lexusk8

I ordered a valet key for my '01 ES from lexus-parts.com, and it came in the mail today (thanks Sewell Lexus!). After doing a search on CL for programming valet keys, here are the set of instructions I found that supposedly should work on all '98+ ES300s:

- Enter the car with a working pre-programmed key and close all doors.
- Simultaneously depress and release both the brake and the accelerator pedals.
- Within 5 seconds, insert the working pre-programmed key into the ignition. Do not turn the key.
- Within 15 seconds of inserting the ignition key, depress and release the accelerator pedal 5 times.
- Within 20 seconds, depress and release the brake pedal 6 times.
- Within 10 seconds, remove the working pre-programmed key from the ignition.
- Within 10 seconds, insert the newly cut transponder key into the ignition.
- Depress and release the accelerator pedal one time. The security light should now begin flashing to indicate that the computer is reading the new key and programming the system.
- Leave the new key in the ignition for at least 60 seconds. When the security light stops flashing, the programming process should be complete
- Start the vehicle using the new key to verify that programming was successful.

I've gone through the instructions 3 times, and I can't get the valet key to be programmed correctly. The security light flashes when I remove the master key from the ignition, which shouldn't happen. According to the instructions, the light should start flashing after I insert the valet key and press the gas pedal. Has anyone else tried this programming method on the valet key of their ES? Am I missing something here? I don't want to go to the dealership and shell out $40 to have them program my valet key

Neuroguy

See page 4 of this PDF document, under "Add duplicate key":
http://www.hillmangroup.com/misc/Tra...on%20Guide.pdf
It seems to have an extra step, #8.

lexusk8

I called up Sewell Lexus to help me out, and after some thorough database searching, they found out that the wrong key code was used to cut the key. Darrell from service expedited the process and sent the new key on its way early this week, so I should be expecting it by the end of this week. Neuroguy, I will try the "revised" programming procedure on the new key once it comes in. Thanks for your help.

sandygarf

Try this:

Don't press the break and gas pedal simultaneously when you get into the car.

When you put the master key in turn it to "acc"

(when you put in the valet key- do not turn it)

Let me know.

johnnywu

Got this info from the web. Hope it works.

To duplicate a key:

1. Simultaneously depress and release brake and accelerator pedals 1 time.
2. Insert existing master key into ignition.(DO NOT TURN)
3. Within 15 seconds depress and release accelerator pedal 5 times.
4. Within 20 seconds depress and release the brake pedal 6 times and remove key.
5. Within 10 seconds insert new key into ignition.
6. Within 10 seconds depress and release the accelerator pedal 1 time.
7. After 80 seconds new key is registered and security light goes off.
8. Remove new key and depress and release brake pedal 1 time.



To add a valet key:
1. Lock all the doors except the driver’s side.
2. Insert the master key. (DO NOT TURN)
3. Apply and release the gas pedal 5 times.
4. Apply and release the break pedal 6 times.
5. Remove the master key.
6. Insert the new key.
7. Apply the break pedal 1 time.
8. Wait for about 5 minutes.

lexusk8

I finally got the valet key in the mail today, correctly cut to match with the master this time, and the 8-step programming method worked the first time on the valet. I was able to turn the key in the ignition, start the engine, and drive around like any other day. This proves that you can program your own keys (remote and non-remote master, valet) for any '98+ ES300, and that you save yourself a wasteful trip to the dealership.

Now I feel much better with a spare valet key in hand instead of just the remote master