CRAP! - Lost my only key to the LX, need advice

[CodyRx7]

Somehow we managed to lose the only key we had for the LX450 and now I'm kicking myself for not making a copy of the key.

I called a local locksmith who told me that its a Lexus dealership only issue and the vehicle needs to be programmed to the key.

Is this true? It definately doesn't look like a chipped key at all....just an internal cut.

I've searched around the forums and I can't tell if it is Dealer only or not...

Are there any locksmiths who can cut the key by the VIN in AZ? I understand we'll have to provide proof of ownership which is not a problem.

I'm going to go crazy if I have to have the Lexus towed down to Phoenix just to get a key made.

 

[-Spike-]

Call your Toyota dealership. They will answer your questions, and I've heard they are cheaper than the Lexus dealers, even on identical parts.

-Spike

 

[CodyRx7]

The LC and LX keys are quite different.

The metal of the LC key is cut like a regular key with "teeth" on the sides.

The LX key is flat on the edges and cut down the center of the key. I don't think any Toyota models use that type of key.

 

[medtro]

Lexus dealer can cut you a set of 4 keys from your VIN for $60 or $80 (I forgot). They don't do 1 or 2 keys, they only do a set because they have to send it out. It may take a few days. I don't know if they need to see your title or not.

 

[CodyRx7]

4 keys for that price?

I think it was Scottsdale Lexus I stopped at a few days after buying the car just to check on the price of a replacement key and it was between $80-90...

Why would they be sending the keys anywhere? I'm assuming a Scottsdale Lexus dealership would have the machine.

Are the keys programmed to the vehicle...meaning I'd have to have the truck at the dealer to get the keys?

 

[medtro]

I talked to Scootsdale Lexus, they told me they don't have the machine.

For '96 LX450, the key is not programmed to the vehicle. Don't know about '97, what year is yours?

 

[CodyRx7]

97, I'm pretty sure the 96 & 97 are identical key wise...

I knew that locksmith I talked to in town didn't know what he was talking about.

 

[CodyRx7]

Well I called all the Valley Lexus dealers today.

Superstition Springs was the cheapest for a replacement keys at $44 each.

Every one of them orders replacement keys from some distributor in Michigan, nobody had the machine or keys in stock for cutting.

Superstition Springs also overnights the keys - which although might not help since its a holiday today, it still beats the "couple a days to ship" that the other guys quoted, all around $85....PLUS shipping through them.

I also confirmed that the vehicle does not have any chip in the key which would require the vehicle to be there for programming. I just buy the key down in the valley and bring it back to Cottonwood and it will work.

If I ever find the lost keys, my original will still work as well - which is MUCH easier than the hassle I had with our 2000 Accord.

After losing the keys for the Accord, I had to call a few dealers, who all told me that I needed to have the vehicle towed. Finally, one of the parts guys realized that towing the car around 100 miles is ridiculous, and he told me there was a way to bypass the immobilizer system. Each vehicle has a different code programmed, which was available through the Hondanet program they use. He looked up my code which involved 5 different press the brake pedal/turn the key procedures to disable the immobilizer. They sold me a key that was cut to match the key, but would not be electronically recognized by the car's computer.

We got back home, used the key, disabled the immobilizer and brought the car back to the dealer for programming, and had copies made at that time.

If Lexus would have quoted $200+ for one of these keys, I would have made a screwdriver work!

 

[BMAN]

Buy 2!

 

[lx450landcruiser]

prob doesnt matter now but any one whos looking for lexus locks let me know as i a have a full set and 1 key when i had to replace all the locks due to theft.

mike