Can you buy a used keyfob and get it reprogrammed to your car? I called Lexus and they said a used key fob won’t work and the keyfob must be bought from them. Is Lexus BSing me? Thanks guys.

 

As long as you have at least one working keyfob to the vehicle, you should be able to have a used one reprogrammed to the car. I had a Toyota 4Runner limited that I had to get a used key fob for and my toyota dealer programmed it for me without issue. It was also the smart key system, so I can't imagine the lexus dealer can't do the same. I'd check with another dealer, personally. There should be no reason you have to buy the fob from them as long as it's the right type for your vehicle. The laser cut key in the fob might be more problematic.

 

From my understanding having done this myself on a 2006 GX there are 3 aspects of key setup:
1) Immobilizer enrollment
2) Keyless entry enrollment
3) Actual keyblank cutting

Obviously you'd have to get a specialized locksmith to get you a replacement keyblade and cut it. This is normally not to cheap, but some locksmiths may be better than others, it's an expensive machine they need to have access to. Nothing to do with lasers, it's milled regardless what they call it.

Otherwise on issues 1 and 2 as previously mentioned it should be doable with the techstream software and some time. However many dealers have "policies" which are intended to be enforced for whatever reason. Likely to make them more money by insisting you buy a new blank from them (they even sometimes re-use them also).

 

Thanks for the info guys! A brand new key and program is $650 here in Canada which is ridiculous lol

 

I was able to reprogram a used key fob with an OBD2 device off Amazon. As long as you have an existing fob that's programmed, you can program a second used one.

 

Do an internet search. There are several companies that offer OEM remotes & can laser cut keys. I’ve even seen them make a replacement key via using a photo of a good key.

 

Make one from a photo? That sounds scary!

 

yeah, I see why these vehicles are so easy to steal.

 

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I just had a local locksmith order a blank key and then cut it to match my existing one. Cost total $36.50. I admit I'm a little **** on keys and fobs. I have 3 complete sets of fob and key. 1 I use every day. 1 is my backup in the house. 1 is locked in my trunk where I can get to it if I lose my carry while out and about by unlocking the trunk. I have the extra key hidden under the car where I can get to it to unlock the car and open the trunk.

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Did you use Techstream or something else to program the key? I'd like a third key but not enough to spend $500. Thanks!

 

I used a device that plugs into your OBD2 port (Dorman product on Amazon) and was able to program a smart key card I bought off eBay,

 

Thanks for the reply. I didn’t know either was an option for the 4RX!

 

This was on my RC BUT I will say the car was not listed as compatible with the device (various other Lexus models were) yet it still worked so YMMV.

 

I know this is an old thread but if it helps someone else it's worth to post here. I only had one keyfob for my car it's how I purchased it. Later on got an Xtool scanner with capability to program new keys so I thought why not let's try it. It's super easy to program a new keyfob for the car but not as easy to get a copy of the physical key. In either case in over 9 years owning my car I've never had to use that physical key to open my doors. Bought an aftermarket keyfob (looks identical to the original) except it came with a blank key but the programming part super easy as long as you have a tool that can do it. These tools are not expensive the one I got is the Xtool IP819TP for around ~$300 on aliexpress. It saved me costly repair bills 4 times by now. Very useful tool to have. It can also program TPMS sensors and scan the car for codes in case a repair is needed. I kid you not one of my cylinders was misfiring and this thing pointed out the exact cylinder that was causing the misfire. All I had to do is replace the spark plug that saved me a lot of money going to the shop and having them run diagnostics. The point is today it's very simple to do all this stuff yourself with a simple affordable tools easily obtainable online. Hope this helps someone else that needs to add more keys or erase all keys and add more all the options are in the tool.