Key Code

[buck208]

So I recently purchased a GX and am needing some keys bc it only came with the valet key. I was going to order a key off Ebay and have it programmed but Lexus doesn't release key codes anymore. The local Lexus dealership wants $500 to program 2 keys or $300 if I provide my own keys, 2 keys off Ebay are about $110. So am I stuck with the valet if I don't want come up $400-$500? I searched for Key codes on the forum but didn't see an exact answer. Any thoughts, thanks in advance.

 

[theferg]

EDIT: Sounds like guys have been able to get a locksmith to program a master with just the valet key somehow....check a few posts later in this thread..

Yep, you're screwed if you only have the valet key. You have to have a master key (or the wallet key, which *is* a master key) in order to program them yourself or have a locksmith program them. Which, btw, I had better luck programming mine myself than a locksmith did.... but I did have a master key to start with.

 

[Mountain]

I had a master as well and broke the plastic. I took it to a local locksmith and he sold me a new housing/key and made me two spares for about a hundred bucks. No sure how the valet key is different Other than it not being a fob.

 

[GXO]

Not electronic (no fob, etc) and wont open the glovebox if you lock it.

Losing the master sucks. The spendy route is to get the VIN and proof of ownership and have a new master made by Lexus for that high price.

Ask me what it takes to get a master made if your GX was purchased in Guam

 

[THeGeNTLeMaN]

@DanKunz what does it takes to get a master made if your GX was purchased in Guam ??

 

[GXO]

You have to call in favors to have your VIN and code added to the US market because otherwise, there is NO WAY to make a key

 

[theferg]

I imagine only the Land Cruiser Shaman would be able to do something like that...

 

[GXO]

Or someone high up at Lexus who I happen to know.

 

[wingysataday]

Why are you getting high in your Lexus Dan?

 

[GXO]

haha! I had to call corporate and get the VIN moved from Guam to the US database. Not an easy thing to do apparently, but got it done!

 

[dnp]

Bought my 04 GX with only a valet key. Ordered a complete master key (with transmitter) off eBay. I, too, thought I was going to have to get everything done at the dealership, but I took it to a local locksmith, and 10 minutes and $50 later, he had it programmed, and I was good to go.

 

[buck208]

Bought my 04 GX with only a valet key. Ordered a complete master key (with transmitter) off eBay. I, too, thought I was going to have to get everything done at the dealership, but I took it to a local locksmith, and 10 minutes and $50 later, he had it programmed, and I was good to go.

Wow, great price. I was going to purchase a blank key and have a locksmith do his work but I was under the assumption that I needed the key code (which multiple Lexus dealerships said no). So I reluctantly took it to the dealership and had 2 keys made. I bought it at an auction and found the PO paperwork in the glove compartment so I called him in texas to ask about the master keys. PO stated he sold it with the valet and 2 masters so whered the the other 2 keys go? On a side note, I'm not used to getting a loaner car when I drop my car for service and we are now exclusive members of the high mileage club at our local Lexus dealership- that gives us a whopping 10% off our bill. Don't plan on using them too much, too expensive.....

 

[dnp]

Wow, great price. I was going to purchase a blank key and have a locksmith do his work but I was under the assumption that I needed the key code (which multiple Lexus dealerships said no). So I reluctantly took it to the dealership and had 2 keys made. I bought it at an auction and found the PO paperwork in the glove compartment so I called him in texas to ask about the master keys. PO stated he sold it with the valet and 2 masters so whered the the other 2 keys go? On a side note, I'm not used to getting a loaner car when I drop my car for service and we are now exclusive members of the high mileage club at our local Lexus dealership- that gives us a whopping 10% off our bill. Don't plan on using them too much, too expensive.....

Hmmmmm. I've actually had to do this on at least 3 Toyota products (2 Lexus [Lexi?] and one Land Cruiser), and I've never had to have any key codes. I've always just gotten a transmitter key and had it cut / programmed. Of course, I've had to prove it was MY car.......

 

[buck208]

Hmmmmm. I've actually had to do this on at least 3 Toyota products (2 Lexus [Lexi?] and one Land Cruiser), and I've never had to have any key codes. I've always just gotten a transmitter key and had it cut / programmed. Of course, I've had to prove it was MY car.......

Yea, but I think the issue was that I only had the valet key. If I had one master key/fob then itd be an easy fix but Im not certain. Anyway, its a done deal now, have 2 keys/fobs, one is going n the safe-got treat it like gold.

 

[dnp]

Yeah, that's what I was saying: I, too, only had the valet key (in a post above). I just want to let others know that it's possible to get all of this accomplished with only the valet key (and there's a good possibility you wouldn't have to have a key at all - although I suppose it'd be pretty difficult to take it to the locksmith without one.....)

 

[theferg]

Wow. Really? I was under the impression a locksmith could do nothing without a master... (The locksmith I tried didn't even have luck programing me a spare from a master....)

 

[FrankTorres]

A valet key has the same transponder as the "master". It is cut using a different blank that wont allow access to the glove box or trunk if applicable.