Due to a regrettable and somewhat expensive error, I lost the valet key to our 2008 RX350. I replaced the key but it now needs to be programmed. There is a lot of information available with methods to do this but much of this information is inconsistent. I tried two of the more credible methods but neither works.

Can a key be programmed without the dealers computer?

If it can, what exactly is the procedure to do this?

I would like to do it myself for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to avoid paying the dealer another fee on top of the high cost for the key itself. The fact that I now need to do this because of an easily preventable error I made is extremely frustrating.

 

Do you have the original master keys? if so you're OK. I was told you cannot use the valet key to program.

You can always buy the key on ebay and program the doors no problems. Programming the transponder will need the locksmith or a dealer to do it. No way around that.