Ace mis-cut my new Lexus key….next steps (1 Viewer)

[rmspider16]

So I just recently picked up a 2003 LX that only came with one key. After reading about issues with the knock offs, I bit the bullet and bought a key from Lexus ($147). Took the blank with my master key to the local Ace hardware. They said they could cut it without issues.

Well, apparently the machine didn’t do a great job and the key was not correctly cut. The guy tried several times to trim it, but didn’t work. Now I’m trying to figure out next steps.

I’m probably going to order a YotaMd case and transfer the guts over, but now I need to try and find a blank “blade” or possibly even get a knock off key just to cut the blade and move over to yotaMd case.

Trying to make a second key is getting waaaay more $$&& than I planned. I’m calling Ace Monday when the store owner returns to see if they will help me out at all.

 

[JBerger]

I ordered several from 1010Keys on ebay. Just send them a photo for each side the key and pick the type of key you want.
I ordered the flip key and used their key programmer, all of the keys work as expected and it was a very quick process from photos to delivery.

 

[Super77]

So I just recently picked up a 2003 LX that only came with one key. After reading about issues with the knock offs, I bit the bullet and bought a key from Lexus ($147). Took the blank with my master key to the local Ace hardware. They said they could cut it without issues.

Well, apparently the machine didn’t do a great job and the key was not correctly cut. The guy tried several times to trim it, but didn’t work. Now I’m trying to figure out next steps.

I’m probably going to order a YotaMd case and transfer the guts over, but now I need to try and find a blank “blade” or possibly even get a knock off key just to cut the blade and move over to yotaMd case.

Trying to make a second key is getting waaaay more $$&& than I planned. I’m calling Ace Monday when the store owner returns to see if they will help me out at all.

Are the LX keys the same as LC? I believe they are, and if so, I bought blanks from USA Remote on Amazon (they also sell direct, with a warranty). To me, indistinguishable from my original. Here is one like I bought, but for an 03:

~$24. Home Depot cut them for free. The immobilizer and remote are DIY programming on a 99, search here to confirm that for a 03.

Mine works great, except for the panic button. Fair trade off for the low price though.

 

[rmspider16]

Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll check those out!

 

[Super77]

If you get them cut at Home Depot, have them use their scan-and-cut benchtop machine, not the self-serve kiosk. They’ll say they’re not responsible for damaging your blank, that’s ok, then they will need to trick the machine into cutting by scanning one of their Toyota blanks - it won’t start without a barcode scan. And finally, they won’t have a way to charge you for the cut, since you’re not leaving with one of their blanks

 

[excessive]

I've had this happen before, wasted $60 on a new OEM blank, and the place that i had cut it wasn't able to make a good enough copy. I just had to bite the bullet, buy another one, and try a different locksmith. Luckily the 2nd time around, the locksmith was better, and the freshly cut 2nd key worked.

 

[97 AZ LC]

$147 doesn't include cutting the key? I thought all dealers had the ability to cut keys based on the VIN and the key code. Mine certainly does.

 

[rmspider16]

It was purchased through Toyota parts deal. Closest dealer is like 55 mins away. So tried to get a local place to cut it.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

LX and LC keys aren't the same. LX is cut down the middle.

 

[Bisho]

X2 on 1010key from eBay. Perfect copies.

 

[99UnDaCuvaBrutha]

local locksmith cut me a non-remote chipped key and copied it from the origianl. programming the anti-theft feature to your car is a different process.

 

[jaewastooshort]

Are the LX keys the same as LC? I believe they are, and if so, I bought blanks from USA Remote on Amazon (they also sell direct, with a warranty). To me, indistinguishable from my original. Here is one like I bought, but for an 03:

View attachment 3918987

The key on my '01 LX is not that type. I don't have it with me today to post a pic, but it's a thicker blank with a milled key slot down the middle on each face. A standard key like that I've been able to cut myself with a dremel and file in my garage. The LX key would be much more difficult. I'm sure it's an "enhanced security" thing.