Lost all keys for LX 470 (1 Viewer)

[flood]

So my wife magically lost ALL of the keys for our LX...le sigh.

Well life goes on and I am curious if there is any way to get new keys other than going through a stealership (they want $440.00...). I've done some research and searches and have seen people saying that certain locksmiths will be able to do it (however the stealership says otherwise).

Anyone have any experience getting keys made from the VIN other than going through the stealership and if so, any recommendations on companies that are trustworthy (and preferably in Colorado)?

 

[Romer]

Dealers can do it.

I used "the key man" for other things 303-761-2964 Mike & Shaun Mattox. They come to you

If that doesnt work, I would get out the yellow pages and look up locksmiths,

 

[SR.GRINGO]

keys

Contact Onur or Dan at American Toyota. They will give you excellent service along with wholesale pricing.

I got just the key blanks from Onur....the black plastic is nicer than what the Cruiser had originally.

 

[CappyKD]

Ummm, you have a Lexus, which means you had an inside cut key. Which also means it's %99 a dealer only item. You can buy the blanks online, but the inside cut keys are hard to get cut. LC keys are outside cut and can be cut WAY easier. HTH.

 

[odessit]

Price of $440 does not sound too bad given that you lost all keys. How many keys are you getting at this price? I read about $1000 sticker if computer module needs to be reprogrammed due to abscence of the Master key. Yet, Toyota (and Lexus, hopefully) recognize a design flaw and do first replacement for much less - if pressed to do so.
As a reference point - new key with remote buttons for GX 470 cost me close to $200 at the dealership (I did have master key and wanted a duplicate) - and included programming for $45. Regular key for 97 ES300 cost me $40 at the dealership, but I had to tell them that I will not pay more. They used non-Lexus key for the later one (works perfect - made in Italy).

 

[patrickfinley]

I thought this was much more involved than just getting a locksmith. Isn't there a chip in the key that needs to be programmed to the door opening/alarm computer module? Without the original key this whole thing needs to be reprogrammed or replaced. This costs some money.

$440 sounds very cheap, I've heard of people spending much more.

I made a dealership backup of my existing key and keep it in my safe for just such an emergency.

 

[marshotel]

A good locksmith will be able to reverse clone the RF-chip from the computer, and cut you a key to fit the lock, even if it is inside-cut. However, this will be a more involved job because you do not have a key for them to duplicate. The locksmith will charge you a few hundred bucks plus a callout fee if they have to come to the truck.

$440 for a set of keys from the dealer is not a bad deal in this situation, seeing as you do not have a working key for the locksmith to duplicate.

Most good locksmiths (i.e.- not the one at Ace Hardware) take a lot of pride in what they do, and they readily understand all of the modern security features. An '01 lexus should not be too difficult for any decent locksmith.

Anybody who wants to replace the ECU (the engine control unit computer) does not understand what they are doing.

Let us know how this plays out.

 

[jonharis]

I'm somewhat in the same predicament. I have only one valet key for my truck (2005) and no masters. I have been following these types of threads for a year or so now and see tons of conflicting info. I would really like a Toyota employee to come on here and set the record straight. I have been told all of the following, pricing dependent on what fobs I get and how many:

I need to buy a new ECU and all new master keys. $1200-1400

Toyota will comp the ecu and I just have to buy the master key/keys. My Toyota dealer tells me they have never heard of this. $300-$400

A locksmith can make a master from the ECU. I doubt this is true.

A locksmith can make a valet copy from my valet key. Perhaps.

I cut my current key in half and tape the fob to the steering column so that I can start the truck with an ace hardware key. Not gonna happen.


This has been one of the more frustrating things I've dealt with on this truck. I want to get new master keys but don't want to be bent over backwards on it. I would be willing to spend $400-$500 to get 1 master blank and 2 master key-less keys for everyday use.

 

[Romer]

I'm somewhat in the same predicament. I have only one valet key for my truck (2005) and no masters. I have been following these types of threads for a year or so now and see tons of conflicting info. I would really like a Toyota employee to come on here and set the record straight. I have been told all of the following, pricing dependent on what fobs I get and how many:

I need to buy a new ECU and all new master keys. $1200-1400

Toyota will comp the ecu and I just have to buy the master key/keys. My Toyota dealer tells me they have never heard of this. $300-$400

A locksmith can make a master from the ECU. I doubt this is true.

A locksmith can make a valet copy from my valet key. Perhaps.

I cut my current key in half and tape the fob to the steering column so that I can start the truck with an ace hardware key. Not gonna happen.


This has been one of the more frustrating things I've dealt with on this truck. I want to get new master keys but don't want to be bent over backwards on it. I would be willing to spend $400-$500 to get 1 master blank and 2 master key-less keys for everyday use.

Jon,
Not sure why you think you need to replace the ECU to replace they key

A locksmith can also make a regular key, BUT you could have them rekey your hole vehicle with new master keys for about $500-$600. Again no need as a key can be made from your VIN and then programmed to your ECU. The ECU Learns the new chip

 

[jonharis]

Jon,
Not sure why you think you need to replace the ECU to replace they key

A locksmith can also make a regular key, BUT you could have them rekey your hole vehicle with new master keys for about $500-$600. Again no need as a key can be made from your VIN and then programmed to your ECU. The ECU Learns the new chip

Those are not my words.
My list above was what I have been told by different dealers / mudders. Several, including my local dealer have stated upfront that "the ECU needs to be replaced if you don't have a master"

You stated that "a key can be made from your VIN and then programmed to your ECU. The ECU Learns the new chip." This is exactly what I want to do but my local dealer doesn't want to do it (hence my avatar). Do you have any dealer recommendations?

 

[RobRed]

Guys whenever you dont get good service from a dealer the next call is to the parent company (Toyota in this case). I have had many things resolved over the years with a call or an email/letter to the mothership.

I had a very nice conversation with Johan de Nysschen (president of Audi America) on an issue a few years back. It was resolved at the dealer in one day, the next day.

The Lexus key is laser cut but if no example key is present a locksmith wont help. Dealer Item. I would pay the $440 and move on.

 

[Romer]

Those are not my words.
My list above was what I have been told by different dealers / mudders. Several, including my local dealer have stated upfront that "the ECU needs to be replaced if you don't have a master"

You stated that "a key can be made from your VIN and then programmed to your ECU. The ECU Learns the new chip." This is exactly what I want to do but my local dealer doesn't want to do it (hence my avatar). Do you have any dealer recommendations?

Jon,
I am no expert on this. I would call CDAN. If anyone can make a Master from a VIN, he would know and be able to make it for you. He will also tell you if what i said was incorrect. I know it works on other vehicles, but I did read since I posted that some dealers said you need a master. One thread here showed how someone flashed an ECU to get a new master

Ken

 

[Romer]

Jon - this might be helpful, looks like 03 and up has to be by the dealer

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/284743-anyone-03-able-program-key.html

The thread doesnt talk about needing a Master key though

Whats clear is that there is a change in the middle of the build cycles and what you read in one thread may not work for your vehicle

 

[marshotel]

A locksmith can make a master from the ECU. I doubt this is true.

Find a better locksmith. Try this one:
Able Locksmiths and Security Center
These guys are very very very good at what they do. They are located in Anchorage, but they might know of a locksmith in your area that can help.

A locksmith can make a valet copy from my valet key. Perhaps.

Ace hardware can make a valet copy from your valet key. You do not need a locksmith for this (but the locksmith might do a better job than ace). RF-chip keys are old technology and are very easy to clone. Get as many as you want for ~$50 each. This is what I would do.

I have been following these types of threads for a year or so now and see tons of conflicting info.

There is tons of conflicting information out there. When it comes to security systems, every problem has more than one solution. Just do what works for you and don't get too frustrated.

My experience is that there are some very smart people who earn their livelihoods by defeating car security systems and making keys. The honest ones are called locksmiths.

The dealership will always be there to sell you an expensive solution to your problem, but in fact, there are people who understand car keys and security systems much better than anyone at the Toyota dealership. This is 1990s security technology and it is not really very difficult to make it do what you want.

Hope this helps.

 

[jonharis]

Thanks guys for the info. There is hope to an old problem. Hopefully I can get it resolved and post an answer specific to a 2005. /hijack.

 

[cruiserdan]

Jon,
I am no expert on this. I would call CDAN. If anyone can make a Master from a VIN, he would know and be able to make it for you. He will also tell you if what i said was incorrect. I know it works on other vehicles, but I did read since I posted that some dealers said you need a master. One thread here showed how someone flashed an ECU to get a new master

Ken

Lexus keys have to come from Lexus dealers.

 

[Wilsil]

Poor wife, look what she has brought on her self: a whole topic about keys.

 

[badmoon rising]

There is a sweet trail-built 2006 Hundy in my office parking lot that I've been eyeing for quite some time. I called locksmith today to schedule appointment - I used your same story .... My wife lost the keys, but in order to "fix" it for me, please come between 9 and 5, speak to no one, and leave your van running!!!!
:

 

[jonharis]

Lexus keys have to come from Lexus dealers.

Sounds like an even worse key to lose.

So Dan, Does my 2005 sound salvageable? I'll be calling you soon.

 

[cruiserdan]

Here is how it works for 100 Series Land Cruisers. I can not speak for The LX470.

1998 through 2000 Land Cruisers require engine ECU replacement if there is no registered master key available. 2001 through 2007 Land Cruisers can be re-seeded by a dealer in order for them to accept new keys if there is no registered master key available.