Acrad

tecman

I Bought my spare FOB and hard key from Sewell Lexus when they had their online parts site. I had to give them my VIN to have the hard key cut and paid my local Lexus dealer the flat rate $50 to program the FOB.

r2m

Yes! That is exactly what I did. I purchased a physical (flat) steel key from my local locksmith and had them cut it. As mentioned above, this side cutting does cost quite a bit more because it's a specialized machine and performs a milling process with a very small mill bit to make the slot rather than the traditional key cutting method we've all seen before.
But in the end, it is a much cheaper option for a "hide-a-key".
Note: it will not allow you to start your car. It will only get you in. You'll still need the key fob, ideally hidden in a RFID/Faraday pouch kept in your arm rest or glove box (or wherever).

msgs350

iTrader: (2)

Would there be any reason a Lexus dealer selling online wouldn't be able to program a key FOB based on the VIN? I hate the thought of going to the dealer just for this.

tecman

Unfortunately they can't do that. I don't know the process but I am sure someone here will chime in that used TS. Guessing you have to press a FOB button during the enrollment procedure.

msgs350

iTrader: (2)

Makes sense and sorry to anyone if this is a silly question. What about the credit card key without buttons? For me, the thought of paying $250 (or more) for the credit card key + the cost of the hard key, cutting it and then programming it is kind of nuts....but I want it.

r2m

Having just used TechStream to program my two new fobs, the process requires holding the established (programed and working) key fob next to start button (read: touching the push button). It will then beep and a timer will start that will give you about 30 seconds to hold the new key (un-programed) key fob touching the start button until you hear another beep. Give TechStream about 15 seconds to do its magic (you'll see a loading bar on your computer screen) and then it's done.

So given the process described above, I don't think a key fob can be done remotely.

ROSCOGX470

Acrad

You can even perform the advanced active tests the high end scanners can do for troubleshooting. Turning on/off functions on demand.

ROSCOGX470

it’s probably been discussed here before but I’m looking to extend the range of my factory key fob. I recently installed a new energizer battery and I still have to go to the window closest to my driveway to activate the remote start or lock/unlock the doors. There are times I’m 50 feet away and in direct view of my truck and I have to walk closer to activate. My wife’s Honda can be started from inside a mall while parked in the garage and it’s a fob not a phone app.

ASE

New 2019 GX460 ... lucky if the key fob works beyond 30-40 feet away ... sometimes need to hit 2-3 times when only 30 feet away. The range sucks.

tigmd99

Have you tried holding your fob to your lower chin and pressing the button?

tigmd99

Just in case someone thinks that i am crazy: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/tec...care-rem-83663

John00

turns you into a resonance antenna.
maybe put a 1/4 dipole between the remote and the vehicle.

John00

it works, but not for the reason given in that article.