Jayss01

So saturday my fiancee unfortunately lost the only key we had to our rx300. Of course we thought our only option was to go to the dealer so monday we gave them a call and they informed us it would be $1000 just for them to reflash the ecu and another $370 to cut and program a new key!! Fortunately the guy on the phone informed us that he knew of a local locksmith that could do it for cheaper so we gave him a call and got the car towed over to his place. The locksmith was running the buisness out of his home but definitely knew what he was doing as he was able to cut and program 2 new master keys for us and reflash the ecu for $600. Best of all he did it in about an hour while im sure the dealer would have possibly taken a few days. Now im wondering if all lexus dealers charge that much for the same service or if they just inflated the price because im in hawaii and its the only lexus dealer on the island of oahu??

thomas1

I too found out the locksmiths are your friend, just had two masters programed for $75

Mrschmancy

being a locksmith for 16 years i can attest to you that those costs are accurate. I flash ECUs the same as your guy did on these older Lexus models for about the same price. Glad you checked around didnt you?

salimshah

Many years back the capability to flash the ECU was with couple of people (other than Lexus).

Is the equipment to flash some what cheap enough for folks (even trades people) to do it without going to the dealership. Any details will help.

What are the risks of reflashing. Can it the equipment allow unscrupulous to flash is a low odo readings.

Salim

Puttster

If the plastic breaks but you still have the chip, a locksmith will cut you a new key and test it for $35-$70. He may not have a blank, so save some time and buy one on ebay first, $5.
Or, you could tape the chip next to the ignition, fill the broken fob with enough bondo to turn it to start, and pay nothing.

Rezman

When I needed new shanks cut due to the cracked plastic casing issue, the local locksmiths around here only had one guy who could cut a sidewinder type key, and he only worked weird hours, like every 3rd Thursday for about 30 minutes if it wasn't raining and he felt like it.
The Lexus stealership wouldn't cut an aftermarket key, but they did give me a good deal on them. They were $63 each, and they cleaned the chips and put in fresh batteries, plus I ate a bunch of free snacks in their comfy waiting area. Just be sure you bring a copy of your title or registration and your D/L, because they will need to check ownership before making the keys.

Puttster

Anyone come up with an idea to reinforce the plastic fob, maybe prevent the cracking?

salimshah

We have a sponsor that makes keys which do not break. They provide keys to the dealerships as well.

Salim

thomas1

Yes, and thank you for your cheaper prices....

thomas1

I bought one, and it is a great key, well made and guaranteed for life.

salimshah

Eternity Keys

Salim