry if I was unclear, I do have one remaining Master left so I am not totally screwed into having to replace the entire ECU.

 

Carguy07 - many thanks!!

 

I would definitely recommend checking e-bay first. I got a new master key from ebay and i payed $76 including shipping. It has a new outer shell and the internal stuff is refurbished, but has been thoroughly tested. I even talked to the guy on the phone and he walked me through the programming. so good experience there.