LX470 Key drama. Need help

[68W65D]

Howdy!

I bought a 2004 LX470 a while back. Love it. Problem is that it only had one key.
So I went to the local Lexus dealership for Portland, OR and paid $240 for them to order me a new key.

Well... the new key has a totally different key pattern than the existing key I have and does not turn any of the locks.

I emailed the Lexus dealership back and they are telling me that the key they gave me matches the VIN of the vehicle and that the only reason the new key does not work is that I or the previous owner must have re-keyed the vehicle. I certainly didn't re-key the car.

I am the second owner of the vehicle and the previous owner got all servicing done through their local Lexus dealership and there is no record of a key change.

So here is my problem... I now just paid $240 for a key that is wrong.

1) Is there anyway to verify that the key they sent me is the correct key for my VIN to rule out the possibility that somebody somewhere didn't screw up. Is there a database or something that will tell me the code if I enter my VIN?

There is a handwritten set of numbers on the bag the key came in. Any help on verifying this?

2) Is there an easy way to check and see if the vehicle had been re-keyed?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[suprarx7nut]

I dont know about the 100, but in my early 90's Supra's the key code is a 4 digit code that determines the key shape. This code is what the key machine at Toyota needs to cut a key. This code is engraved into the driver's lock mechanism inside the door.

That may have no bearing on Lexus vehicles, or the 100, but there's a little bit of info that may help you.

 

[flintknapper]

Does your original Key open all doors and lock the glove compartment as well as start the vehicle?

Does your new key ONLY start the vehicle and not unlock ANY other lock (doors or glove compartment).

IF the new key does not lock/unlock both doors and glove compartment then compare the 'cut' to that of the original key. IF they are the same...then your vehicle has not been re-keyed and likely is just 'rough' (needs to be re-cut) or burnished.

We will assume they didn't get you a 'Valet' key.

IF your original key was a "master key" you could have ordered a cut key off of ebay for $50.00 and programmed it yourself (for future reference).

 

[68W65D]

Does your original Key open all doors and lock the glove compartment as well as start the vehicle?

Yes. I have a working master key.

Does your new key ONLY start the vehicle and not unlock ANY other lock (doors or glove compartment).

The new key does not start anything nor does it turn in any lock.

IF the new key does not lock/unlock both doors and glove compartment then compare the 'cut' to that of the original key. IF they are the same...then your vehicle has not been re-keyed and likely is just 'rough' (needs to be re-cut) or burnished.

We will assume they didn't get you a 'Valet' key.

The 'cut' is completely different.

IF your original key was a "master key" you could have ordered a cut key off of ebay for $50.00 and programmed it yourself (for future reference).

Live and learn.

 

[Sandroad]

I think you'll have to go to the Lexus dealer and have them sort it out. I'm sure there is no publicly available database of key codes based on the VIN. If there were, there could be lots more stolen vehicles. If I were going to check whether a vehicle had been re-keyed, I would go the dealer and ask. Something like that should be in the Lexus service records, so I suspect your LX has not been re-keyed. I wonder if they just got the VIN wrong? In the bag my new master key came in (LC), there is a 4 digit typed number on the label that may be the code because the key was cut from the VIN, similar to what @suprarx7nut mentioned with the Supra.

 

[flintknapper]

Yes. I have a working master key.



The new key does not start anything nor does it turn in any lock.



The 'cut' is completely different.




Live and learn.

Understand now.

So...either the entire vehicle HAS been rekeyed (not likely)....OR they messed up and don't want to take responsibility.

Any good locksmith with up to date equipment can 'read' your key code by mapping the cut. It is laser mapped when put in their machine (for LX470's), it identifies the key code. They can give you the key code. You can then ask the dealership (without revealing the code) what code they used to cut the key. IF it doesn't match what the locksmith said...then its on the dealership to replace it or refund your money.

If you don't need another 3 button key necessarily, then do this: "PRE-CUT" 4D TRANSPONDER CHIP KEY w/ EASY DIY PROGRAM for Listed models TP-2 4D | eBay

 

[bmw635]

Since you have master key, buy a remote fob blank key on Amazon for $29, have Ace cut the sidewinder/laser cut for $10 then use master key to program your new key for security then do the lock dance to synchronize the door lock remote.

Did that recently with my wife's spare RX300 and my newly acquired 100 Cruiser.