Cracked key shell casing - help needed
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 155
Likes: 3
From: MD
Cracked key shell casing - help needed
The original fob key shell for my '99 RX has separated, I have the key. Currently I am using the back up valet key but obviously I want this fixed. What is the best way? Dealer? Here is a company I found through an internet search - sounds like $15 for the shell and $30 for key shell cutting (which I don't really understand but assume it's to fit the key in the casing)http://www.autotransponder.com/1999_...key_shell_case
Anyone have this issue before? Any advice? Thank you in advance.
Anyone have this issue before? Any advice? Thank you in advance.
You can also go on ebay and find the same thing for around $30... dealer is going to be really expensive, as they can only sell the entire key, cut it, then program your car for it...
the metal part of your key is part of the shell and not really removable, so you have to get the new key cut to fit your vehicle... internet places can do this by you sending good photos of the key, or, you can buy the uncut shell and take it to someone locally to have cut... then, of course, transfer the electronics from your key to the new shell and you are good to go...
the metal part of your key is part of the shell and not really removable, so you have to get the new key cut to fit your vehicle... internet places can do this by you sending good photos of the key, or, you can buy the uncut shell and take it to someone locally to have cut... then, of course, transfer the electronics from your key to the new shell and you are good to go...
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 152
From: Texas
A couple of weeks back, I found an uncut key on ebay, $5.99, shipped.
Dealer cut it for $20 + tax. No locksmith even remotely close could cut it. Figures.
Painful, but better than a key falling apart in your pocket.
The new key's case is 'beefier', too, though it doesn't have 7 years of wearing against other keys in my pocket, yet.
Dealer cut it for $20 + tax. No locksmith even remotely close could cut it. Figures.
Painful, but better than a key falling apart in your pocket.
The new key's case is 'beefier', too, though it doesn't have 7 years of wearing against other keys in my pocket, yet.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 155
Likes: 3
From: MD
Wow! As I'm an idiot and am not fully following the other good suggestions or how this whole process works with key cutting and programming I will try this first. Thanks to all for your time and thoughts.
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: ct
what do you plan on doing when battery dies?? i gorilla glued blade to plastic taped front and back together lasted 3 days so i resorted to good ol duct tape ugly yes key falling apart no dealer wants 150 i asked why cant i just have 2 peices of plastic. he told me because you can't
Pit Crew
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: california
what do you plan on doing when battery dies?? i gorilla glued blade to plastic taped front and back together lasted 3 days so i resorted to good ol duct tape ugly yes key falling apart no dealer wants 150 i asked why cant i just have 2 peices of plastic. he told me because you can't
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Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 155
Likes: 3
From: MD
Well I used Krazy Glue instead and it worked. I replaced the battery last year so I should be good. Now if I could just figure out why the damn rear brake light indicator is back on a few months after replacing the high rear tail lamp bulb, I'd be good. Of course if that's my biggest problem at 13.5 years and 203k I'm doing pretty well.
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Rookie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 65
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From: TX
Broken key plastic
I had the broken key problem and went to ikeyless.com . I sent an e-mail with a question and got an immediate response. When I called a few minutes later I talked to the same person. Within a few more minutes, I had my new key on the way. The local Lexus dealer cut the key for something like $12.00. Done deal.
I don't remember the actual cost of the blank, but it was very reasonable compared to the alternatives.
DrDan
I don't remember the actual cost of the blank, but it was very reasonable compared to the alternatives.
DrDan
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: CA
Rekey
Our local Lexus dealer charges $30 to rekey if you bring in a blank key.
http://www.lexusstevenscreek.com/AboutServiceAndParts
http://www.lexusstevenscreek.com/AboutServiceAndParts
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
I would suggest some glue which remains soft at it forms.
The most precious part is the electronic module. Make sure it does not get glued in place OR falls off and gets lost.
Salim
The most precious part is the electronic module. Make sure it does not get glued in place OR falls off and gets lost.
Salim
Racer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,298
Likes: 324
From: nj
I took the module out before epoxying the broken parts of the case. I used tape to create a form to isolate the epoxy to where I wanted it. In the end the epoxy seems as hard as the key casing.
I had to shave the epoxy a bit when it was hardened to remove any high spots before I could put the module back and reassembled the repaired casing.
I had to shave the epoxy a bit when it was hardened to remove any high spots before I could put the module back and reassembled the repaired casing.
