theanimala

Am I screwed? My car, which I bought preowned 4 years ago, only came with one master key and the valet key. Well, yesterday I took the train to DC from NJ to work, and I realized while in DC that my key was gone.

After lots of phone calls ( to Amtrak and to my friends to get my spare key to pick me up) I finally got home. The only key I have left is the valet key. Can I get a new key and have it programmed without another master key? Where can I get another key cheaper then my local dealer. I remember hearing stories of people needing all new transievers and stuff, and I really can't cough up $1K right now.

FYI, I did a search and could not find the info needed. Thank you in advance!

LEXUS_KID

iTrader: (4)

Contact Lexus they should be able to help you without you spending $1000

theanimala

I just called my local dealer. I was just told that since I don't have a master key, I will need to get a new computer. He said that Lexus will pay for the new computer, but I need to pay for the labor to install it. Cost of that would be around $300, plus around $200 for a new key (includes programming), so I am looking at around $500 minum. Man, do I feel like an a-hole loosing that key...

chicagoblknazn

That's not as bad as I thought it would be.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

that's better already, you don't even wanna know how much the computer is

get one key, and use the vendor on clublexus to cut another one

varcity64

iTrader: (2)

i honestly dont wonna make u feel any worse, but that is a good price b/c that computer costs about $2k. so $500 is really good.... what you SHOULD be kickin yourself for is not makin another key. i dont know if you didnt do b/c you didnt wonna spend a couple hundred bux to do it, but in the end, look where it gets you when i purchased my car, it had 1 master key and 1 valet... i found out the cost of the new key (before i found CL) and said never mind... then i read a couple horror stories (like this) and just got another key to be SAFE... well, i guess you live and you learn and i hope everyone out there w/1 master key will learn from your mistake and just get another key!!!

Shogun

I thought that I read that a locksmith (with special tools) could reflash the computer and get it to work with another key.

I'm almost positive that I've read this somewhere...

Hmmm.

Eric

Shogun

Boom - here it is...

$185 includes shipping...

http://www.nvo.com/natl/toyotoecm/

Good luck compadre.

Eric

tkracing

I saw on ebay a while back key with computer. Pretty cheap. Steve at Carson or Darrel at Sewell has keys for cheap and if your in the computer they will get VIN and program key and even cut it. Darrel just did it for me. $100.00. It was worth the money because time and *** ache alone to replace it is enough let alone also paying for it.
T

CinFulxgs

Weird, why would they be willing to just throw in a 2K computer?

BigMoNYC

How long ago was this? $100 included a new key plus programming it and cutting it? Was that during a GB i missed or everyday price?

theanimala

The dealer isn't willing, they said Lexus is now doing this 1 time for each customer in the event this happens. Sounds like some sweet customer service to me.

I also called Carson Toyota and left a message to see if they can just program a key with my information. I'm not holding my breath that that will work though...

Neo

iTrader: (3)

That's good to know. to Lexus corporate.

You can also PM our CL Key vendor: tamicalhou to see if there are other options.

tamicalhou

That is a locksmith supplier and they do not do this service for end users. (at that price)

I can reflash this ECM and include 2 new master keys for $400.00. He may just be better off by letting Lexus do this for him this time since he may be without his car for a shorter time. If he sent it to me he would be without the car for about 3 days and he would have to pull the ECM himself.

Take care,

Tami Calhoun
Frank's Locksmith

tkracing

Actually Darrel at Sewell sold it to me. I was sent an email by them saying specials on the keys. I better double check on that price. .... Yep $110.00 just checked paypal. I couldnt believe it when it arrive CUT and it actually worked.