lexo98

iTrader: (2)

Did you manually lock/unlock the doors with the inside door lock? If i remember right if you use the electric switch and the door lock actuators are weak it won't go into program mode so you need to use the manual lock

2k4CamkilA

I tried to do it manually by the lock and it still wouldn't go into programming mode

ShunDoe

I believe this has some truth to it. I tried programming the key to the ecu to start up the car and was successful but when I tried to program the lock/unlock/trunk it wouldn't cycle all the way through and that's due to weak actuators. Those are about $50 a piece that last time I checked

LexusK

iTrader: (14)

You guys are all replacing lost keys correct? Can I just replace the black case on my key? I have a viper alarm that locks my doors, so I don't really need all the programming stuff. Case is cracking and is being held together by black electrical tape :P

Doubt reprogramming a key would work since my actuators are basically shot and need to be fixed before I try it.

ShunDoe

You can find those on eBay for no more that $10-15. I have a push start on my 2GS that come with keyless entry and proximity unlock, but I got an extra Lexus oem key made just in case.

ShunDoe

I haven't tried it but I'm thinking about it. Which ever door look has the actuator problem, maybe have some help you out and lock and unlock that door as you follow the steps to program the lock and unlock

LexusK

iTrader: (14)

The descriptions on ebay say to transfer the internals to the new key and have the blade cut. Is it possible to just take off the old case and put the new one on? A lot of reviews say that the new blade is not a good match...

ShunDoe

That is possible with the button part of the remote, I'm not so sure when it come to the key. If you do have to get a key cut Lexus charges $35. But I would say see what you can find on YouTube university about swapping them out

speedkar9

You will have to virginize your ECU or Transponder ECU's EEPROM where the keys are stored to put the car into auto-programming mode to accept new master keys.

Please check out my video and DIY writeup below on how to do this:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...apped-ecu.html

xxjeffxx

Thanks! i'll keep this in mind when I get a new key!

sbagdon

I've read the thread, yet don't see how to program a valet key. The only instructions are programming an additional master key.

Did I miss the instructions, are they not known, or is there a resource to get these instructions?

Thanks!

GS3KID

If I'm not mistaken you can't program valet keys because it shouldn't have a transponder(the computer with lock buttons).

sbagdon

You can't program valet keys for RKE (if they lack the transponder, ok, yes people have programmed RKE keys as valet keys, which is kind of counter-intuitive...), yet it would seem to make sense that you have to program the ECM. Having a key that can't open the glove box or trunk, and that can't be used to program another key to the ECM, yet that can start the car, has value.


Local dealership wants for a valet $55 (if in stock) or $75 (if they have to order it), and $60 (1/2-hour) to program it as a valet. Found a genuine blank (dealership) on eBay for $32, will have it cut locally. Still trying to find the programming instructions for using a master to make a valet... master to master is all over the place, yet no master to valet. All else fails, I'll pay the $60 to have a true valet key programmed by the dealership.

sbagdon

'98 GS400.

Received the master and valet key yesterday. Had the master cut by a local locksmith, and tried to program the master with the original master, and just can't get it to program. Probably tried 20x... insert/no-turn existing master, security light goes out, gas 5x, brake 6x, remove existing master, insert new master, gas 1x. The security light stays out, then about 10sec later the security light starts blinking, as if it is out of programming mode. The blinking never stops, so it doesn't appear to be programming. Tried 20x, different pace/speed, etc, just can't get it to work... thoughts?

Also, can't put the KRE in to programming mode, tried as many times, the locks never cycle once, after the key-to-on-then-remove. again.. what am I doing wrong?

Funny thing is... I can at least set the seat memories. So the mirrors / steering wheel / seat will go to their assigned locations. At least that works...

cstrong45

The write up works, however to get the remote programmed I had to use the Master Key with the programming in it. The last step was to push the lock and unlock buttons on the NEW key...it worked just great.

The ignition programming was fine too, just have to make sure you stomp on the gas pedal and brake very fast.