second key for 98 LX470

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RobE30

RobE30

Joined
Apr 28, 2018
Threads
33
Messages
388
Location
Coopersburg Pa
My girlfriend bought a 98 LX470 last night and the PO only had one key for it. I called the dealer and they said $294 for a key and $130 to program it. WTF? This is worse than BMW haha. What are my options? The key we have is a gray plastic fob with a gold Lexus logo on it, no buttons etc. Dealer is telling me there is an anti theft chip in it? I'm familiar with the 80 series but this is out of my realm.
 
The key in question and the fleet

IMG_20191024_174409.webp


IMG_20191023_215702_688.webp
 
Here's the skinny.

Two key styles and two key "clearance levels" Both styles can be either clearance level.

Styles:
-Transponder
-Remote Transponder

Clearance Level:
-Master
-Valet

You have a transponder key (no remote).

To tell if it's a master or valet, insert it in the ignition withOUT turning it and watch the security light. If the light stays on, it's a valet key. If it turns off, it's a master.

If you have a master key, then programming is annoying, but cheap/free. If you only have a valet.... you're kinda screwed. Workarounds exist if you're clever with Techstream or if you hack the ECU and de-solder a chip. There's no other way to program a new master and that's intentional by Toyota/Lexus on the behalf of security.

Hopefully that helps and hopefully that key is a master!
 
I presume it's a master, it's what the PO used for years. I'll check the security light when i leave work in a few. Didn't notice any lights on....
 
RobE30 said:
I presume it's a master, it's what the PO used for years. I'll check the security light when i leave work in a few. Didn't notice any lights on....
Click to expand...

Unless you're looking for it I'm not sure you'd ever notice a difference. The key could be cut as a master and programmed as a valet so watching that light is about the only way to know for sure.

Let us know how it goes!
 
Ok, started the truck, no security light that I can see. Am I missing something?

IMG_20191024_180719.webp
 
forum.ih8mud.com

Programming LX470 Key Fob

I recently purchased a 2002 LX 470. It only had one master and one valet key, so I figured it would be a good idea to get some spares. Local locksmiths quoted $160 to cut/program a key. I didn't like that price. Then I saw a post by @katit for photo-cut keys on ebay. It was $35 and they fit...
forum.ih8mud.com forum.ih8mud.com
 
RobE30 said:
Ok, started the truck, no security light that I can see. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
YES. Do NOT start the truck or turn the key, just put the key in ignition and watch what the security light does...Re-read post above by @suprarx7nut.
 
RobE30 said:
Ok, started the truck, no security light that I can see. Am I missing something?

View attachment 2115609
Click to expand...

The security light in referring to flashes red in the center control stack, not in the gauge cluster. In the Land cruiser it's right by the outdoor temp reading if I'm remembering it right. It should flash red at all times you don't have a key in.
 
Also, look at the clock display in center console for a red flashing SUV icon. Insert key in ignition. If it goes off immediately, madter key. If it continues to flash, valet.
 
Long day.... I put the key in, didn't see the light, then started it. I will do it tomorrow morning after coffee. Thanks for the input so far everyone
 
This is exactly the situation I dealt with when I purchased my 1999 Land Cruiser.

Do exactly as @suprarx7nut says to determine if you have a valet or master. Don't turn the key. Just stick it in and watch for the light.

In my case, I only had a valet. My local independent Toyota shop brought in a special locksmith to program 2 new master remotes and one key-only master. It was not cheap ($400?) but I can now program keys to my heart's content since I have masters.

It sounds like there are some members on the forum who can help you out if you do only have a valet key.
 
Security light went off after a few seconds. PO texted me and said he has a valet key for it. What's the difference between the master and valet?
 
RobE30 said:
Security light went off after a few seconds. PO texted me and said he has a valet key for it. What's the difference between the master and valet?
Click to expand...

You have a valet. You cannot program new keys to the ecu. If it is physically a valet key you cannot insert it into the glove box
 
Mauser said:
You have a valet. You cannot program new keys to the ecu. If it is physically a valet key you cannot insert it into the glove box
Click to expand...
Guess we will never know what happened? My key is valet I think, as the security light goes off after a second or two, but it does unlock the glove box. Still not sure what to do if I want a new key.
 
HuskyLX said:
Guess we will never know what happened? My key is valet I think, as the security light goes off after a second or two, but it does unlock the glove box. Still not sure what to do if I want a new key.
Click to expand...
Do you have access to Techstream?
 
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