Dealer Issues. Help with this.

[lasalsa]

Fellow Enthusiasts:

(LONG STORY SHORT) (YES, I read all the Posts about the Valet Key and Issues)

- Bought 03, w/54K miles for 26.9K out of OHIO. Through internet, Relative inspected and picked it up and drove it to ATL for shipment overseas. (Military)(1 year 12K mile Warranty that I couldn't use)
- Chevrolet Dealership (Rick James Chevrolet, Piqua Ohio)
- According to Dealer, was a trade-in from a "Close Friend of the Dealer)
- Vehicel Arrives Argentina, Great Shape, all good, very happy.
- Go to Local Argentine Toyota to get Key Copied and find that it's ONLY a VALET key, can't be copied. (READ ALL THE POSTS ON VALET KEYS)

- Contact Rick James Chevrolet and ask them to contact the P.O. since it's a friend and ask if they have another Spare or a Master.
- No Luck from the Sales Guy. "Sorry we can't help you" via e-mail.
- Not good enough for me. Call a few times and they're looking into it. They say they'll "Help" with the key but nothing else.
- Finally tell them I want to speak to the Owner to ask him if he'd buy a 30K car with a key that can't be copied.

Still waiting on a reply, it's been 5 days.

Where to go from here? Contact Toyota?

Can't Dealers with the VIN NUMBER of the Vehicle run a COPY?

Anyone around Piqua, Ohio wanna swing by the dealer for me? and

Help!

 

[mrlocksmith]

Sorry to hear about your trouble. The Stealer can make a mechanical key from the vin but a programmer must be ued to enroll the RFID chip that is in the head of the key into the anti theft system. I you can find a local locksmith that has an MVP or T-Code programmer then they can dupe your "valet" key onto a master key(s) blank and program the keys into the vehicle.

Worst case a "Stelership" where you are located can program it.

Mark
(mrlocksmith)

 

[mrlocksmith]

Also


Have the dealer send you a few uncut blanks

Mark

 

[richg]

There are mail order places you can mail the ECM to if you can't find a local locksmith who can help you.

The cheapest I've found (although haven't used them) was ECU Re-flash Toyota/Lexus/Acura/Honda . But there are quite a few out there. Just type "toyota transponder ecm flash" into google.

rich

 

[mobi-arc]

You might try writing a letter to the dealership owner and cc Toyota corporate. I did this complaining about an oily sales guy I dealt with and got a response very quickly.

 

[gajjuauf]

off-topic lasalsa but great bike, always wanted one while I was a kid, the sound is killer!

How did you swing one with a side car? and where did you get an 06 from?

 

[murphthelab]

ECU is the "key"

I have seen used ECU's come up on Ebay once in a while. Unfortunately, it is not often and you are in Argentina. Otherwise, the mail-in option for your own ECU is certainly viable. Again, being in a foreign country just complicates things, because it increases delays and secured shipping fees. Not sure you'll have much luck finding a key re-flasher in South America, but who knows.

I had a similar situation, but everything local in NJ, USA. A Honda dealer sold me my LC with a valet key only. After I screamed foul, they worked it out and had their sister dealership (Toyota) get the new ECU and key from Toyota corporate. I threatened to return the LC and cancel the sale. Cost them $$s. I don't think you have that option because your out of country.

Toyotal won't do the ECU reflash thing. Their dealers aren't trained for it. It is always cheaper than buying the ECU. That is where the $$s are. In certain cases, Toyotal will provide one gratis to a Toyotal dealer, with the trade-in.

Regarding your Chevy dealer though, *ANY* reputable dealer should provide you a master key with the vehicle they sell. A car comes with a "real" key. Period. Full stop. If they won't provide a master key when they sell you a vehicle, they are crooked. I would definitely escalate to dealer owner. No big hopes though. Many dealers just plain suck.

 

[Jim_Chow]

Toyota has a policy of a one-time free ECU replacement w/ 2 new keys in the event both your master keys get lost/destroyed. I think they pay the parts while you pay the labor. Maybe this is only in N. America? Otherwise, I thought the only way to get a master key was the ECU replacement for $1K+.

My CPO '03 LX only came w/ 1 master key, 1 valet. Dealer tried to contact the PO w/ no luck. The aggravating thing (and I vented to Lexus USA, which didn't respond) is the dealer never told us before we bought the car that both master keys weren't included. I assumed they were since every car I've ever bought has come w/ both the master keys. Wife and I were dismayed to find out that we had to pay $200 + $50 for programming for a new master key after shelling out $42K + tax on the vehicle. I looked on the paperwork and I showed that the dealer charged the PO for a new set of floor mats at trade in time. They can require the seller to buy a set of floor mats but not require them to provide TWO master keys? Big thumbs down for Lexus.

One thing that should be in the used 100 buyer's guide/tips if it's not is for potential 100 buyers to make sure the vehicle has BOTH master keys. If it has one, the seller should provide a second master (and buyer should verify that both work) or a $250 price break for the buyer to get one made at the dealer. If none are provided, seller should have a toyota/lexus dealer replace the ECU at his own cost.

 

[iseibert]

I had a spare master and valet key cut by the VIN #, then I programmed both to work on my LX by doing the "pedal dance". Took a few tries to get the keys programmed, and the keys must be cut by a Lexus dealership when using the VIN.

If you can get the dealership to reimburse you for the keys that would make it less painful, since these keys are not cheap.

After typing this I just realized that without one master, you can't program the others yourself. It looks like an ECU reprogram may be your only option.

 

[mudlover]

This is a life or death situation. It is time to get on Toyota's case on this issue. It is a critical safety issue and the result of poor design choices. I have been trying to get a second key to work since October with no luck. I live in one of the extreme climate areas this car is designed for and have to travel hundreds of miles for dealer service. My daughter uses this car with 3 young kids. If she gets locked out when kids are in car she will be forced to break in. If I am wheeling in bad weather and lose the key I am screwed. Last trip to my dealer he worked on it for over two hours with no luck (no charge). The chances of my car being stolen or carjacking is nil. Spare key that works should be required by law period

 

[lasalsa]

O.K.. UPDATE:

Called and spoke to the Sales Manager: He's gonna call TOYOTA of DAYTON and see what they can do whether to send me a cut key or whatever.. Stay TUNED..

Clarification: with the KEY Cut from the DEALER using the VIN, can I just program the NEW CUT MASTER to the Vehicle?

SIDE NOTE: GAJJUJUAF: I got the Bike in India, Sidecar not attached yet. Might do it soon though.. LOVE THE RIDE!

 

[slimbuddha]

O.K.. UPDATE:

Clarification: with the KEY Cut from the DEALER using the VIN, can I just program the NEW CUT MASTER to the Vehicle?

I hate to say this, but no. You need a master key in order to program another key.

 

[lasalsa]

I hate to say this, but no. You need a master key in order to program another key.

So.. in other words... I'M SCREWED!.. Since I don't have a MASTER Key..

Called Toyota: My Vehicle doesn't fall into the "NEW ECU from them" parameter since they can program the NEW KEY to the ECU.

I think my best bet will be to SEND THE ECU TO GET REFLASHED!.. DAMN..

Or.. ANY OTHER OPTIONS..

 

[mudlover]

Extreme Remedy.
Epoxy or weld the key in place, then create a lockbox to that must be opened in order to reach the ignition.
You can have a key made anywhere that will unlock the doors.

 

[lasalsa]

Extreme Remedy.
Epoxy or weld the key in place, then create a lockbox to that must be opened in order to reach the ignition.
You can have a key made anywhere that will unlock the doors.

SWEET.. That breaks my monotony for a while..


BTW.. Dealer e-mailed me back.. Toyota is charging them 350.00 for a new Key. He mentioned since it was sold AS IS, there is nothing they can do.. and "Sorry"..

Not good enough for me. I asked for the OWNERS number to call him personally.

 

[1loudLX]

did the specify that it was a valet key only? If they didnt, you can get them to foot the bill if they told you it was the master key.


o and, are you in Argentina?

 

[mudlover]

I bought a new key from midwest on ebay. Cost about $65. It is identical to the original. The dealer said they were unable to program cause it is the wrong chip. Midwest sent a new chip. I will be going to the dealer in the next few days to program. I will let you know how it goes. One dealer quoted $50, another $100 for programing.
As is should refer to condition. This is a matter of missing components.
Good luck.

 

[hoser]

Extreme Remedy.
Epoxy or weld the key in place, then create a lockbox to that must be opened in order to reach the ignition.
You can have a key made anywhere that will unlock the doors.

Doesn't the chipped key just need to be near the ignition to work? How about copy the existing valet key and then mount the valet key (or just the part of the key with the chip in it) near the ignition switch under the dash.

So what you'll have is a keyed ignition without the extra security of the chip. Will this work MrLocksmith?

 

[e9999]

So.. in other words... I'M SCREWED!.. Since I don't have a MASTER Key..

Called Toyota: My Vehicle doesn't fall into the "NEW ECU from them" parameter since they can program the NEW KEY to the ECU.

I think my best bet will be to SEND THE ECU TO GET REFLASHED!.. DAMN..

Or.. ANY OTHER OPTIONS..

that's interesting...
they say they can indeed program a new Master key without one available?
Haven't kept up with this issue admittedly, but I thought that couldn't be done...

 

[TMILL]

wonder if this place can help??? no affiliation...
Toyota and Lexus Key Specialists