supahcee

In a downpour I realized my FOB key to my 2000 Lexus ES300 had broken and the innards are no where to be found.

I can use the key to open the doors but it won't start the car. How can I (or can I even?) start the car with just the key but not the FOB innards?

How do I go about getting a replacement?

KLF

Is that the only key you have? Do you have the valet key?

These cars use "chip" keys, which means there's a chip in the key that is synched to the security system (red flashing light on your dash). If there's no chip in the key, the starter is disabled. I'm surprised the chip is on the same guts as the remote fob, I thought it was embedded in the key.

There are places that will do replacement chip keys, but I think you need at least one key. If you don't have this, then you might be stuck with going to the dealer, which will cost more than you think. Way more.

supahcee

KLF- thank you so much. Yes thankfully I do have the valet key, which did the trick and will serve me well for now. I also have a key in a credit-card like thingy. The dealer said those sometimes have the chip in it and can be made into a fob key- which would cost in the 200s. If it doesn't I'm screwed and they have to put a new program/computer in the car and give me a new fob- which he quoted at 650 (I'm sure that's before tax).

Thanks again!