Extra keys - best options?

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LannyP

10 Year
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May 12, 2014
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So I recently bought a used '06 LC and it only came with a single key. I wanted to see how much the dealer charges for a replacement and was quoted $170 for the key itself and another $110 for programming for the vehicle. I could get a valet key for $120 instead.

So before I go out and spend a couple of hundred for just a key, I wanted to see if there are any better options out there?

Thanks,

Lanny P
 
If it's just an extra key, a non-remote master is the best in my opinion (and key will cost much less). Also, You can have just a key shank made which will open the door but not start car (very cheap).
 
I have a key shank that I put magnets on and stuck on the inside of my rear receiver hitch. I have had to use it several times when I locked my keys in my car but unfortunately it can only unlock the doors and glove box. I used a couple neodymium magnets - 1 glued to the key and 2 more holding it in place - and I haven't had any issues with it coming off.


Official Jeep Recovery Vehicle
 
You want a full blown master made because if you lose the single master you have...things get very expensive. Other threads are out there on this. I had the same issue and spent the money on the second master key.
 
You definitely want two master keys. You don't have to get a remote in order for it to be a master though. Just specifically tell them you want a "non-remote master key"..... If you want to spend a little less and stay covered.
 
Better to spend $280 on a duplicate master than about triple that price if you loose your key and have to get the whole thing reprogrammed.

There are ways to buy a blank programmable key from Ebay and re-master it yourself, but it's no easy task. There are threads here that give very detailed instructions.
 
I recently had to find myself a new master as well because I only had one survivor from the previous owner. I called around and was quoted silly prices from Lexus dealers locally (Carsbad). One day they quoted $250 just for the key (no cutting or programming) then the next day I had another parts guy quote me $350 for just the key at the same location!

So, here's what I found:
- Best prices for keys that I can find for your year Lexus can be found at: http://sparecarkeys.com/index.php?cPath=45_69_103
- They will cut your key for you based upon your original key code, your vin, or from an existing key. They charge different amounts for each cutting option. I think it was $45 to have it cut form your VIN.
- My local Lexus - despite quoting silly pricing for the keys - only charges $35 to cut keys - Lowest price I was able to find (didnt look too hard though)

Programming through Lexus is - like everything else -silly expensive. There are a number of write-ups on this forum and others detailing the proceedure.

I ended up ordering a new master and a shell for my existing worn-looking master. They keys came within a few days... no problems or concerns. They are very nice keys and look idential to normal Lexus keys minus the lexus symbol on the back.

I programmed they key, had it cut by Lexus, and all is well. Total, I paid under $200.
 
if you already have one master key, just go to a locksmith and ask them to clone it. A good locksmith should be able to clone the rf chip and cut the key for about a hundred bucks.
 
For the master key, is this the key I've always called the "valet key"? Grey, without controls?

Reason I ask is because that one is the one that the old lady totes about with her... that might come to an end since the other key was destroyed while under her possession.
 
^a key with no remote can be either a valet or a master key depending on how it was made and programmed.

A key with a remote is always a master. I'm sure you know, if the key case breaks on a remote key, you can just have a new key cut and drop the old remote in it.

In my opinion, the main reason for having 2 master keys is so that if you lose one, you can still have more keys made (besides having to have it towed in if you lose all of the keys). IIRC, pre-2002 Lexus, if you lost all keys, you have to have vehicle towed to dealer, ECU has to be replaced (week wait), and thy will often make you buy 2 remote masters (prob an $800 trip). 2002+, they can program new keys at the dealer without replacing ECU.... Just takes extra time.
 
My daughter works for a company that specializes in remotes and keys for cars. This is what she told me to help you all.

I hope that I am not breaking any advertising rules on my post here. But if so, please let me know and delete it.

If you are comfortable using / buying from eBay I recommend using our eBay site: http://www.ebay.com/usr/fobkeyless as the prices are cheaper, however if you would prefer to use a normal website (normal as in not eBay) the website is www.FobKeyless.com

On the eBay site click “See all items” and then type your model into the top search bar to search our items. For 2003-2007 Land Cruiser you will see the remote head key (both refurbished and new), the transponder key, and more. For the regular site use the menu on the far right to select the Make, Model, and Year of the vehicle. The available options will come up. These are also really popular and fit the Land Cruiser remote head key: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lexus-and-T...cessories&fits=Make:Lexus&hash=item2c6f878f06

If anyone has a vehicle where the keys have the high security blades you will also see a key cutting service listed that is available for purchase for $29.95. FYI customers have to send proof of ownership and either a key code or a picture of their cut key when they purchase this.

Whenever available, programming instructions are sent with the order. Often times keys or remotes can be programmed right at home just by following simple steps. For the 03-07 Land Cruiser both the remote portion of the remote head key, and the transponder chip inside the key, have to be programmed professionally. Do NOT take your key to a hardware store, Walmart, or Home Depot to have this done. They are not trained in automotive and can very easily screw up your car’s whole security system. If a locksmith is not available in your area you can try a dealership, however I recommend calling ahead and asking if they will cut/program a key that was not purchased from them. Many of them will NOT and they will also tell you that the key you purchased is broken or incorrect, just to get you to purchase the one they are selling.

The best solution is to find a certified locksmith to do the job. They are often mom and pop shops who will do an honest and fair job. I say “often” for a reason, though, because fake locksmiths is one of the biggest scams out there right now. The website www.FindALocksmith.com will allow you to search for real locksmiths in your area using your zip code. Be sure to check the “Automotive” box on the main search menu. All of the locksmiths listed on this site are certified locksmiths. If you have a locksmith in your area who doesn’t show up on this list ask them if they are an ALOA member, or look for the ALOA logo on their website (http://www.purejake.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/NEW-ALOA-LOGO.jpg).

If you live in a remote area I highly recommend insuring you have a locksmith or dealership who can do the job before you order anything. Programming and cutting prices will vary so I recommend calling around before you schedule anything.

PM me if you want any more info or have questions.

Jeff
 
My LC came with one master/remote key. I ordered several spare OEM shells on ebay and had the actual keys cut at my local hardware store for very little $. They all work great in the locks and of course will start the car provided I drop the guts of the key into the shell. I'd like to buy a spare set of guts, but not sure if this is possible.
 
IF I had Ace Hardware cut and program me another key based on my only master, does tbag mean the Ace key is also a master? It's just a Chipkey, not toyota key and isn't remote like my master toyota key
 
Back in 2012 my wife miraculously lost both master keys and I had no valets made. A tow and 400~ bucks later I got a new master made at the Lexus dealership.

Anyway, I bought an Ebay key and did the procedure to add it as an additional master, was really easy and I've been using that key exclusively for the last two years without issue.

TLDR: Programming a new, non-remote, master key is fairly easy (at least for my 2001 LX) and very cheap ($2-3 + cost of cutting).
 
so this thread got me thinking i need an extra master, non remote key.

Turns out $32.00 cut and programmed at an auto nation toyota dealer, easy in, easy out. Best part is the wife sourced this out and when she told me the cost i thought she was mistaken. No idea where all of the high costs are coming from talked about in this thread and why you'd bother with "special ebay keys"... hardly seems worth it, and the dealer was friendly and quick (and a sure bet)
 
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