New to me 2006 LX470 - Key/Transponder Questions (1 Viewer)

[Usborna]

Just picked up a 2006 LX470. Enjoying it so far. This seems like a great forum and looking forward to learning from you all...

Question on the best steps...

All I got was a gray valet key and a remote (key broke off) -- see pic. I would like to add additional remotes/keys. I think the issue is I have no master key. What is the best way to go about this without losing an arm and a leg? Should I get a shell/blank key and get the key cut and swap over the chip/buttons? I assume the broken remove still has the transponder so I can program? I can get the key cut using the valet key but I won't have access to the glove box. Is this the only difference between the black vs gray valet key? Any idea how to get a true "master" key? Any help is appreciated.

 

[RND1]

Those with LX's will have to chime in. You can get a new shell / key blank from ebay, but will likely have to go to Lexus to have the key laser cut. You can drop the transponder into the new shell with a fresh battery and it should work without the need to do any programming.

I'm not aware of how to get an additional remote master key without going through the dealer and spending $$$.

 

[Bloomer]

My 2006 Land Cruiser came with the same set of (broken) keys. I tried with 0 luck to purchase the shells from eBay and have them cut at both a local lock smith and local Toyota dealership. I went through 4 shells before giving in and just purchasing an entire new master key from Toyota. Not sure why I had so much trouble getting the shells cut; I've seen others here do the same with no issue.

It's been a few years but recall the price for the new master key and programming to be in the $250 - $300 range.

The shells are cheap enough that, in my opinion, it's worth purchasing one and trying to have it cut to match. May want to check and ensure the valet key works with all locking mechanisms (incl. rear hatch). If not, you may have to go the dealer route and have them cut the new master from the VIN code.

Good luck.

 

[crimsonaudio]

If the only key you have is the valet, then I'm pretty sure you're going to have to go to the dealer and have a new master key cut (iirc, the Lexus uses a laser cutter but I know Lexus guys who have had them cut with a standard grinder that worked). Once you have the master you can have a second one cut more cheaply, but without that one master key, my understanding is that you're dead in the water...

 

[uHu]

I have the EU LC100, which has the same type of keys as the US LX470. My 100s came with 4 keys, 1 valet, 1 master w/o remote, and 2 masters w remote buttons. So, if you don't need another master remote, you could save some on getting just one master w/o remote from the dealer. Haven't checked the cost difference tho'. After that, you can get new keys without the remote/transponder insert for 3 $ a piece from DX, and have them cut at a pro locksmith. (I found a good one through workplace that offers xtra (complimentary) service)

Another thought is that maybe the difference between valet and master is the same on all vehicles, with just one less set of pins/beads for the glove box??? I'll check and compare the two complete sets I have...

 

[PADDO]

Lexus dealers cut new keys off your VIN and the "laser" cutter is just a mini milling machine. I've purchased the eBay LX key blanks but couldn't find anyone to cut them for a reasonable price, the "we come to you" auto locksmiths wanted $$$ and my local dealer refused to cut non OEM key blanks. In the interim I'd suggest purchasing a dealer blank and swapping in the guts from the broken fob. I think I paid $45 for an OEM VIN cut blank when I last replaced a busted key. Haven't had to cross the bridge of getting additional keys as mine came with the 2 remote fobs and valet.

 

[costalcat]

I just went through this with my 2003 LC so I can step you through the experience and take what you can. This should be fine for an LX as well the same guy added a master key to my brothers 2004 GX470, not the same as an LX but I know ...

Main issue is the master key. I thought I had one because the security light would go out immediately when inserted into the ignition. The key I had was not a three button so I ordered one online cut to the VIN and attempted to follow the procedures you can search out on here to program that key as an additional master. I could never get it to work so I called a locksmith because the dealer wanted some crazy price. My key acted like a Master but it was a clone thus from a programming stand point it was like having no Master.

The locksmith used his programmer to delete the clone from the ecu and any other keys (I think he said it can hold up to 5 masters) Then made the clone key a valet (Could not be a true master but it was cut so I wanted to use it) He then switched the chip in the 3 button key I purchased online programed that as a master and and programmed the buttons..

All that cost be $120 and he came to my office...
3 button cut online by vin was $65 on a sale but the key guy said he does them for @ 50$ if he is doing a service like this.
So you should be able to get this done if you cant use the broken master for around $200 as @Bloomer mentions

What I would do is this, do a search for someone with good online reviews in your area. He can probably cut a new key with a 3 button and take the chip out of the current fob. Mine was an aftermarket key so I'm not sure if that makes a difference in swapping chips..

That would save you any programming and you would be as you are now with one mast and one valet... If he can swap the chip on your fob to a new key that will be the cheapest.. Then you can get an additional key , cut, online and program yourself when you see a sale or something..

Hope there is something there that helps...

 

[hoser]

Folks seem to like these:

http://www.eternitykey.com/keys

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

You can purchase keys cut from ebay

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/key-programming.841910/#post-9694735

 

[Usborna]

Thanks everyone for their replies.

I was stressing out today because I did not have a master key so getting a blank cut would have been impossible unless going to the dealer. The best I could have done was get the blank cut based on my valet key.

But Good News. In my glove box today I found the credit card sized key. It is basically a credit card sized plastic key holder with the master key clipped to it. It is just a bare metal key and also tells you the key code. I think I can use the key or key code to make master duplicates now. YES!!!

I might use the link above to order the key and shell which includes the laser cut. Once I get that I can swap over the guts. I will now have a master w/ remote and a valet key.

So what if I wanted another master key with remote? Where is the best place to buy the full remote/transponder with key? Is it possible to program the remote?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[costalcat]

Check out the link from @LandCruiserPhil. If you have a working Master you can manually program a new master into the ECU and then you can also program the buttons. FYI you don't need a master to get the key cut just you VIN... also here is another source it may be in the link but if not

http://tlcfaq.com/main/2013/07/remote-key-programming/

 

[gholsie]

Don't mess with EBay on this one. It's not worth the aggravation. Just go to your Lexus dealer and get a new key. It's guaranteed to work.

There are other more fun things to do on your LX than messing with this crucial component.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Don't mess with EBay on this one. It's not worth the aggravation. Just go to your Lexus dealer and get a new key. It's guaranteed to work.

There are other more fun things to do on your LX than messing with this crucial component.

Have you had a bad experience with the eBay link?
Do you work for Lexus?

Others have noted using the ebay source with a positive experience.

 

[Usborna]

I just bought 2 shell/key(cut) on eBay using the link above. It shipped pretty quick. I will let you know if the keys are cut accurately.

I am still looking for the actual chip/remote/buttons so I can program. Most of the ones on eBay are use and have been programmed already. I assume to program it needs to be a new clean one.