Originally Posted by dlcoffin

valet keys also do have transponders in them, but they are cut differently so they cannot be used on the gas/trunk lock switch, the glove box, or the trunk. this is so the valet can enter the car, using the key, and start and drive the car in his job, but cannot unlock the gas/trunk lock, if the lock button is pushed, nor get into the trunk or glove box, if the glove box is locked with a master key. i think 1998 and on, lexus went to using keys with the remote controls built in, before, just key and remote separate as a fob. if the key you have can open/unlock all of the above, then it's a master.

Originally Posted by dlcoffin

your car, what year? on mine, locking the glove box involves turning the key sideways 90 degrees, and removing the key directly from that position. mine's a 97. i got my car with just the one key, and it worked fine when using it to program my second key with. but if it worked fine for the trunk lock, then pretty sure its a master. my users manual states:

1, master key- the master key works in every lock
2. subkey- the subkey will not open the trunk, trunk main switch, and the glovebox.

i think you'll be fine.

experts, feel free to correct me.

Originally Posted by Mauser

When you insert your key into the ignition watch the security light that is on the dash somewhere. If it goes out as soon as the key is inserted your key is registered as a master. If it stays on for a second then goes out your key is registered as a sub.

The cut is the same on both the master and sub keys. The reason they wont work in the glovebox is the key blank is different. A key cut on a sub key blank can be registered in the ecu as a master.

If you dont have a master key you cannot register any new keys to the ecu without a reflash.

Originally Posted by dlcoffin

your car, what year? on mine, locking the glove box involves turning the key sideways 90 degrees, and removing the key directly from that position. mine's a 97. i got my car with just the one key, and it worked fine when using it to program my second key with. but if it worked fine for the trunk lock, then pretty sure its a master. my users manual states:

1, master key- the master key works in every lock
2. subkey- the subkey will not open the trunk, trunk main switch, and the glovebox.

i think you'll be fine.

experts, feel free to correct me.

Originally Posted by AndrewRM

OK so I have a 99 and I figured out that the original master has a keypad on the key. Mine doesn't so it is a valet key. If the valet key is registered as a master, would I be able to use it for a new key?

Originally Posted by Mauser

Making keys, registering them, and even reflashing the ecu are actually simple processes once you get them figured out. If you were close to Albuquerque I would be happy to show you how.

Originally Posted by AndrewRM

I appreciate your help and knowledge. I may message you when I figure out the deal with the key I currently have. At work now so I can't see the security light.

Originally Posted by Mauser

Yes, let me know if you need help, I am happy to give it. I started fighting the key making problem this last summer when I needed a new key for my 98 LX470. After finding out the price to have someone else do it I learned to reflash the ecus myself and even bought a key duplicator. Now that I have it figured out I will do it for others for free. It usually takes longer to remove the ecu from the vehicle than it does to reflash the eeprom.

Originally Posted by Rongusha

Hi, sorry for opening an old thread but i was wondering do you know if i can and how to program a new master key to the immobilizer without having the original master or valet or any at all. I got the car with a key just for locking (it will not take the security lamp off) so i got a new blank key and second hand chip and i manage to program the remote lock/unlock but everything i find for imo programming i need an original key and i dont have one .

Regards

Originally Posted by Yamae

If you were familiar to deal with an EEPROM, there would be a way to make it possible to run your car reprogramming your car's engine immobilizer in the invent of lost keys or a swapped ECU. I would be able to introduce you the way how to do it but it is not for everyone, only if I were allowed to do so here.

Only those who are skilled and familiar to deal with EEPROMs can do it. It is not simple and easy. It also needs some tools and needs to assemble electronics circuits. The quickest way would be to ask a skilled locksmith who is familiar to LS400 to do it.