excluesive

iTrader: (10)

ok heres the deal:
background: 2001 gs430
When I first got my car, I only go a valet key. I knew it would be a problem to get a replacement but I figured what the heck.

So after I am researching on CL, I come to find that the dealership will be able to do a master reset on the ECM and be able to program a new key in without having to do the whole new ecm/labor intensive project. I spoke to a tech and said yeh its possible.
I head out to the dealership to order a key and whatever, show him my key and he says "oh yeh its a valet key, i have to check to see if it is possible to program it in without a master key." Long story short he says I need a new ECM and have to buy two master keys from him. Yes, they will get me the replacement ECM for free, but I will still have to pay for the keys and labor totalling to about $900.
So is this true (after all I have read to refute this) or not.

Anyone with experience please let me know!

PS, I was on the phone with Sewell parts and the woman I spoke to says the dealership has the ability to see if the key is actually programmed as a master key or not. The people I have spoken to at the dealership only take a look at the key and say naw its just a valet. I really just want them to check it for me, that's all, but they insist that the key that I have would never even have a chance to be programmed as a master key because it doesn't have the buttons.

skeoripper

i had to pay about $700 they laid the same script on to me but later on that day they said they would be able to just reset the ecu instead of replacing it and I got charged about $100 less. I have a 2003 gs300, i still had to buy two keys though.

DoWnAqT

does your security light go right out when you put the key in??? if it does, you have a master programed key, if the light stays on for a few seconds, then its a valet. My ecu just got replace in my gs. So ive learned a few things. Also they can program the valet key to be a master once they have a master key. IT doesnt have to have the buttons to be a master key, just has to be programed as a master. Also some walet keys are masters...(rare)

excluesive

iTrader: (10)

yep got all the info from tami, she's hooking it up! my non remote key is a master THAT THE DEALER WOULDNT EVEN CHECK AFTER I REQUESTED THAT THEY DO SO
ordered 2 keys from her, total: 300 bucks... cant go wrong! thank go for the master key. but i think that she does ecu reflashes too for a decent price.

KiPod

iTrader: (31)

All cars with a 300 motor (01 & older 300'S, all RX300's, and some 02 300's produced in 01) need to replace the ECU if you lose the master key. If it is a GS430 they can reset the code on the ECU. They might charge for it (Lexus of Rockville charges $100 for the ECU reset), but it can be done.

01 GS 300 = NO
01 GS 430 = YES

excluesive

iTrader: (10)

whoa! that sucks but sounds liek rockville center knows about the better fix. oh well 300 for 2 keys.

KiPod

iTrader: (31)

Lexus of Rockville in MD not Rockville Center in NY. They get mixed up all the time.

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

chris just go aftermarket man, much easier lol.

excluesive

iTrader: (10)

oh man... i didnt even notice your location... whoops! well with the price my dealer was trying to charge me, it would have paid to go down there anyway...... for a week staying at a 5 star hotel, plus the price of 2 keys, and all the gas

man, if i wanted life to be that easy, I would have done that a while ago, but then again who wants a car key and an additional remote! I love the lexus key cause its all in one.

toeb

ive got 1 master key 2 vallet keys with remote start!!! 2 vallet keys 2 aftermarket remotes for the starter and keyless entry. infact there was a programing issue when i bought the vallet key, even the dealership couldent program them for me! they fit & unlock everything they just wont crank the car, but thats what the remote start is for. lexus dealer told me they couldent flash the ecu, it would have to be replaced. thats alot of cash, i do drive a lexus but i aint got it like that!!!!

NBart

I can't say that I have ever heard of reseting the ECU whenever you do not have the master keys. The only key that is capible of programming another replacement key is the Master. Short of that you do have to replace the ECU and key are not cheap, $285 per. Good Luck

ElitistK

iTrader: (4)

That is false. 01 GS300 can be reseted.

go to a car locksmith. most of the time they can get around replacing the ECU.

werewolf

What about a 1998 GS400?

excluesive

iTrader: (10)

usually a reflash from an outside vendor (ie locksmith) or new ecu (dealer)

i think the place where i ordered my keys will do this relatively cheap, u have to do the labor to remove the ecu, ship it out, they do the work and overnight it back you u with some cut keys, 3-4 days later your good to go. i would say like ballpark 400 bucks plus the shipping - compared to like 2000 plus

from what i've read, they can open the immobilizer to allow for straight programming

augdogg

Yes, the price est. for you is correct for replacement. Mental note to self "DON"T EVER LOSE YER KEY!". Umm, but if you just purchased the car shouldn't they foot the bill for your key replacement?