Kadrian87

I lost the master key to my 99 gs3 the dealer wants about $600 for new key and ecu reprogram I find that's it's cheaper to get a ecu and matching keys from eBay my question is do you need the ignition as well or only the ecu and keys thanks in advance

MattyG

Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than me can weigh in on this. But the thing with the transponder chip key is that the ECU is the one that stores the 4 billion key codes. So you should not need a new ignition. I think that you put the key in the ignition and that is picked up by the electronic "ring" that recognizes that particular key/keys. So if you buy an ebay ECU/matched keys, this should work.

Maybe some other folks can also add to this. What about the key pattern and opening doors manually or a the trunk?

Kadrian87

Yes I wonder about that to but really the trunk since you would have keyless entry

rgarjr

iTrader: (1)

I don't think u need to change the ignition cylinder. Just use the transponder from the new one and you're going to have to have the blade cut to your existing cylinder. Keyless entry can be programmed.

The ignition key coil is what powers up the chip in the key and it then sends a wireless code to the transponder key amplifier, which then sends to the ECU.

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

The chip is in the fob, not the key blade. But honestly, I would ask only two people: a dealership or a locksmith. A couple of phone calls and you will have a correct answer.

s2kguy17

so I just bought my first GS and I am stil a little confused on the "master" key and losing it needing a new ecu to match a new key. Is this for certain years or all? Reason I asked because my key was broken off the fob and with a dead battery and still turned on the car. So I bought a blank flip key from eBay got it cut and switch the fob out with new battery and works fine.

lextout

theres a program whare lexus will replce your ecu free of charge, you just pay for the keys, look it up and call lexus customer service.

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

amazing...