Hi

I have a 2006 SC430 that I bought in the US and imported to Canada a few years ago. Unfortunately it is currently a brick as I lost the key and had to have it towed to Lexus (in Vancouver Canada). It is now three weeks and they still cannot figure out how to program the key to work properly. They have replaced one computer already and now asking me to pay to replace the second and more costlier computer ($1000) as part of their procedure. This is in addition to cost of the key and programming and technician etc.

Has anyone else had this problem? Were you able to find a solution?

Thanks
Dave Wolstenholme

 

Hi Dave,

That seems ridiculous. If I understand your problem correctly, the dealer has obtained a key for the car and so the ignition can be activated. But the car will not start because the key is not programmed (i.e. linked to the immobilizer).

My guess, and it's only a guess, is that the car has already reached the maximum number of keys that can be programmed for the car. So they are attempting to program a new key, but the car won't accept it because it already is at the maximum number of associated keys.

Hopefully others, smarter than I, will chime in (calling VVTiBob, Mr. Blister, Habious, and many others) with other suggestions because this is something that should be able to be figured out.

Definitely keep us posted and let us know the outcome.

 

Dave,

There are several locksmiths that advertise they can reflash the computers if you send it to them. . Do a google search.

Here is just one
http://a-1mobilelockandkey.com/toyot...questions.html

JR

 

Good morning,

Thank you very much to the two fellows who replied. I am so frustrated with my local dealership. I too think they just want to sell me more stuff. Here's where were at based on their 'Lexus approved process"

New key and transponder and cutting: $450
"Billed time" as opposed to "Actual time trying to diagnose": $450....they think thats totally fair....BRUTAL
Replacement of first computer (smaller): $350 but not clear whether they are billing this to me
Want to replace second and larger computer based on documented approach ($1000).

I have not approved this yet. However...my car is sitting there now after 3 weeks!!!

Heres what I think I should do but would love to hear from others.

Get them to take out whatever is required (computer wise..lock wise) and have it shipped to the reflashing/reprogramming guy.

What should I ask them to do specifically?

I am desperate

Thanks
Dave

 

Here's what I would do. See if I could find a local locksmith that would do a reflash. If not then option 2:

I would call Sewell Lexus. They do things outside of the norm. It's been reported here that some have shipped them the ECU and they have flashed it and cut OEM keys when all keys were lost. If they can do it I would have the Canada dealer remove the ECU and send the ECU with the keys they already have cut to Sewell. Just ask what they need to be sent to them.

I have 2 SC 430s. Each came with only one master key. I did not want to be in the situation that you are in if I lost the only master I purchased on additional Master Remote key and 2 non-remote master keys for each from Sewell. They precut new keys and sent them to me. When I received them I took my SC to the local Lexus dealer to program them.

With the Club Lexus discount Sewell sells a precut Remote Master Key for $188 and a precut NON-Remote Master key for only $47.01.


GOOD LUCK!

JR

 

Try these guys I found with a search
http://www.vancouverlocksmithpros.ca...nitionkey.html

 

Good morning everyone,

Here's the latest.

I went to the Lexus dealership this morning

Explained that the ECU could be reset or reflashed and that buying a new one was not neccesary.

They said they have tried to reset it AND reflash it but that it generates error codes. I have asked them to email me the error codes so I can post them here.

Any other ideas?..

Thanks
Dave

 

This is the latest from Lexus based on my request for a fault code. The question is this? If my key worked before but its lost..why should anything be corrupt or need replacing? If I had the key, there were no problems with the computer. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
------------

Hello Mr. Wolstenhom,
As requested here is the information to where we are at with your vehicle and the suggested next step.
Our first direction was to remove any remote starter or hard wired type immobilizer bypass device. As this has been completed, the fault code B2799 (Engine immobilizer system malfunction) is present in your computer. We have followed the first two steps of the diagnosis flow chart being;
First, check the wiring between transponder key ECU(electronic control unit) & ECM (electronic control module/main computer.)
Second, Temporarily replace the transponder key ECU with a new one.
Third, Replace ECM.
As the first two steps have not resulted in your vehicle starting, our recommendation now is to have the ECM replaced. The Invoice at this time includes the $472.90 for the new key/transmitter + 3.1hrs clocked time spent on the immobilizer reset process & diagnosis. As you know, at least twice this time being charged has been spent with your vehicle in trying to get this solved, but this has not been clocked by the technician. The labor time clocked adds up to about $440.00. The transponder ECU has been sent back and we are still waiting on the credit for $323.20. This may not be accepted as a returned part by Lexus Canada and may still be your responsibility for payment. The next computer we are looking for approval to order is $1065.00 and will come out of the Toronto warehouse.
As requested, the number for Lexus Canada guest assistance is 1-800-26-LEXUS(53987)

 

Just a few thoughts...

The dealer stated "Our first direction was to remove any remote starter or hard wired type immobilizer bypass device."
Was there a remote starter system installed in the SC430? If yes, the next question is "What brand and model bypass module was installed?" There aren't a whole lot available for this car. Actually the only two I currently see listed are modules from iDatalink that are basically wired into the car the same. In removing this type bypass from the car, two transponder wires that were cut, would need to be re-connected ( should be soldered ). Just removing the bypass module by unplugging it's 3 connectors would cause the problem you are now having. Here is a link to the iDatalink bypass module installation guide : http://www.idatalink.com/support/get...guide_id/10356 Page 9 has the wiring diagram for your SC430 and Page 7 ( at the bottom ) has the wire names and colors. Here is a link to a Pictorial on a remote starter install that shows the ignition connectors and another photo of the transponder connector wires ( 6th one down ) : http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/...ID~131859~PN~1

 

Hi

Thank you very much for the detailed thinking. I think what Lexus is
refering to is the removal of the alcolock which was ruled out as
something that might be conflicting anyway. As for remote starter,
there have been no third party products installed in the vehicle. The
FOB (as part of the key) has to be present for the car to start. Any
other ideas?

Thanks

DW

 

Nothing off the top of my head. I have programmed an additional master w/remote key to my 2004 SC430 with no issues. Kind of disappointing that a dealer with all of the diagnostic tools at his disposal can't figure it out in less than a day, especially since it was working with no problems with your last key.

By any chance did the previous owner give you the flat key & pouch? Maybe in the glove box or lost behind it?

Please keep us posted on the results.

 

Are you getting the security blink light? Does it go out when the key is in the ignition? I still kinda like the idea that you aren't being able to program a new key because you have reached the limit of the number of keys the car will accept.

Something tells me that this may be involved, despite being "ruled out.". The alcolock is a unit that disables ignition, and you are having an ignition problem despite it being removed. Suspicious. Has the ignition ever worked after removal of the alcolock unit?

 

Give the folks at A1 locksmith a call. Nice folks. Very reasonable and knowledgeable. I used them and they did a good job as advertised