started a new thread, looking for an answer quick!!! i broke my OEM lexus key shell, and now the replacement I have is a little long. see picture below

update: i bought a replacement key off eBay, and the listing clearly says it'll work with a 2002 SC430, but when i just received the replacement, the new key is about a centimeter longer than my OEM key. will this just get chopped off once they cut the new key? if i cut the new, longer key, will it still work, just stick out a centimeter from the ignition?

listing website
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...AQ:MOTORS:1123

 

No, that is the way they are. I just got one from Davenport and it was slightly longer than my original after it was cut also. (My key had cracked and the glue I tried didn't hold.) No operational problems with the new key, but I couldn't tell you exactly how much longer it is, as I don't have here with me. Your picture does look like a similar size difference to mine though.

 

THANKS HAROLD! now can you recommend a place in dallas to get it cut today? dallas, plano, carrollton, they're all fine with me! thanks.

 

You might ask Davenports over in Plano (on Plano Parkway just west of Coit). I just don't know if they will cut a key they didn't provide though. Other than that, you could check with the dealers (PP & Sewell) and possibly some Toyota dealers. I haven't needed a locksmith in a very long time so I really don't know of any good ones or ones that will cut a Lexus key. In any case, I'd call before going out rather than risk wasting a trip.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

 

I just called Davenport Motor Co. in Plano, and they will cut a key for you.
Their price is $25.

As for length, they say the longer keys will work (transponder for kill switch won't be too far away), but shorter ones will not.
(SC430 keys are the short ones anyway, so not an issue.)

 

TEXAS83 how did it work out on the key? If you haven't gottten it done yet, PP Plano can do it or Grapevine cheaper than Sewell. FYI

 

Final update!

I called up Davenport Lexus Service over on Inwood in Dallas, spoke to Craig Davenport, and he said just bring it in, he'd cut it for free. So went by there this morning before work and had it cut. Even though the key is about a centimeter longer than original, it works fine! I've got some service done in the past at Davenport, so I guess they cut my key for free to my future business.

$13 total for a replacement key!

 

That's good to know for future needs. I'm glad you were able to get it handled. $13 for a new key is pretty hard to beat!

 

Funny.
I just went by Davenport Motor Co. on Plano Pkwy @ Coit, and Daniel Davenport cut my flip key for me for FREE as well! The key was the long one, so I cut it down some last night (although I didn't need to). About 0.5mm longer than the original, but it fit the cutting machine and works perfectly.

A link to the flip key:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=280347937361
Because it comes from Hong Kong through customs, it took nearly 3 weeks to arrive. Patience required...

Thanks to Davenport for cutting my eBay key for me. Friendly and easy!
I still don't understand why Park Place said they wouldn't cut my key because "it'll mess up [their] machine".
BTW, Davenport has replacement keys (shell + key) for $63 -- less than the dealerships, for those who don't want to mess with eBay and aftermarket stuff.

Total cost: $17.99