lost key
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 45
From: NC
You can pick up replacement keys on eBay however, there is one BIG caveat...
You MUST currently possess a working Master Key (one that will start your car). You need an existing Master Key in order to program additional keys into the car. You can use it to program additional Master Keys or Valet keys. But, if you ONLY have a Valet key, you cannot program additional keys.
This applies to both you AND the dealer. The dealer also has no way to program additional keys into the car without a currently-programmed Master Key.
You MUST currently possess a working Master Key (one that will start your car). You need an existing Master Key in order to program additional keys into the car. You can use it to program additional Master Keys or Valet keys. But, if you ONLY have a Valet key, you cannot program additional keys.
This applies to both you AND the dealer. The dealer also has no way to program additional keys into the car without a currently-programmed Master Key.
Last edited by Habious; Sep 16, 2010 at 10:35 AM.
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 3
From: GA
You can purchase a blank key on ebay and good lock smiths will be able to cut and program the key. I looked in to this a while back but the savings just werent worth the effort. I just went to Lexus and paid $175 for a new key.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 45
From: NC
You should call ahead and find a locksmith that can cut a "laser cut key". They're not ACTUALLY cut with a laser (dang, that would be COOL!), it's just what it's called.
In the NoVa area, Baldino's does this...and they've got a ton of locations. Again, make sure you call the location you're going to visit and asking about a "laser cut key"...not every location has the machine, and it's sometimes "broken" (personal experience talking here).
The programming of the key to start the car (the immobilzer chip in the car) and the programming of the buttons on the key (lock, unlock, trunk release) are programmed seperately.
Both can be done own your own, for free, with just the car and the working Master Key (instructions can be found via a CL search). The only thing you can't do is cut the key yourself.
In the NoVa area, Baldino's does this...and they've got a ton of locations. Again, make sure you call the location you're going to visit and asking about a "laser cut key"...not every location has the machine, and it's sometimes "broken" (personal experience talking here).
The programming of the key to start the car (the immobilzer chip in the car) and the programming of the buttons on the key (lock, unlock, trunk release) are programmed seperately.
Both can be done own your own, for free, with just the car and the working Master Key (instructions can be found via a CL search). The only thing you can't do is cut the key yourself.
Last edited by Habious; Sep 16, 2010 at 12:23 PM. Reason: Added a " ", justbecause
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 318
Likes: 3
From: OR
Right after I bought my car, back in Nov, & got it home, I went to Lexus of Portland ( the only dealer in this area ) about an additional key ( I was given two Master Keys when I bought the car ). They said that it would cost me $300 for another key.
This is why I dislike dealers.
Jerry Baumchen
Trending Topics
Someone said it well earlier...depends on how much time and patience you have. I saved about $85 per key by buying the blank and transponder myself on eBay and programming it myself but then having Lexus cut it. Total out of pocket for this deal was less than $100. I think I paid $59.99 for the key then $30 to cut at Lexus dealer. I called around like crazy in Dallas and couldn't find the right locksmith and didn't want to risk screwing up the key. Lexus Dealer wanted even more to program, of course...I tried to negotiate a free programming with a cut, but they said the technician would have to log in at least 1/2 hour of labor, blah blah blah. BS!!! I did it myself really easy (okay, just easily) in about 15 minutes and some patience. Good luck. Let us know what you find the best "deal" is out there. I could have gone cheaper by finding a locksmith or even getting a used transponder, but I wanted a new, correctly cut key with no issues (but didn't want to pay top retail $$$ either).
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Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 266
Likes: 4
From: NC
Instructions for programming keys
1. Enter the car with a working pre-programmed key and close all doors. Simultaneously depress and release both the brake and the accelerator pedals.
2. Within 5 seconds, insert the working pre-programmed key into the ignition. DO NOT TURN THE KEY.
3. Within 15 seconds of inserting the ignition key, depress and release the accelerator pedal 5 times.
4. Within 20 seconds, depress and release the brake pedal 6 times.
5 Within 10 seconds, remove the working pre-programed key from the ignition.
6. Within 10 seconds, insert the pre-programmed key back into the ignition.
7. Depress and release the accelerator pedal one time. The security light should now begin flashing to indicate that the computer is reading the new key and programming the system.
8. Leave the new key in the ignition for at least 60 seconds. When the security light stops flashing, the programming process should be complete.
9. Test the new key.
2. Within 5 seconds, insert the working pre-programmed key into the ignition. DO NOT TURN THE KEY.
3. Within 15 seconds of inserting the ignition key, depress and release the accelerator pedal 5 times.
4. Within 20 seconds, depress and release the brake pedal 6 times.
5 Within 10 seconds, remove the working pre-programed key from the ignition.
6. Within 10 seconds, insert the pre-programmed key back into the ignition.
7. Depress and release the accelerator pedal one time. The security light should now begin flashing to indicate that the computer is reading the new key and programming the system.
8. Leave the new key in the ignition for at least 60 seconds. When the security light stops flashing, the programming process should be complete.
9. Test the new key.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,397
Likes: 453
From: GA
1. Enter the car with a working pre-programmed key and close all doors. Simultaneously depress and release both the brake and the accelerator pedals.
2. Within 5 seconds, insert the working pre-programmed key into the ignition. DO NOT TURN THE KEY.
3. Within 15 seconds of inserting the ignition key, depress and release the accelerator pedal 5 times.
4. Within 20 seconds, depress and release the brake pedal 6 times.
5 Within 10 seconds, remove the working pre-programed key from the ignition.
6. Within 10 seconds, insert the pre-programmed key back into the ignition.
7. Depress and release the accelerator pedal one time. The security light should now begin flashing to indicate that the computer is reading the new key and programming the system.
8. Leave the new key in the ignition for at least 60 seconds. When the security light stops flashing, the programming process should be complete.
9. Test the new key.
2. Within 5 seconds, insert the working pre-programmed key into the ignition. DO NOT TURN THE KEY.
3. Within 15 seconds of inserting the ignition key, depress and release the accelerator pedal 5 times.
4. Within 20 seconds, depress and release the brake pedal 6 times.
5 Within 10 seconds, remove the working pre-programed key from the ignition.
6. Within 10 seconds, insert the pre-programmed key back into the ignition.
7. Depress and release the accelerator pedal one time. The security light should now begin flashing to indicate that the computer is reading the new key and programming the system.
8. Leave the new key in the ignition for at least 60 seconds. When the security light stops flashing, the programming process should be complete.
9. Test the new key.
Worst case, take it to Lexus.
Thanks.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: az
Replacement Key Conpatibility
I also have lost one of my master keys for my 2003 SC430. I purchased a new blank on ebay and have a left over key from my RX330. Can the RX330 transponder be programmed for my SC. The buttons for the RX have a PWR Door text instead of car/trunk open symbol.