Programming a master key for a 2004 RX330
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 39
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From: Erie, Pa
Programming a master key for a 2004 RX330
I'd just like to put this issue to rest in case anyone does a search in the future - I've exhausted all searches both here and www and I've tried all of the suggestions, and I have to believe that in order to program the key to start the vehicle you need to take it to a dealer or a locksmith so they can hook up a computer to the vehicle to get the vehicle to recognize the key. I believe there was an easier way for the 2003 (if by easier I mean doing the hokey pokey with the gas/brake pedal and old key/new key), but I've been unsuccessful with mine. If anyone has CONCRETE evidence to support an alterternate theory, I'm happy to listen. But I'm fairly certain that I need to take it somewhere. I think I can program it to open the doors remotely, but starting the vehicle is a different animal altogether.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 39
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From: Erie, Pa
No I haven't. I called a locksmith who specializes in transponders and he quoted me $75 to program it. The locksmith where I got the key cut quoted me $35, but I just haven't been able to get back there for the programming.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Ontario
My local lexus dealer charges 60$ for the programming, but they quoted me at 288$ for the key (Key less/power tail gate). Ouch, I need to find another way to get the key, but the programming cost sounds alright.
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Erie, Pa
And I did try Superior Toyota and they were unable to help me, but maybe that was for purchasing and everything. I'll contact them about the programming and let you know.
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For service on your Lexus, if you want to go the dealer route a Toyota shop can be your friend. Parts, while the same, are usually cheaper and labor is definitely cheaper. The waiting room may not be as nice and they may not have free drinks and snacks, but I would gladly give up those luxuries for a competent shop.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 39
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From: Erie, Pa
Yeah, I know I contacted them originally, but that may have been before I purchased the key from ebay and maybe I was asking them if they sold and programmed the keys. I'm not super confident that they can do it based upon the way the guy paused before he said they should be able to do it. I told him that I was fairly certain that it needed hooked up to the computer for programming, that it wasn't the open door/close door/accessory 6 times program. We'll see tomorrow. The local locksmith that is a "transponder specialist" quoted me $75, so I don't feel $50 is too bad.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 39
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From: Erie, Pa
bah - forgot about the cutting. that was an additional $35. so approximately $155 altogether from buying blank key to having it totally work.
