Just got screwed over by a dealer and seeing what I can do. Unlucky coincidence and lost/had stolen both remote keys within 2 weeks. Had to get new key fobs and car reprogrammed. Called deal and asked price and gave me a price. When I went in they then mention for the first time the price they quoted didn't include cutting the key blade. I have only 6 months left on the lease and haven't used the blade in 9 years so I told them not to cut it and give me the price.

I go to get the key and it doesn't even have an uncut blade. Just a big opening where the key should be. Furious - the dealer said the cost was to cut the key and not for the key itself.

I've seen the blank blades online and they all mention the key has to be cut before inserting into the remote. Why is this? If I just want to have a blank blade in there is that possible? Just want to key to be structurally sound and need the loop for a key ring. Or will the blade not even go into the remote if it's not cut. Thanks!

 

I dont think the dealer can get the keys without being cut. They told me they are laser cut so when they are ordered the factory cuts them. They sell just the remote seperate which is probably what they quoted you

 

Might want to try giving a call to another dealer if there is one around. I got blade on ebay and called local dealer they quoted me $80 just to cut a blade, called another dealer and got it cut for $20. I am not sure but Toyota dealer might be able to cut key for Lexus.

 

OP, welcome to CL, and sorry for your first post being a problem.

Yes, just call different dealers as this sort of labor and pricing is dealer-set, not nationally set by Lexus. It's been quite a while since we've had someone post about keys, but there was a point in time where Lexus dealerships were the only place you could get the work done due to the unique shape of the blades -- I'm unsure if that's still the situation or not. I'm sure others may benefit if you post back with a resolution, if you come up with an alternative to Lexus Service. Good luck in your pursuit.

 

David,
Without knowing the details of your keyfob and blade; I'll take a shot and yes, you should be able to insert the un-cut blade into the keyfob if yours is similar to my key. Take a look at the pics; hope this helps...

Z.

 

OP, please let us know your RX model year.

Folks are trying to offer advice, but e.g. you're in the 3rd Gen RX Forum (2010-2015) which have what I will call "a removable blade key inside the FOB transmitter" that zmel posted pictures of. 1st & 2nd Gen RX have the older style FOB transmitter with a permanent blade key that sticks out of one end... Somewhat different beasts. It got me thinking when I re-read your original post just now and you say your lease is about up, but you have not used the blade in 9 years that maybe you have an older gen RX... One of the Mods will be happy to move your post over to the 1st or 2nd Gen RX forum if that is what you own, as you may get some additional suggestions there where folks have the same FOB/Key you have.