CubFan22

I have a 1999 Lexus RX300. The metal part of the key broke off and I lost it so I cannot start the car. I only have the keyless entry for the doors. To make matters worse, i live in Punta Cana Dominican Republic and the Lexus dealer is three hours away.

Will they need to see the car to make a new key?

It will cost me about $400 to tow the car to the dealer. haha. I believe they will have to program they key, i am praying there is a way they can make the key without the car. Any information would help. They are closed for the night so I wont be able to ask them until tommorrow. I recall the dealer once told me its $150 for a new key, not sure how losing the metal portion of the key affects this.

Thanks everyone for your help. Really frustrated as this was an act of stupidity on my part.

OakTwnPnoy

The dealership can usually cut the key from the VIN number only. You just need to bring proof that the car belongs to you. But they will need the car to program the key. If you still have the key fob, just hold it against the new key, it should start.

You should give them a call first and confirm it.

salimshah

You will need the master key to reprogram. So I hope the electronic piece you have is the master-key electronics.

There are two parts of the key ... the personalized (based on cut) metal blade and the magnetic code to match with the imobilizer.

Salim

carguy07

I'm 99% sure you are fine. Give the dealer your VIN and proof of ownership. Pop in your keyless entry piece and drive. I think by definition any key that has the keyless entry part is a master key and that is the part that would need to be programed to the car (you still have that part so you are fine).

code58

If you have the keyless entry part of the key, that's the part that has the chip in it and it shouldn't even have to be reprogramed. I have had that chip out (when you have the key shell apart it's easy to see that part. I have taken it out and held it near the ign. switch WITH a key that didn't have it in the case and the car starts because it recognizes the chip in the proximity, it doesn't even know it's not in the same key shell. If you lost that part you'd be in BIG trouble.

CubFan22

thanks everyone. I think its best for me to call Sewell Lexus in Dallas and have them cut me a new key from my VIN. Then put the chip from my current key inside it start the car and drive to a straight to a bar. haha

salimshah

Just dont celebrate too much as you have to drive the RX back. Leaving your RX for the next day is no fun.

Also while you are at it how about getting a spare key made.

Salim

CubFan22

Looks like I am lucking out. I contacted the seller and he has a spare key. I will receive it tommorrow. Not sure if its a working spare, wallet or valet key. We shall see.

If the spare is a working spare, is there a way I can disable the lost key so it will not work.
I think someone found it in the parking lot and picked it up.

I stop after two, always safe driver. I was hit by a drunk driver in my Lexus down here, almost head on, luckily i swerved at the last minute to avoid him and he hit the rear of my driver side. Punctured a hole in my tire did alot of body damage to the driver side. Loser took off down the street, I have his front bumper. In the United States the repairs would have been about $5,000. Down here labor is so cheap i paid $300 for two full days of body work.

If i can only figure out how to insert a photo.

CubFan22

good thread on rx300 key issues
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...-rx-300-a.html

TampaBill

My daughter lost the last remaining key to her 2000 RX300. The local dealer (Florida) tells me Lexus will replace the ECM at no charge - but I have to purchase (2) keys at $186 each plus pay $170 to install the ECM and re-program two keys. About $550 before sales tax - not bad considering the situation. I then learned that ACE Hardware can re-program the ECM and cut a new key at a considerably lower price (had to send my girlfriend into the dealership to find this out). Best of luck to all like me who weren't bright enough to keep a spare key!

carguy07

Ace Hardware reprograms ECM's???

salimshah

Good information. This gives people an alternative.

ECU does more than the key registration and as long as who ever tries to flash it stands behind possible damage, it should be fine.

Salim

varithms

2nd this. The dealer switched out the internal parts of the key pad for my wife when the metal part broke off. This saves the reprogramming charge.

Sorry to hear of your troubles. Good luck.

CubFan22

Over the last two months I have lost three keys. (2 blades and one entire key). Thanks to sewell online I was able to get replacements shells cut very reasonably ($60ish) and shipped the same day ordered!!!! Now I am down to my last key.