Key casing. Anyone?

[Jukelemon]

If you do not already know, a new key from the dealer runs about 300.00. This is of course the remote key. My casing has cracked, however, the sending unit is fine. Anyone have the opposite issue and would like to sell their casing?

Thanks.

 

[e9999]

I got a cracked casing too.
One way to do this is to buy a cheap knockoff on ebay, dump the innards and use the casing.
Or do some creative work with epoxy?
E

 

[Jukelemon]

Epoxy will not work unfortunately. A piece is actually broken off-right by the screw that hold the key in place.

Ebay sells these spares?

 

[80and100cruisers]

I broke one and bought another. Now my new one is also cracked alot, but onec a week I re-apply duct tape. Ugly, but works.

-Matt

 

[Jukelemon]

That is pathetic for a key that costs so much. I really hate to hear that.

When I bought my truck, I Had a spare (valet) key made and it was like 80.00.

Crazy to say the least.

I think I will just get another valet.

 

[cruiserdan]

DO NOT LOSE THE MASTER!

Without it you will NOT be able to program additional keys. In that event you replace the EFI computer.

 

[gopriest31]

Mine broke the same way- (Actually, when I bought my 98 recently the seller handed me the 2 broken fobs in pieces!) No way I was going to cough up the bucks for a new one. Used a small amount of JB weld inside to stick it together (clamped together w/ a c clamp) Then after the epoxy dried, I plastic welded the seam closed around the perimeter of the key (using donor material from the second failed part's shell) After I was done, I filed it down and sanded it smooth. Looks just like the original, except there is no seam between the halves

Obviously, once the transmitter battery (which I changed out beofre doing this!) dies Im s.o.l.. But till then, Im in good shape- Been using the key for 2 months now - No problems!

 

[hank14]

I bought a new key on ebay, had it cut from a locksmith in Washington state, I think, and shipped, for about $90.00. Good as new. He also had a spare plastic case from an LX470 which he threw in for free. He sent me the programming instructions, and I reprogrammed the thing by myself in about 5 minutes. Unless ebay runs out, do not buy one from the dealer, IMO.

 

[NMuzj100]

This is such BS. I too have a broken transponder key case. And the only solution my dealer has is a $300 dollar new transponder. This part was poorly designed probably only costs $.50 and I can't get it replaced. I havent yet gone the ebay route so my wife has to use the valet key. (CrusierDan - tell me there is a solution) I actually noticed this small parts problem with Toyota on my Camry too. (could not get the little plastic button that keeps your seatbelt from slipping under the seat) But my parts guy (his own stash) had a bag of the same item from another brand of car in the parts shop for the problem.

Haven't seen the case on ebay just the whole transmitter for $120.

 

[Josh83]

There are always used cut keys on ebay for 25 or so dollars. Just buy one of those, swap the actual key part from your fob into the new one, and program it.

 

[Kalen]

I've pulled the key apart to look at it.

The transponder can be removed from the broken housing and inserted in a new key housing, however, the metal part of the actual key seems to be permanently connected to the plastic housing.

I think the solution is to buy an uncut key off of eBay (about $70-$90 when I last shopped for it). Get it cut for your LC and swap transponders or program your new one.

 

[sejinro]

I might be able to get genuine uncut remote keys for 2000 LCs (or whatever other year the keys fit) for $140 each (includes tax). This is genuine Toyota in the packaging bought from a dealer...is this a good deal?

 

[cruiserdan]

I might be able to get genuine uncut remote keys for 2000 LCs (or whatever other year the keys fit) for $140 each (includes tax). This is genuine Toyota in the packaging bought from a dealer...is this a good deal?

That is a helluva deal. The dealer is giving them away, literally.