Just got off the phone with a local dealership after inquiring about getting new keys cut from a VIN number. They were insistent on stating that any new blanks must be programmed (for a whopping $228), is this true? I believe that there isn't anything inherently special from cutting new keys from a VIN.
LX450 Key Copies
- Thread starter CutumFZJ80
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Lol these trucks are pre immobilizer no programming necessary unless you are doing the keyless entry, which you can do yourself. Ahh dealership receptionist. Don't miss it at all
I got a new key from lexus a couple years ago. No programming. As best I recall: I drove up, walked in, and picked it up from counter. Walked myself outside and started using it. I ordered over phone and they had it in after a few days.
Here is my key... nothing to program here..
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Yup, I called up another dealership in my area and right off the bat confirmed I don't need to program a key - I know where I'm going to be doing my shopping from now on!
I have been down this road, a few years ago.
To put it simply - the dealerships have no interest in you whatsoever - or your old vehicle.
Forget about them - they are not the answer for you.
As you found out - their first response is NO we cannot help you, then, if you don't just go away, and keep on badgering them, they may refer you to a secret, unnamed locksmith, only accessible through them - at an exorbitant price. They flatly denied the VIN key lookup thing, and - at the same time - claimed they were the ONLY possible source. They lied to me.
However - there was an answer to getting Lexus internal keyways keys made.
It took a determined search to find, but there was a local locksmith shop in my area (Mesa AZ) that had the blanks, and the special key cutting machine it takes to duplicate them.
Make a list of every single locksmith in town, start calling - if they say no - ask for a name that they know of who does it - keep at it.
Been a long time now - but $70 per key comes to mind - then.
To put it simply - the dealerships have no interest in you whatsoever - or your old vehicle.
Forget about them - they are not the answer for you.
As you found out - their first response is NO we cannot help you, then, if you don't just go away, and keep on badgering them, they may refer you to a secret, unnamed locksmith, only accessible through them - at an exorbitant price. They flatly denied the VIN key lookup thing, and - at the same time - claimed they were the ONLY possible source. They lied to me.
However - there was an answer to getting Lexus internal keyways keys made.
It took a determined search to find, but there was a local locksmith shop in my area (Mesa AZ) that had the blanks, and the special key cutting machine it takes to duplicate them.
Make a list of every single locksmith in town, start calling - if they say no - ask for a name that they know of who does it - keep at it.
Been a long time now - but $70 per key comes to mind - then.
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Good info. Thanks.
Bummer about your experience. Last April when I got my LX450 I went to the local dealer (not knowing any better), parts guy hooked me up lickety split. Not cheap, but not outrageous.
When I bought my LX the used car lot agreed to hook me up with a second key from the Lexus dealer - at cost - as part of the deal. I think it was around $30? This is the same dealer that went on to give me a new wheel lock key for free after a tire shop broke the old one.
Are some dealerships run by greedy garbage people? Absolutley. But the one I go to has a great parts counter. YMMV
Are some dealerships run by greedy garbage people? Absolutley. But the one I go to has a great parts counter. YMMV
OK - perhaps I should soften what I said - it may vary widely among dealers - worth a try - you might get satisfaction, or you might be disappointed as I was.
I was able to order new keys and get them cut locally. Cost for $75 to have the two keys cut from my factory key. The locksmith could not cut by code.
Link to what I did:
forum.ih8mud.com
Link to what I did:
crowd sourced key card for lx450 and land cruiser
Get a key cut without the keyless module, put it on a keyring, attach it to a carabiner, and hide it.
forum.ih8mud.com
I just got two keys -- with cutting included-- for sixty dollars from Superstition Springs Lexus in Mesa. The 97 LX450 key does not have chip that needs to be programmed. I think that started with the LX470/100 Series. I did have the key code.
It has been some years and I cannot recall, but I do recall all they needed was a VIN from me.
I had the black plastic card that comes with a embedded spare key. And the card had the key code etched on it. And the Lexus dealership confirmed it with the VIN number.
Jared