I got this done a few months ago. You will need a new ecu which is $1200, BUT theres a promotion going on (or at least was) that says if you buy 2 master keys from the dealer, lexus will send you a new ecu free so all you pay is the fee for the keys and labor assuming that the ecu has not been replaced before (the youre out of luck). You cannot make a new master key from your vin number or your vallet, that is used only to cut it and not program it.

 

Thanks, all three buttons are masters key right?

 

Correct.

And my 98 definitely does not have a "chip" in the key.

 

It should have a chip, all the keys have a chip to start the car.
Mine a 98 as well.

 

If you are looking for a good deal on a factory key go here. Got mine here a little while ago.
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...C300-1998.html

Register and make sure you use your club lexus screen name so you can get a discount. The three button remote key is $176.99 with the discount and it's only a dollar more to cut it to your VIN.

 

You guys are funny. I work at a dealership and deal with key/key fob replacements all the time.

97+ SC's have an immobilizer which means without it being programmed to the vehicle, will not start the car. You can get in the car, turn it to accessories but wont start the engine.

Loi, the dealership needs a master key so they have something to program the new key to.

 

yes, i have a 98 and i received the 3 button keys

 

Thats right, they need a master key.

 

if you dont have a chip you can simply have the key cut at your local locksmith.

i have a 93 sc300. when i needed keys made, I went to a local locksmith. he charged me $8 dollars to cut each key, including the price of a blank. I ended up paying $40 dollars to have 5 keys made. yes every lexus has the funny inside cut on their keys that looks like it was made in a small scale cutting mill.

as of 2 weeks ago I bought a 2007 nissan quest van. I got only one key with it. I needed more obviously. Everywhere I went locksmiths wanted $35 per blank and $65 dollars for programming. I went on ebay and bought blanks for $11 each. Then I went to the nissan dealership, where my buddy works, and he programmed all the keys for me free of charge. I bought his dinner and a few drinks. All the keys work and it took about 10 minutes to program all the keys.

you dont need a master key for programming. ANY key works for programming as the information stored in the chip is the same. the difference between the valet and master keys is in the cut itself. that is what prevents the valet key from opening the glove box and the trunk.

as long as you have a working key for your car, being a valet key, go to a locksmith and have him cut and program as many keys as you need.