New Guy FOB question (yes i searched already)

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I just purchased a 2003 Land Cruiser with 148k. So far I have replaced transmission and tires because it was immediately necessary, now onto the little stuff. It came with one key. Grey color with no buttons. Does not operate the glove box so I have to assume its the VALET key. I needed a second key but I was told I needed the MASTER key by this forum and the dealer. However, my local ace hardware made me a chip key for $75 and it works fine (sticky, but its new). Now I have 2 keys that work but I need a fob, as the lock cylinders are bound to wear out, hopefully not as quickly as my lazy actuators. So whats best source for FOB? Most say you need master key, but I got around that on key duplication. I've found all the info for self programming and will try, but has anyone had just the valet key and successfully programmed a FOB? This truck is amazing, I will post pics when I get them on my computer. Thanks.
 
I can't help you with the FOB but I can tell you that if it moves it needs to be lubed from time to time.
This means the door locks, all latches, hinges, cables...keeping the key holes lubed will help keep the door locks from wearing out prematurely.
 
I believe a valet key can be programmed as a master. Does the dash security light go out as soon as the key is inserted? If yes, then the key is a master even if not cut to open the glove box.
 
As I have two non-master keys with integrated remotes, I would guess they could be programmed with any transponder (master or non.) Although I wouldn't be surprised if Toyota only lets you initiate the remote programming procedure with a master key.

The keys with integrated remotes are notoriously delicate, but replacement key-shells are cheap on eBay. The guts of the key contain both the transponder for the immobilizer and the remote/buttons for door locks. Once programmed, the guts are easily swapped to new key-shells that can be cut by any locksmith.

With your situation, I would be worried about being able to clone your key onto a Toyota transponder. I believe cloning is possible with Ace and other key cutters because the blanks they use can be assigned the same RFID as your existing key. Not sure that is the case with the Toyota transponders.

Either way, if I were in your shoes, I'd go this route. It avoids both the delicate key shells and your potential transponder programming issues. Plus, I believe these remotes have a much better range.
Toyota door lock remote for LX470
 
Thanks @Clunky for the mention.

@Holeseeker I think you need this: LEXUS 3button Remote Set(312MHz) Remotes & Keys LEXUS

I can't be sure that's the correct frequency, but I'm about 80% sure that's it. For $26 it's worth a shot. I'd try to score a used one that's a legitimate Toyota version over the aftermarket imitation stuff.

If you can track down a remote from a broken factory key (or by itself like my link above) then you can pick up one of my fob shells and have a nice functioning setup. :)
 
following but not sure about what you all are suggesting. Are you saying you can take the fob part of the key apart and put the guts into a shell and the use the key part separately? Just bought a new to me cruiser and the only key?fob is cracked and super glued together. I would like to replace it so it at least looks nice.
 
following but not sure about what you all are suggesting. Are you saying you can take the fob part of the key apart and put the guts into a shell and the use the key part separately? Just bought a new to me cruiser and the only key?fob is cracked and super glued together. I would like to replace it so it at least looks nice.

Yes, you have it right. You take the guts out of the remote key and put those guts into a shell, like the one I make.

That will take care of the remote, but now you need a good key. Lots of people have the factory rubberized "transponder" keys which do not have any buttons. I recommend using those keys. If you don't have one, you can buy one from the dealer and have it cut and paired to your ignition.
 
I bought these Replacement for Toyota 03-07 Land Cruiser 08-09 FJ Cruiser Remote Key Fob Pair

Had them programed and cut at toyota, havent gone done to pick up my truck ( long story.... ) But the service advisor did mention they worked just as good as OE when he was blowing smoke up my behind.

Was strongly considering the 3D printed shells...but I hate the separate fob.

Hope it helps!!!
 
I bought these Replacement for Toyota 03-07 Land Cruiser 08-09 FJ Cruiser Remote Key Fob Pair

Had them programed and cut at toyota, havent gone done to pick up my truck ( long story.... ) But the service advisor did mention they worked just as good as OE when he was blowing smoke up my behind.

Was strongly considering the 3D printed shells...but I hate the separate fob.

Hope it helps!!!

For those who doesn't want a separate FOB can also buy a shell case like New Uncut Replacement Keyless Entry Remote Car Key Fob Shell Case For Toyota, have the key cut at Home Depot, Wal-Mart, dealer ....., then transfer the gut to the new shell.


I'm obviously biased, here, but be warned guys.... those will crack just like your original. The aftermarket is absolutely flooded with replicas of these keys - most in even weaker platsic than the original Toyota/Lexus version. The OEM ones broke regularly and the cheap aftermarket ones are even worse. One of mine cracked on the very first crank. That's when I gave up and made my fob.

The only "better" plastic I've seen is the Eternity Key, which isn't available for Toyota models. It's pricey, but it's actually better - think of the Magpul or Glock type plastic. Everything else will crack and break that I've seen. When I started my key fob project I started out with the idea of making something just like the eternity key. It's still on my list of potential projects, but the separate fob has worked well enough that it's not a priority.
 
Would it be possible to make a replacement body for the key? As opposed to a separate fob?

I am going to dismantle my oe key and compare internals to a knock off. Hopefully they will work in your shell.
 
yeah, this popped up after I ordered. I really like your solution, and it will probably be my next mod. Thanks for making a good product!
 
I was looking at this for a replacement, but one of the reviews mentioned issues with the LX. Not sure if this has been resolved.

https://www.amazon.com/STAUBER-Roun...ns&keywords=lexus+replacement+key+shell&psc=1

Whoa, good find! That's exactly what I had in mind, but I was planning on some metal insert reinforcement. That one, in particular, is not exactly... handsome, haha. It looks like regular molded ABS, but it's definitely thicker than the OEM shell. I thought it was an outline of a teddy bear face or something at first.
 
Whoa, good find! That's exactly what I had in mind, but I was planning on some metal insert reinforcement. That one, in particular, is not exactly... handsome, haha. It looks like regular molded ABS, but it's definitely thicker than the OEM shell. I thought it was an outline of a teddy bear face or something at first.
If you make one, I'll buy it.
 

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