The cutting of the key is sensitive... I had mines cut and had to try it out like 4 times until it worked... You should go get it cut locally so you can try it out when they finished cutting it, just to save the hassle of getting the key cut and it doesn't turn and you have to ship it back and vice versa... I know a place in So Cali that cuts it for i think $25.

 

This is a pretty good source. Might as well invest in a spare....eventually the shells will crack....

 

I'll just give mine to my wife if she cracks hers.

I don't think it will happen though, she can't even open a jar of tomato sauce.

 

Guess what the dealers do with our keys, they subject them to torture tests......jk.....

 

the trick to avoid cracking the shell is to make sure you get the screw down tight. (learned this the hard way) The correct size screwdriver helps.

 

Can you let me know where in the southern California you can key cut?

 

If you superglue the key together to fix this problem, when the battery dies, you won't be able to replace it. Then you're in for a large bill to get the new key with the transponder. You also run the risk of the glue ruining the transponder or sticking the buttons.

I suggest getting the blank key on Ebay for less than $3 shipped and getting locksmith to cut the key. You might have to call around but I found one in San Jose, CA called Schwenk who will cut the key for $35.

 

You can also get the blank key cut by the dealer. My dealer cuts it for $20.

 

ikeyless.com for replacement transponder
I thought I would make a new post about this to let the forum know what a great service ikeyless.com provides and I want to thank Dr. Dan for posting about it. My transponder key cracked and after gluing attempts failed, my local Lexus dealer quoted me $300 to replace the transponder key! I followed Dr. Dan's advice and ordered the Remote & Key Combo shell for $25 from ikeyless, an exact replacement for the Lexus transponder but without the Lexus insignia on the back. Went to the Lexus dealer's parts dept instead of service and they switched the mechanism into the shell and cut the new key for $25. Dr. Dan got it for $12 from his dealer. So my total was $50 for a new transponder key and it works perfectly. I think it's worth giving up the gold "L" on the back of the key to save $250.