Key/Techstream question for '04 GX470

[SnoopisTDI]

I bought my GX a few weeks ago, and it only came with a valet key. The dealership said because I do not have a master key, it would be about $400 for them to flash my ECU to a new master key.

But after little searching, I came across Techstream. Is it correct that I can just buy the Techstream and a master key from Amazon and program it, starting with just my valet key in the ignition? And it will work not just as a remote, but also will start the car without immobilizer issues?

I'm assuming they send the software with the Techstream or you download it after purchase.

This is what I'm looking at:
https://smile.amazon.com/Newest-V8-...d=1472477686&sr=8-1&keywords=techstream+lexus

 

[GXO]

If your truck was built for the US market the dealer can download the key code from Lexus and make you a key. You just have to prove ownership. All the other stuff is garbage. They don't have to flash anything or reset to a new key. They can just work with what you have.

 

[NMBruce]

do new keys have to be coded to your vehicle

 

[Gx4sevend]

I bought a factory blank from Belle Lexus in Arizona for like $100 and had a key shop cut it. Toyota programmed it for free.

 

[GXO]

the transponder has to be coded with the specific key code for your GX. the code is a manufacturer code that is stored by VIN in the Lexus database. If you cut a new transponder key and take it in they look up your VIN, prove ownership, and encode the key with your transponder code. Job done. Anything else is just BS to make you spend more money.

 

[Springs505]

I might give this idea a go. Even if it does not work for key programming, I believe techstream will give easy access to other features, such as automatic door lock/unlock, Auto headlight adjustment, etc.

the transponder has to be coded with the specific key code for your GX. the code is a manufacturer code that is stored by VIN in the Lexus database. If you cut a new transponder key and take it in they look up your VIN, prove ownership, and encode the key with your transponder code. Job done. Anything else is just BS to make you spend more money.

I am 99% sure this statement is backwards in that the vehicle is programmed to accept a particular transponder key.

This method would be much more trouble than just going to the Lexus dealer, but you can save a good bit of cash, especially using generic keys, which are available for around 30 bucks.

@SnoopisTDI , let me know how this goes if you give it a try.

 

[GXO]

I know I couldn't get a key made when Lexus broke my key when I had it replaced. I had to call Lexus corporate to get the vehicle info transferred to the US database as my truck was sold in Guam. Once that was done they made me a key and I picked it up. They never touched my truck.

 

[NMBruce]

this past week, I got a "switchblade" key and a spare made for mine, for around $150

 

[Springs505]

I know I couldn't get a key made when Lexus broke my key when I had it replaced. I had to call Lexus corporate to get the vehicle info transferred to the US database as my truck was sold in Guam. Once that was done they made me a key and I picked it up. They never touched my truck.

Interesting... I knew that they could cut the key based on VIN data, but I did not know that they could have the transponder portion programmed to the vehicle ahead of time. Maybe both ways are possible? Maybe not?

I watched some videos of the techstream in action and replacement keys programmed for other Lexus models, and it appears to work IF you have a working master key, which is used during the programming process. The 100-series section has some threads about the device/method working, as well:

100 series Techstream

$40 for a pair of generic keys, $20 for the chinese techstream hardware, and a few bucks to cut the keys: I can live with these prices if it doesn't work out. I'm going to read up on this a little more and if this option still looks possible, I will order and post-up with my findings.

 

[kbahus]

My local dealer told me that without a master key they have to physically send the immobilizer control module to Lexus USA where they reprogram it and provide new keys at a rediculous price. Of course my 04 came with only the valet key. If anyone figures out a way around this that would be neat.

They also want $139 for a new key for my 03 (I have the master) and $60 to program it. @coops2k Did you have to pay the service dept for programming?

 

[kbahus]

Went back to my local dealer and talked to another guy, the line I got before was a load of bs apparently. Today the story was that the control module needs to be reflashed which they do in house. The price was $140 for the key itself and $160 for the reflash with programming.

 

[wingysataday]

Is this because ya'll don't have an original key? My GX came with 2 keys but the fob part was busted to hell so I bought 2 blanks that included a plastic fob housing and blank metal key fused into it. I heated the blank key until it melted the plastic housing and simply popped out the blank and popped in my cut key to the new plastic then melted it into the new plastic housing. I then dropped in my transponder piece into the new plastic fob part with the newly melted in original key, viola, 2 working key fobs! Cost $8 for 2 blank key fobs on ebay.

 

[NMBruce]

My local dealer told me that without a master key they have to physically send the immobilizer control module to Lexus USA where they reprogram it and provide new keys at a rediculous price. Of course my 04 came with only the valet key. If anyone figures out a way around this that would be neat.

They also want $139 for a new key for my 03 (I have the master) and $60 to program it. @coops2k Did you have to pay the service dept for programming?

I went to ACME lock & safe in the PHX area and they did the work

 

[Springs505]

After owning my 06 GX with only 1 key for months, I finally got around to having the spare key made. I did order a cut key from 1010keys on Ebay. If you go this route, read their descriptions carefully. I didn't have my key code, so I had to pony up a bit extra for the photograph/key code identification service...no big deal, but there was a little confusion. The key did show up quickly and seems to be decent quality.

I ordered the Mini VCI/techstream cable off of Amazon:
Mini VCI

I installed the software on my old Windows Xp netbook, following instructions I found on tundratalk.net:
Link

I did get a virus warning and 1 file quarantined during installation. However, a post-install scan did not find anything wrong. I recommend you use a "junk" computer since the software is of unknown origin The Techstream software worked great, I was able to add the new key to the immobilizer easily. I also disabled the steering wheel movement that happens when you take the key in/out of the ignition.

After following these instructions to program the remote entry portion of the new key, I was good to go. The whole process took about 1.5 hours (mostly getting software installed) and cost less than $70. The new key works great and I will probably order one more non-remote key from 1010keys, to use as a hide-a-key during wheeling, camping, etc.

 

[GauXo470]

I bought my GX a few weeks ago, and it only came with a valet key. The dealership said because I do not have a master key, it would be about $400 for them to flash my ECU to a new master key.

But after little searching, I came across Techstream. Is it correct that I can just buy the Techstream and a master key from Amazon and program it, starting with just my valet key in the ignition? And it will work not just as a remote, but also will start the car without immobilizer issues?

I'm assuming they send the software with the Techstream or you download it after purchase.

This is what I'm looking at:
Amazon product ASIN B00W97K7O6

If you had the mastkey need to program the key this link may help you

After owning my 06 GX with only 1 key for months, I finally got around to having the spare key made. I did order a cut key from 1010keys on Ebay. If you go this route, read their descriptions carefully. I didn't have my key code, so I had to pony up a bit extra for the photograph/key code identification service...no big deal, but there was a little confusion. The key did show up quickly and seems to be decent quality.

I ordered the Mini VCI/techstream cable off of Amazon:
Mini VCI
I installed the software on my old Windows Xp netbook, following instructions I found on tundratalk.net:
Link
I did get a virus warning and 1 file quarantined during installation. However, a post-install scan did not find anything wrong. I recommend you use a "junk" computer since the software is of unknown origin The Techstream software worked great, I was able to add the new key to the immobilizer easily. I also disabled the steering wheel movement that happens when you take the key in/out of the ignition.

After following these instructions to program the remote entry portion of the new key, I was good to go. The whole process took about 1.5 hours (mostly getting software installed) and cost less than $70. The new key works great and I will probably order one more non-remote key from 1010keys, to use as a hide-a-key during wheeling, camping, etc.

Just use this technique without any software or cables, all you nned is the Master key and the car.
This guy shows you how to program the IMMOBILIZER CHIP and remote for the GX470 and some 4RUNNER, etc... models.



2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 LEXUS GX470 AND SOME TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2003 + KEY IMMOBILIZER PROGRAMMING

2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 LEXUS GX470, RX350, 4RUNNER 2003 + KEY IMMOBILIZER PROGRAMMING

How to program the Key so you can start your vehicle when you purchase a spare key. This will save you great deal of money when purchasing a new key, no need...

youtu.be

 

[greenscobie86]

I did the same thing as @Springs505

1010keys on eBay to buy a photo cut key, A cable to connect the free VirtualBox version of techstream floating around the web.
Had the software/keys/remotes all done in probably a couple of hours. Spend Maybe $70 total.

 

[sandcruiser]

I just bought 2 non-button keys from 1010keys. I sent them the key code and some photos, the keys appear to be exact duplicates and it took about five minutes to get the car to recognize them.

I opted for no-buttons because I want a spare key that I can take into water (surfing, spearfishing, and getting into lakes). It's easy to do the chip.