LX470 Key Confusion

[NC-Grayson]

Greetings, I've read through most all 16 pages of this thread, Programming a Transponder Key for 99 TLC, without any help to my specific questions.

I just got my new to me '98 LX a few months back. It came with a black remote key that has been identified as a master, a grey valet key, and a skinny black wallet key.

My goal was to get and program a second remote master key as a backup for a rainy day. I found some donor key guts on ebay, and found my shell on ebay as well, here :

New Remote Key Keyless Replacement Case 3 Button Long Blade Shell For Lexus

I specified the key code listed on the wallet key, per the ebay listing, and the key shell promptly arrived cut from ebay within a few days.

It doesn't work. It doesn't fit in the door, at least as much as I felt comfortable trying it out. It fits in the ignition but wont turn at all. To my surprise, the grooves don't look anything like my current master remote key, or the valet key grooves. The ebay key's grooves are identical to the wallet key that I gave them the code from, just longer, which is expected.

I can only really think of two options here: So my question is, did I screw up and order a key cut to a code for a completely different Lexus? if so, that's on me. Completely plausable I suppose... I never once confirmed the wallet key did it's job before buying the truck or ordering the new key off ebay. I bought the truck from a private dealership, so in theory they could have given me the wrong wallet key or the p/o turned in the wrong wallet key to them. OR, the wallet key is supposed to have a different cut from the other keys, and I received the right thing, and I am just doing something wrong.

Are the cuts on the regular keys and the wallet key supposed to be the same? I tested my wallet key and couldn't get the ignition to turn from the lock position at all, so I'm leaning towards the idea that I got the wrong wallet key, and subsequently ordered the wrong replacement key based on that.

I'd post pictures, but I'm hesitant. If I post pictures of the key groves I'm working with, can thieves order a copy and steal my ride? Heard some story about some apps that can replace keys with only pictures.

 

[sdnative]

That seems pretty pricey for a key blank and shell. I bet you can get that at the dealer for around the same price. They will cut it exactly correct based on your VIN. Or buy a genuine Lexus (same as Toyota I believe) blank on ebay and see if the dealer will cut it for you for a couple bucks. Most likely (I hope) you will need to show ID and prove the vehicle belongs to you.

 

[NC-Grayson]

Can anyone tell me if their wallet key looks like their regular master or valet?

 

[PADDO]

I think you'll find the wallet key cut is supposed to be the same as the 3 button fob key and valet. It's plausible you got a wallet key for another vehicle, when you hold the plastic case near the steering key lock does the immobilizer light turn off? If yes then it's chipped to your vehicle.

 

[jLB]

My "wallet" key is cut like my master and fits the same locks (door/ignition/glovebox) as my master key.

The "valet" key cut looks the same to me, but it doesn't fit the key way of the glovebox (like it is too wide or tall to fit in the slot).

 

[PADDO]

Yes, that's how it's supposed to work. Easy check for OP, insert wallet key blade ( supplied at purchase) into the ignition and wave the plastic case (with embedded chip) near the ignition lock. If you can start the vehicle you have a winner, else SOOL.